The Art of Cricket.

The Art of Cricket.

By Owen Zupp

In this blog I often contemplate how cricket as a game steps outside the pickets and impacts upon other spheres. Often it is through the friendships made and at other times through the lessons of fair play that apply to everyday life. Occasionally it is the game's beauty. Sometimes the beauty may seem obscure but at other times it is a little more obvious and expressed in a manner that is both diverse and tangible. Such is the case with the magnificent cricket art exhibition on display at the Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame.

The 2012 Cricket Art Prize entrants are currently being showcased at this wonderful venue and represent an amazing body of work by artists from Australia and abroad. While I sit at the low end of the scale in terms of being an art critic, the works on display are amazing on so many levels. There is the initial impact emanating from their broad range in size, shape, colour and texture; but there is something deeper. There is the matter of perspective.

For the topic of a solitary sport, the artists have grasped so many different angles through their work. The intricate detail of leather on willow, or the solitude of a boy looking for a lost ball. The dynamic energy of a slashing drive, or the clouds brewing, threatening to spoil the day. A handshake between foes and the heat of an outback game seems to radiate from the canvas. Subtle observations - beautifully portrayed.

The art communicates so many messages that transcend a mere sport and yet cricket remains an underlying theme throughout. And for those who which to purchase one of the art works, a significant portion of the proceeds are donated to the McGrath Foundation and the Ponting Foundation.

Life may be seen to imitate art, but through the efforts of these talented artists; life is imitating cricket. The paintings offer beauty for the beholder and whispered messages for those who pause to listen. Just as cricket is more than just a game, these works are far more than brush-strokes on a canvas. 

Perhaps they are yet another reason why cricket matters.

 

  

Don Bradman and the International Cricket Hall of Fame.

By Owen Zupp.

Only a little more than an hour from Sydney lies the NSW Southern Highlands and the hamlet of Bowral. Set to a backdrop of green fields that would not be out of place in Britain, it was the boyhood home of Sir Donald Bradman, the famed cricketer. Today it is home to the International Cricket Hall of Fame http://www.internationalcrickethall.com/, which includes the Bradman Gallery.

As I wandered through the halls past intriguing artefacts and interactive displays, I couldn’t help but be impressed at this tribute to not just a man, but a wonderful game. And yet, something even more striking pervaded my thoughts; just as the game had changed, so had we. Time has seen an amateur game grow into a global business being instantaneously flashed across the globe via satellite. Families no longer huddle around the wireless to hear the broadcast from far flung fields, but check the latest scores on their iPhone Apps.

It’s almost a case of innocence-lost in an effort to keep pace with the ever-changing world and ever-increasing competition for market share. And yet in these halls, there are interviews continuously broadcast with elder statesmen using well chosen words in modest tones; there are no ‘high-fives’ here. One can only wonder at the sponsorship dollars ‘The Don’ would have accrued in the 21st Century.

And yet, just as the Hall of Fame takes the guest on a journey through the ages, I recognise that change is inevitable. I respect the professionalism and dedication displayed by our modern players in a game that now demands so much of their lives beyond the picket fence. But like life in general, we all have a secret longing for a ‘simpler’ time I suspect. Furthermore, all too often the good that stems from the sport can be overlooked. The Bradman Foundation is a charitable organisation with a specific charter. A number of players past and present have their own foundations; Glenn McGrath,  Steve Waugh and  Ricky Ponting just to name a few.

As we move forward at an ever-increasing pace and seemingly demand instantaneous gratification from everything, including our past-times, maybe we should stop and pause. Stop and pause to remember those who have founded our institutions, those who have excelled and those who have tirelessly kept the dream alive. Stop and pause to think about the simple pleasures and the sheer joy of youngsters playing the game for the game’s sake and little else. Stop and pause about where the future lies and making change for the right reasons.

Sport in itself is not life, but is rich in life’s lessons. From a young age, it teaches humility, disappointment, determination and joy. It teaches co-operation, patience and the fact that anything worthwhile takes time and effort. There are so many fledgling qualities that can be introduced through sport and carried through on the larger stage of life.

For my part, I will continue to wander these hallowed halls in Bowral and step lightly between yesteryear and today, trying to learn what I can from past and present. I will recognise that it’s ‘only a game’ but value the lessons and respect the traditions. Places like the International Cricket Hall of Fame are national treasures and not just for the sporting enthusiast, for they offer a glimpse into the past with one foot in the present. And as we know, there is much to be learned from those who have gone before.

Cheers.



Please support these very worthy foundations.

The Bradman Foundation. http://www.bradman.com.au/

The McGrath Foundation. http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/

The Steve Waugh Foundation. http://www.stevewaughfoundation.com.au/

The Ponting Foundation. http://pontingfoundation.com.au/

Michael Clarke's Cricket Academy

Michael Clarke's Cricket Academy.

by Owen Zupp

 

Hi All,

....and thanks for the great support of the 'Why Cricket Matters' blog so far!

Today the news has broken that the Australian cricket captain, Michael Clarke, is poised to establish a cricket academy in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. A mere stone's throw from Sir Donald Bradman's hometown of Bowral. This is tremendous news on a number of grounds.

Firstly, there can never be enough facilities provided for the youth of any nation, be they sporting, for the arts or academic in nature. These young people represent a country's greatest natural resource, despite what mining advertisements may say.

Secondly, I strongly suspect that this is no whimsical fantasy. Michael Clarke's parents have an established track record managing sporting facilities and bring valuable experience and expertise into the equation. Combined with the very marketable brand that is 'Michael Clarke', any sporting entity with such pedigree has a very substantial base to build upon.

Thirdly, the heritage of cricket in the Southern Highlands is strong. Sir Donald Bradman moved here at two years of age and honed his skills on the ground that today bears his name. The same ground on whose boundary fence stands the wonderful "International Cricket Hall of Fame (ICHOF)" that features the Bradman Gallery Click Here to Visit the ICHOF. This fantastic facility will be the subject of its own blog in the very near future.

However, beyond the base facts of Michael Clarke's Cricket Academy venture lies a very important message; one of re-investing into the game of cricket. Now people will want to focus on the dollar value of the Berrima property and cynics will seek out some ulterior motive. The fact remains that Michael Clarke could have had a financial adviser direct the funds into a tax-efficient share portfolio; but he didn't! He re-invested into the game of cricket, so save the cynicism and give credit where credit is due.

To my best recollection, I first briefly met Michael Clarke when he made an appearance at a youth cricket coaching camp at which I was one of the coaches. He may have been in the NSW team at the time, but certainly not in the Australian national side. Even then he was giving up his time to speak to the next generation of cricketers and he connected with them effortlessly.

The next time I saw Michael Clarke was at the rear of the Sydney Cricket Ground Member's Stand during the Test Match versus India this year. It was the morning before he was to resume batting and was on the verge of a triple century. He looked very fit and very composed as he fielded a few questions from various folks before disappearing into the change-rooms and readying to create SCG history.

It was Jane McGrath Day at the Test Match and my wife and I took our seats amidst the sea of pink that has become synonymous with the celebration of Jane's amazing life. Out in the middle Clarke passed the triple century and stood on the verge of Sir Donald Bradman's mark, but declared the innings closed before he stepped through the doorway. Days later as I walked through the galleries of the International Cricket Hall of Fame, there was a pair of Michael Clarke's batting gloves from that record-breaking innings. They weren't up for auction, or stashed away to accrue in value, they were at the heart of Australian cricket's home and there for all to see.

There was no fanfare about Michael Clarke's contribution to the ICHOF's display, but it was yet another indication of the Australian Captain's respect for the game and its history, just as when he relinquished his helmet to don a Baggy Green cap the day he scored his maiden Test century. Now it's 'hats off' to Michael Clarke for proposing to establish a cricket academy for the next generation. Undoubtedly there is a lot of ground-work to be laid and details to be finalised, however, the intent should be applauded for what it is. A great of the modern game, preserving that game for those who will take his place.

Well done Michael.