ACS Overseas First-Class Annual 2017

There is room for very serious reservations about the strength of teams in Tier B and how well they match up against the standard of first-class cricket elsewhere in the world. These doubts are reinforced by factors such as the farcical play on the final day of one Tier B game and the deeds of the previously unsung veteran Gyan Sirisoma, who suddenly found himself playing first-class cricket at a standard that allowed him to channel the spirit of Alfred Shaw and claim over ninety wickets in eight matches at an average of just over twelve. Ultimately, first-class and Test status rest not on the decisions of administrators but on the belief by followers of the game that these categories are something more than mere labels: that they mean something about the calibre of the matches to which they are attached. And there must be a possible concern – no more than that at this stage – that the high standard implied by Test and first-class status could be compromised if these classifications are extended too far or too soon. The justification for the advent of two new Test nations must be found on the field of play, and this matters not just to the countries concerned but to Test status itself; even as first-class cricket is challenged by the decisions of national administrators in countries such as South Africa and Sri Lanka to extend the status to an inferior level of competition or, in the case of England, to retain it for teams of students. Happily, though, most of the remarkable performances in this Annual relate to games whose claim to first-class status is beyond question. Notable feats include (in no particular order): the second highest partnership in all first-class cricket; some notable expositions of the previously rare art of starting a Test with a score of 400 yet contriving to lose, and, at the other extreme, a side shot out for 44 on being put in to bat in a first-class match, yet going on to win the game; a first Ranji title for Gujarat after over eighty years of trying; and a world record score whilst carrying the bat (eclipsing a record that had stood since 1899). It also includes a batsman out ‘handled the ball’. This might not be thought so remarkable in itself; but since this form of dismissal has been omitted from the revised Laws that took effect from 1 October 2017, this will be the last such occurrence in the history of first-class cricket. Over the years we have had a fair number of ‘first-evers’ to report in the Annual ; but not until now have we knowingly had a ‘last-ever’. John Bryant Editor 20 Wilton Square London N1 3DL overseasannual@acscricket.com October 2017 5