Harmison hates cricket

Though initially charming, titles of my posts skirting and manipulating, "Omar Loves Cricket", are a concept that has probably long worn off. Nevertheless, I will continue to amuse myself.

Steve Harmison is a strange fellow. He sucked during the Ashes apart from a couple of decent spells, retired from ODI's soon after, and is finally speaking out about his retirement and the Ashes.

He told the Mail on Sunday: "From the very first ball of the Ashes series I hated the game of cricket. I've made myself a promise as a result: from now on I'm going to make sure, whatever happens, I enjoy myself.

"Everybody told me it had been made out that I'd virtually lost the Ashes on my own.

"None of our big players turned up, at least not on a consistent basis, and some of us failed to achieve anything at all. I'd place myself in that last category.

"But I do feel I've been made a scapegoat, and I think, in part, it's because of my perceived laid-back attitude."

Harmison's plan had always been to quit ODIs after the World Cup in a bid to prolong his Test career, however his failure in the Ashes forced him to bring forward his retirement.

He said: "The plan was to pack in after the World Cup. I first thought about it in South Africa in 2004 and told Michael Vaughan.

"Last year, I missed Tests through an injury from a one-day series and in India I realised I'd had enough. I wanted to prolong my Test career and that's why I've packed in one-dayers.

"Martyn Moxon, who has just left as Durham coach, asked me if I'd missed playing for England when they beat Australia in the one-day final last month. I told him I missed celebrating on the balcony but not the game. He replied: 'You made the right decision'."

Good riddance to him then! I hate this sort of attitude from a cricketer. I'm not even English and I'm pissed off at him. What a sorry way of justifying his poor performances. He was selected to represent his country, which is such an honor, and naturally, a lot of hopes rested on his shoulder. He claims that a lot of other players didn't perform as well, but none of them seem to hate the sport they were playing. That's no excuse and its this defeatist attitude that irritates me.

Harmy doesn't agree with the critics opinion of his 'perceived laid-back attitude'? However, how is it perceived wrong, if he is claiming he hates the bloody sport? The critics are right on the money there buddy.

English cricket doesn't need Harmison on the balcony either. That's useless. The balcony should be full of players who ache to be on the field at any chance they can get. This chap belongs in the stands as a cheerleader, as cricket is lot better off without such depressing characters.

On a side note, what is up with trend of English players who can't seem to handle the mental strain of an international career? Marcus Trescothick comes to mind...

Warne, McGrath and now Harmison retire

Retirements in cricket, it seems, are cyclic. A few players announce their departure within a season of each other. They come in patches, and may or may not, mark the end of certain style of cricket that that particular team plays. It's too early to tell what affect Warne and McGrath's retirement will have on Australian cricket. And we still have 2 more tests to go. Since its all happening so fast, one probably wont be surprised if Langer and Hayden hang up their bats. One thing is for sure though. This Ashes meant a whole lot more to Australia. Announcing your retirement after retaking the series so emphatically, indicates how satisfied they are with their accomplishments, and how they would like to end their international careers on a high.

Though McGrath's retirement is still yet to be confirmed, its still a whole lot of retirement talk this past month. Martyn announced it after the 2nd test while Boje silently parted ways with South Africa soon after. I assumed McGrath would stay till the World Cup. Harmisson, on other hand, bar a game here or there, had become a liability for England in ODI's.

The big news is Shane Warne though. Sad day for cricket. As far as I can remember, he's been cocky, arrogant, and a his rise to cricking stardom coincided with Australia's dominance this past decade. He's been an incredible part of Australia's success. There is no doubt that he is the best at what he does. The numbers speak for themselves. But more than that, he was an integral part of the Aussie aggressive, in your face, mind games, which propelled them to the top and intimidated all others.