Vocal Barmy Army livens up Test series
, five days of almost unbroken Wellington sunshine and a chance to win the series in Napier- the win at the wonderful Basin Reserve was almost as good as it gets on tour.
And, as well as that, the performance of England's made hundreds of new friends at the Basin and won back some of the ground it has undoubtedly lost over the last few tours.
On recent trips away the Barmy Army have come under increasing criticism for a lack of variety and wit in the chants and songs they trot out to get behind the boys.
However, at The Basin Reserve it was something approaching the good old days of 'the Army' with the that dominates one half of this fantastically atmospheric stadium.
The local papers got it half right when the suggested the Wellington public at this Test had supplied the best atmosphere at a Test match at The Basin Reserve in a number of years.
But whilst the atmosphere was indeed a wonderful mix of olde-world cricket-watching perched on the grassbank and the modern-day Test phenomenon of the post-tea sing-a-long, it wasn't the cricketing public of New Zealand's capital who added to the atmosphere.
Instead it was the 6,000 or so (I reckon) England supporters both from the other side of the world and those now living in the Land of the Long White Cloud who took the new-look England bowling attack to their hearts and cheered on the lads with a fervour not seen or heard in a very long time.
Far better cricketing judges than me can discuss the merits of the England team selection but it was clear from the first ball of New Zealand's reply that the English support was, one and all, right behind Sid, Broady, Jimmy and Monty.
And there's no doubt that that support was certainly appreciated by the English players as rush to the England supporters on the grass bank when he took his first wicket and Ryan Sidebottom's 180 degree turn to race towards the Army when he trapped Jacob Oram lbw proved.
It may not have been a 'Barmy Army Wicket' as the English supporters chanted but there's no doubt the support Sidebottom received as he charged in put an extra spring in his bowling step and, who knows, helped Rudi Koertzen in his decision to ever-so-slowly raise his finger to send Oram on his way.
If Test cricket is dying in New Zealand then the arrival of the England cricket team in general and The Barmy Army in particular has given Test cricket over here a mild resurrection this series.
With the 'Sold Out' signs being displayed by mid-afternoon on the Saturday it begged the question that its been so long since those signs had to be displayed it's a wonder anyone could lay their hands on them!
Of course, those crowds and the atmosphere they produced were helped immensely by the fantastic weather that has bathed this series in almost continual sunshine since the first day at Hamilton.
The wind that is infamous for stayed away for most of the Test, meaning that the 20 or so England fans camping on this tour (yours truly included) could breathe a huge sigh of relief that any under-pegged tents wouldn't make an early and very rapid start towards Napier and the deciding Test!
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English players, overpayed and overrated in comparsion to the barmy army, a wonderful group full of mainly middle and working class men, undervalued, underrated and underpaid. When will this country, in particular sport, offer more support to the people who truly appreciate and deserve it. Prices to watch games are too expensive, the supporters are offered little recognition for their input, the toffs who run the game at the top continue to disrespect the heart beat of the time. good article, focusing on the real england cricket team- BARMY ARMY!
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I know the Barmy Army are gtreat fun and all and the trumpeter is a bit of a novelty but I think consideration needs to be given also to those who prefer to watch cricket in a less frenzied environment. I remember a few years ago going to a match between Pakistan and England and seeing many of the Pakistan fans have hooters confiscated which had been contunually blasting out some seats behind mine. I also remember thinking at the time "thank Gawd for that!!" As I said, I don't think the Barmy Army are necessarily a bad thing, they have done a great deal to liven cricket grounds up but I think people should be made aware of where the quieter or noisier parts of the ground are likely to be when they buy their tickets (which are now astranomically expensive!!)
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Its been great to have the barmy army out here, a great bunch, they have added colour and spectacle to the cricket.
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Couldn't agree more. Watching test cricket in NZ is an absolute pleasure. Lovely boutique cricket grounds and a real appreciation of the ambience created. Totally different to Australia who subject cricket fans to loud rock music and crude adverts over the PA system, half strength beer, overpriced junk food, and totally over the top security.
Anyone else see Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins at the Basin Reserve on the final day's play on Monday? Talk about incongruous but he was there mingling with us plebs after the match.
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Good to hear the atmosphere at the cricket in NZ is getting better. Went to see NZ/WI a couple of years back - the last time to see Brian Lara bat on those shores - at Eden Park. No joke, there were 76 people in the whole stadium. The weather was rubbish, the cricket worse and absolutely nobody there. I've played school/village cricket in front of more people.
I can't believe the turnaround, selling out cricket games?! Even the Aus/NZ 20-20 games in December had seats left.
Good on the Barmy Army, and Jimmy A for getting involved!
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Having been in NZ for all of the ODI麓s (embarassing beyond belief, especially at Hamilton) it was great to see the Barmy Army and be part of it at all 5 days of the Wellington test match having copped so much abuse from the Kiwi fans in the ODI麓s.
I could not believe how many people have made it over from the UK. There literally were thousands of us. The atmosphere on the bank was electric and the celebrations of some of the england players after taking wickets (especially Ryan Sidebottom) really showed our worth to the team. Unfortuantly I have had to fly onto South America after the Wellignton game, and am gutted not to be at the Napier game where I know the Army will be in full voice once as Englands 12th man. McLean Park is a great venue- we saw the tied ODI- if the pitch is anything like that one we really are in for a run fest. COME ON ENGLAND!! YOU CAN DO IT!!
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The atmosphere at Welly was excellent. If England were not here it would be nothing!
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Really what better spectacle that was ever invented or will be invented that goes with a few drinks and comraderie than the noble game of cricket.There might be more advanced civilizations in this univers or multiverse but I bet my life they would not be able to top this game of cricket.Cheers to the fabled Barmy Army who has been presented in our Canadian press as a Phenomenom like no other in the world.Treat them kindly you citizens of the great country of New Zealand!
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I admit that I wouldn't be in New Zealand, but I used to be a regular at test matches in England. Now I don't go, because the yob element of the support has been driven away. I am not willing to spend 拢60 on a ticket to be booed by a bunch of drunks that know far less about the game than I do, for refusing to participate in the Mexican wave. I am not the only one who feels this way. Cricket has driven away its core supporters.
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I detest the Barmy Army. I used to enjoy going to test matches but I got fed up of these witless oafs chanting their moronic songs for 8 hours.
On the rare occaisons that England do well abroad there seems to be a section of press who, as in this case, bizzarely start to give the Barmy Army some credit for it. But when England lose, as in the Ashes whitewash or in the first test in this series, the "inspiration" of the Barmy Army seems to be forgotten.
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Chris Dyson,
you are obviously an arm chair supporter. if you had ever been bothered enough to actually get off your backside and go support our boys abroad on tour you would realise how much the barmy army means to our team. the singing can inspire the team and helps the atmosphere around the ground. If you don't like them, then just mute your telly because I am guessing you don't actually attend any of the games anyway. The Barmy Army is an integral part of our game. Everywhere we go, the people want to know......
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I enjoy the Barmy Army and believe that they add to the spectacle of the game but you don't win awards for being the best spectators. If it takes a bunch of drunken, sunburnt men with horns to inspire a team to bust their b@lls for their country then there is something very wrong.
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I was lucky enough to be at the first Ashes test in Brisbane 18 months ago. The Aussie authorities made an awful hash of 'security'; not allowing the Barmy Army to block-book seats, confiscating instruments and throwing out the leaders of any singing or Mexican waves, banning beach balls etc. On top of these attempts to nullify the BA's influence, the tea-time entertainment was inflammatory and insulting anti-Pom nonsense. I'm glad to say that the musicians were roundly booed off the field by all supporters; the Aussies in front of me were particularly vociferous, explaining politely (!) that the so-called entertainers were no longer welcome at the Gabba.
On the last day, with the match already won by Australia, seating restrictions were relaxed and the Barmy Army sat together with the trumpeter restored. They made a joyful noise throughout the dying moments of the match; everyone leaving the ground was commenting on the great atmosphere and wishing the BA had been allowed to sit together on the four previous days. Apologies were issued by the Australian cricket authorities during and after the game for their errors of judgement, and I understand that things were different in the later Tests.
I guess my point is that there has to be a balance between enthusiastic banter and quiet enjoyment. I like the Army, but I hate Mexican waves. Australia got it wrong in that first Test - hopefully, lessons were learned and the next Ashes will be more tolerant.
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Please don't ever say that visiting supporters 'helped Rudi Koertzen' make his mind up.
If he read this i'm sure he would be insulted.
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The Barmy Army are legendary, fair enough some people may over consume alcohol and start to act in an unruly manner, but the constant singing, playing music and friendly banter is something that everybody should appreciate. Even the players on the pitch have come out and praised the Barmy Army, with their loyalty and encouragement to the players. Unlike in football, cricket fans will always support their players, even if they are going through a rough patch like A.S. at the minute, something that is appreciated massively by the players.
In conclusion, although some people may want to go to the cricket, sit quietly and enjoy the best game there is, some people do want to act in a fun and exuberant manner. Surely joining in a Mexican wave is not that much too ask?
Nat
Give it a break,
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Some really stuffy comments on this thread. Cricket is having to change to keep up in today's entertainment market. The target age of the test matches has to come down to keep interest in cricket for tommorow's generation. Kids, Teenagers and new cricket followers will not have the concentration span or understanding to enjoy a quiet passage of play. It is things such as the barmy army and other supporters groups that add another enjoyment to there day as well as the cricket. International Matches should not just be about the cricket but also the day out as well.
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Yes, it is too much to ask to join in a Mexican Wave. Surely even those above, untroubled by cricketing knowledge, would respect the words of Richie Benaud. In a fascinating period of play in a Test Match in England some years ago , Benaud's bewilderwent at why people would want to Mexican Wave at the same time (" Some of us thought there was a pretty interesting Test Match going on out there") spoke volumes about his assessment of their knowledge of the game.
Years ago , rising crescendo roars were thought of as ways to put off opposing batsmen in one day stuff. Last year in Australia, I witnessed the BA doing this as Lee ran in to bowl to our batsman. When I asked one of these so called cricket fans if he thought that did our batsmen's concentration good, he replied truculently " It's part of the fun of cricket. They are professional sportsmen." No doubt he would do it at tennis and golf too.
I gave up going to Test cricket at home some years ago and last year, my third trip to Australia was definitely my last. I prefer to watch every delivery of this peerless sport intently and discuss it quietly with my friends than have my view blocked by strings of beer glasses and beach balls thrown by people who as often as not, only turn their head towards the play every so often
Yes, I admit these underachieving players do seem to like these fans and it is no longer my game. All I can say is that the Team, with some notable exceptions , and BA deserve each other .At least I cannot lose any more as I am always pleased to see England win , but at least if they do not , the BA lose.
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I agree with Des Platt. The BA and the trumpeter especially are a nuisance. Who comes to a cricket match to hear a trumpet? No one. The reason why the BA sing so loud whether England are winning or not is very simple. Its not about the cricket. Its all about them and them going abroad getting drunk.
Test Match cricket is a cerebral game and many ex players are heartily sick of the BA. Bob Willis for one and Angus Fraser is rarely kind.
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I agree, the BA have ruined Test cricket. And it鈥檚 appalling that players and media commentators pander to these morons who simply crave attention 鈥 they are barely interested in what is actually going on. Cricket is a beautiful game, that can be intensely absorbing, and at times exciting - the quiet tension that you can sense in a huge crowd and be part of is unique and thrilling 鈥 but why am I talking in the present tense.
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I'm living over in NZ at the moment and managed to only make it to the 20/20 in Auckland, but reading this column makes me proud to support any English team.
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In response to the criticism of my sbove comment (no. 15), I really do find it hard that a mexican wave appears to be such a horrific act to yourself. I fully understand that some people attend, purely to watch the Cricket in a unique atmosphere rarely found in the arenas for other sport. Yet "giving up", a phrase that suggests that suggests you simply "couldn't stand it anymore" appears to be completely O.T.T. Why not just situate yourself in an area, away from the typical BA "area" in whatever stand, and appreciate that you enjoy cricket in a way to other people. As I mentioned, over-consumption of alcohol does not do the game any favours, yet some people do simply want to enjoy themselves, coupled with watching the cricket, rather than just sitting in a stationary position, focused solely on the cricket. The only period in the game, after close observation, that it appears that fans are not fully "focused" is during the inevitable test match spells, where the cricket can become quite monotonous. Watching Daniel Vettori bowl maiden after maiden isn't the most riveting entertainment, so a bit of fun on the side is purely to help the day move along, rather than with a subdued nature, as it would be without the entertainment that some fans provide.
Please, relax, respect the opinions of others, rather than attempting to be patronising, it's not what the game wants.
Thank you.
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im ur typical drunken student and id like to say that test match cricket should be about the best cricketers from each country against each other and not about whos fans can create the best party atmosphere. save all the mexican waves for the 20/20 or even the ODIs. having said that i do believe that chanting has a place in the sport in as much as banter between the players does.and yes Nat, watching maiden after maiden being bowled can be very entertaining
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Some excellent comments from James. Nice to have affirmed that there are young people who don't need everything to be instant thrills.I was quite happy to concede the one day game to the lovers of noise. I love noise in the right context having had great times at rugby ( both codes) and football. Noise does not agree with the tempo of the Test match game. In my first two Australian visits, the BA were an irritating side show and it was worth watching as the majority of Australians at Tests actually go to watch the cricket but last winter I just could not ignore the BA .
If you cannot find maiden overs in the right context interesting you are at the wrong game. I remember my first visit to Lords in 1983 watching a wonderful but wicketless spell by Richard Hadlee against a battling 50 by Ian Botham . As Pete Hodson said above, the quiet murmers of a crowd gripped by a fascinating battle. It may be "subdued" to those only looking for the superficial but that is how many of us like Test Cricket.To say relax and let be is like asking me to accept people using mobiles in a theatre or at a classical concert.
I accept, however, that you have won. Even the players said a few years back that they preferred the more rowdy atmosphere away from Lords so I accept the County Championship is the only thing left.At least we may see a few England players there now as the revolutionary idea seems to be gaining acceptance that playing cricket actually improves their game.
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I fully understand your point Des, and I'm sure that there are plenty of people with a greater tolerance for the slower periods of the game, in the test arena.
This is not what I was arguing for however. My main point is that those who complain and "give up" on attending Cricket fixtures, purely because they cannot accept that other people prefer to view in a different manner to themselves, is quite ludicrous. I'm sure from the perspective of others, you're behaviour in the ground is seen as "boring" and "unnattractive", yet apart from the occasional session of banter, these fans let it be, and accept that not everyone wishes to act in a loud and rowdy manner!
Thanks.
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Two points there Nat:
1. Giving up Test cricket is not simply because others 鈥渧iew in a different manner鈥 鈥 it is because of loud cheering, singing and trumpet playing (that can be heard from all over the ground as is the perpetrators' intention) and because of the constant jumping up and down of people around the ground (Mexican waves) which is extremely annoying. It is certainly not 鈥渁n occasional session of banter鈥 鈥 just listen to the effects microphones on TMS in NZ this winter.
I was at day 5 of the 2005 Old Trafford Test when thousands were locked out 鈥 an extremely absorbing and tense day鈥檚 cricket 鈥 yet the crowd were doing Mexican waves 鈥 that鈥檚 what I call 鈥渜uite ludicrous鈥.
2. And why does my behaviour need to be 鈥渁ttractive and interesting鈥 to others?
Pete.
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