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[art]

In recent months as the season gets into full swing and wickets are getting drier there have been a number of quiet complaints about batsman being given out caught behind when they claim they have not hit the ball.

On four occasions recently everyone has gone up for catches where the ball has missed the edge of the bat by a good margin. Yes there was a noise that sounded very much like an edge but the ball was nowhere and I mean nowhere near the bat.

On each occasion after the day was over I asked the batsman to play a similar shot where he hit the wicket with the toe of the bat rather than the ball. On each occasion it certainly sounded a lot like an edge. Each of the batsman concerned was playing with a rather expensive 'dry' bat of rather large thickness for its apparent weight.

Do any bat manufacturers have a comment about this?

We now have certain pads that balloon balls great distances and some newer thigh pads that sound like wood when they are flicked, is this another designer innovation sent to torment us further?

[Talisman]

The bat or edge size will make no difference to any snick, surely the only way is to see the ball move off the edge?

[art]

Heck I don't miss much as an experienced umpire myself, but tell that to the folks who appeal when they hear a noise not to me.

Now the question is serious, can a bat maker actually add a comment or two.

[Talisman]

To what?

"Son, your ego's writing cheques your body can't cash"

Art, the question is a joke surely, self promotion is no promotion at all.

[art]

Ummm, no the question is not a joke, it is a serious question. Check out some of the 'mysterious' outs given in a few recent test matches on hard wickets over here.

If you are aiming the comment relating to "son your ego's etc" I suggest you take the son out of the equation and get a grip. I don't play around with my life time hobby. It is serious for me but obviopus just a play thing for those who think it is funny.

Or is it just that bat manufacturer's can't be questioned on anything?

[SAF Bats]

Art, the acoustic properties will change as sound travels fast through water etc etc but it would be difficult to put your finger right on the button as the wickets will also differ.

[Talisman]

Art, I value the umpire and all that they do for us players very highly. Truly.

But here I have attempted to make a joke by adding a comment as requested, it is from "Top Gun", a popular film from the 1980's starring Tom Cruise, a popular and well paid actor. He plays a Naval Pilot in the film who has a reckless streak that prevents his brilliant flying from being recognised by the US Navy. In the scene the quote is taken from a dressing down from his commanding officer who after the verbal warning has to inform him that he has been entered for the elite training school "Top Gun" that gives the film its name.

[lexx]

Talisman,looks like some of the more younger members have never seen Top Gun! I have and it was a good quote but think you stirred up art there a touch.Oh well no harm.

[acko109]

art is 59 isnt he?

[art]

Firstly a smart comment from Talisman then a patronising set of comments such as 'popular and well paid actor' hmmm, what can I say.

Guess he has me outgunned by his supreme knowledge of American movies, actors and how to patronise people.

Never mind, now back to the question.

[Talisman]

Humour Art, either you get it or you don't.

[art]

Well as you have nothing to add to the thread why don't you leave it alone.

Some people probably think a dead cane toad in the middle of the road is humourous, but hey kid whatever floats your boat.

[Talisman]

I'm sorry Art, can we be friends?

[FattusCattus]

"Hey Kid"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Talisman]

Shut your face Cat Man, I'm young at heart.....        and trying to reach out down under.