offbreakdoosra
New Member
Anyone else being really impressed with Sky sports cricket coverage of this Ashes series?
Must say, I have been... Seems like they have really kicked it up a notch. In particular, the umpteen tutorials on batting and fielding techniques within the "Ashes Zone" feature; usually broadcasted within the pre-match build up, before each day's play.
As yet, very little fast bowling or spin bowling stuff... but they did do s brilliant 20 minute presentation on reverse swing; how and why it occurs, how different elite bowlers use it to their advantage (bowling it at different lines and lengths) etc. Really good stuff I thought.
Nasser and Shane have been demonstrating fielding techniques and theories, Straussy has been back in the nets; teaching the basics of batting, followed by a more advance tutorial on opening the batting; facing 90 mph fast-bowling and seeing off the new ball. Nasser and Shane even joined force again, to discuss how to bat against top quality spin.
Also, SKY Sports are providing in-depth analysis on the individual players on the English and Aussie teams. No longer the hurried "Third Man" feature within the live commentary, but calculated analysis from info & data, collated days, months or even years before. Though it's often pre-recorded and scripted, it ensures that everything stated and demonstrated is correct and is articulated to the audience concisely
It has all been accurate, clear, informative and incisive... with video footage and graphics to back it all up. Sky Sports have definitely been a concerted effort to give the audience a more technical analysis of the game. Most likely instigated by the ample technology on offer. Hawkeye, touch screens, live-superimposed 3D reconstructions (whatever they are) ... and lots more.
Yes, to some, it may seem a little too gimmicky, but to an armchair cricket fan like myself, it gives a great insight to the elite game and it is well presented too (hats off to Ian Ward in particular). The Sky Sport website has a couple of vids of the good work they've done so far... (Trying not to sound too much like a Murdoch mouthpiece here... and failing...)
But seriously, Cricket, especially this Ashes series, should be free for the wider viewing public to enjoy & it is a total shame that only a fraction of the UK gets to rejoice in England's Ashes victories, but at least the paying public are now getting something unique from Sky Sports that might be worth paying for.
Any thoughts, anyone else?
Must say, I have been... Seems like they have really kicked it up a notch. In particular, the umpteen tutorials on batting and fielding techniques within the "Ashes Zone" feature; usually broadcasted within the pre-match build up, before each day's play.
As yet, very little fast bowling or spin bowling stuff... but they did do s brilliant 20 minute presentation on reverse swing; how and why it occurs, how different elite bowlers use it to their advantage (bowling it at different lines and lengths) etc. Really good stuff I thought.
Nasser and Shane have been demonstrating fielding techniques and theories, Straussy has been back in the nets; teaching the basics of batting, followed by a more advance tutorial on opening the batting; facing 90 mph fast-bowling and seeing off the new ball. Nasser and Shane even joined force again, to discuss how to bat against top quality spin.
Also, SKY Sports are providing in-depth analysis on the individual players on the English and Aussie teams. No longer the hurried "Third Man" feature within the live commentary, but calculated analysis from info & data, collated days, months or even years before. Though it's often pre-recorded and scripted, it ensures that everything stated and demonstrated is correct and is articulated to the audience concisely
It has all been accurate, clear, informative and incisive... with video footage and graphics to back it all up. Sky Sports have definitely been a concerted effort to give the audience a more technical analysis of the game. Most likely instigated by the ample technology on offer. Hawkeye, touch screens, live-superimposed 3D reconstructions (whatever they are) ... and lots more.
Yes, to some, it may seem a little too gimmicky, but to an armchair cricket fan like myself, it gives a great insight to the elite game and it is well presented too (hats off to Ian Ward in particular). The Sky Sport website has a couple of vids of the good work they've done so far... (Trying not to sound too much like a Murdoch mouthpiece here... and failing...)
But seriously, Cricket, especially this Ashes series, should be free for the wider viewing public to enjoy & it is a total shame that only a fraction of the UK gets to rejoice in England's Ashes victories, but at least the paying public are now getting something unique from Sky Sports that might be worth paying for.
Any thoughts, anyone else?