It’s not over until the fat man sings
Let’s start 2011 with a bit of social media comment and a celebratory column.
I was in Australia last time England won the Ashes there. Yep – that old!
So today’s a great day to be an English cricket fan… and I am rather relieved it’s all over – those late nights in front of Sky were fine over Christmas, but not so good when back in work mode. Now everyone will line up to be associated with the England cricket team – starting with the PM of course. Welcome escape from cuts and bankers’ bonuses, I am sure.
And it shows again what a potent mix live sport and social media can be. I am not normally an avid viewer of YouTube or a follower of Twitter, but I have found my usage increasing massively over the course of the Ashes – and to prove the point, I am going to spread the viral message further below.
I have been clicking on YouTube links mailed by mates in Sydney – mostly of the Barmy Army in action; some of the players and media joining in too. I have been checking tweets in the small hours – cricket followers laid into Phillip Hughes as he claimed a catch that wasn’t the other night (fuelled by Botham calling him a “cheat” on Sky, which of course was also widely tweeted). And I have been chuckling at the usual array of Aussie ridicule jokes doing the rounds on all media (the same ones they used against us for many years can at last be reversed).
Finally of course watching some brilliant Sky coverage and reading Michael Atherton’s sharp commentary in The Times. It’s been a complete sporting and media experience to kick off 2011.
So, as we are all easing back after the break, here’s just a few to enjoy – if you haven’t seen them yet. For the unitiated (as I was until a few days ago) the “sprinkler” has become a rather ridiculous England cricket “dance”.
- KP joins in the Mitchell Johnson song
- Big Lad goes soprano with the Barmy army
- The BBC’s Johnathan Agnew auditions for Strictly Come sprinkling
Off for a pint of Fosters now in an Australian pub!