Cricinfo’s Page 2 generally leaves us cold. Other than the odd occasional gem it mostly just isn’t funny. Andy Zaltzman’s splendid ‘The Confectionery Stall’ is the one notable exception to this rule.
Its heady cocktail of stats, satire and humour is one that ticks all the right boxes down here at the Reverse Sweep. We particularly like Zaltzman’s use of similes and would confidently predict that he is a fellow fan of the majestic Edmund Blackadder.
As a comedian, political satirist and author, it is perhaps hardly surprising that Zaltzman brings a rather unique and refreshing style to the world of cricket writing. It certainly works for us.
Describing England’s stunning final day Test victory over Sri Lanka in Cardiff, Zaltzman offers this appreciation of Chris Tremlett’s bowling:
“Yesterday’s win was facilitated by Tremlett, who surgically dismantled the high-class Sri Lankan top order in such a way that it would not have been entirely surprising if, at the post-match presentation, Mike Atherton had marched up to the Surrey paceman, said, “Come on Scooby, let’s see who he really is”, and ripped a latex face-mask off to reveal Curtly Ambrose underneath, before concluding: “I thought I recognised the way you were bowling.””
Follow Zaltzman on Twitter @zaltzcricket – although don’t expect him to follow you – he only follows two people the last time we looked.
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PS: Whilst the Reverse Sweep is busy packing up and moving back to Surrey from the South of France, we'll be counting down our Top 20 cricket blogs whilst we are away (so to speak)...
only no. nine?? strewth, the top eight must be good!
Posted by: wilo | Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 14:12
Only one problem with Zaltzman's blog and that's that there's not enough of it. And that's not really criticism at all, is it?
#9? Top five an absolute must for this one.
Posted by: Howe_zat | Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 20:58