Ian Smith (not that one)

I'm running a competition for the most ridiculous commentator (this is a competition taking place purely within the confines of my mind).

So, yeah, Ian Smith. The Test series has just finished and he was pretty ridiculous in getting ultra-defensive at any perceived slight on New Zealand or whatever he took a fancy at.

There is no humour in this man. I assumed he would have been shipped off for the 20/20 at Old Trafford, but, like a bad rash, he is always there. This little exchange took place with Bumble (N.B. not necessarily verbatim).

Bumble and Ian Smith are discussing Luke Wright

Bumble: He's a big strong lad, bats well at the top of the order and bowls a good pace. A good medium-fast pace actually [last ball bowled 86.7mph].

Smith: So you're telling me this guy's going to earn mega-bucks, or so I've been told, and Andrew Strauss is sat at home, a guy who can bat for days and days, score ton after ton.

Bumble: Well they have just increased the bonuses for Test matches so everybody's happy.

Smith: I'd be annoyed if I were him

Bumble (aware Smith is missing the point of family fun 20/20): Lend us a fiver Luke.

I'm being harsh on Smith as the Sanford 20/20 thing is big news, but he speaks as if this news has just come accross via telegram. He did it all throughout the test series, and it is wearing thin

These experts are in place to shed light on something or to add a dash of colour. Smith adds nothing but 'gravitas'.

Anyway the point is 20/20 gets more money because everyone loves it and only about 12 people like Test matches (including myself). Strauss shouldn't be annoyed, he should be thankful he gets to play a game for money and practice his golf swing for the limited overs stuff

Fin.


P.S. Nass is alleging the Kiwis are still in 50 over mode. How??

P.P.S. Flynn has just come to the crease and Nass is advising Swann should bounce him.