Sunday 3 August 2008

Ramps there at last

It's understandably been rather overshadowed by Michael Vaughan's resignation, but we should not overlook Mark Ramprakash's 100th first-class century. Given the increasing amounts of Twenty20 being played, it is far from inconceivable that he will be the 25th and last member to join the 100 hundeds club, even if the tortorous gap between his 99th and 100th centuries has, for many, been a snapshot of his performances in the pressure cauldron of international cricket.

We should celebrate his enduring excellence; his unremitting professionalism; and the technical proficiency and aesthetic value that characterised his game. An enigma, perhaps - but one whose phenomenal achievement deserves to be lauded.

(See my more extensive analysis of Ramprakash)

2 comments:

Richard Lake said...

Brilliant for Ramps and the fact he's finally got there may save Surrey's season.

There's also a neat symmetry with it being against Yorkshire. He made his debut against Yorks and scored his maiden first class ton at Headingly for Middlesex later that same season. It also feels like he's scored most of his hundreds in between against Yorkshire!!!

I don't know why he failed at test level, but it was these failings that gave him the opportunity to get to a hundred tons. As for the next to get there, I can only think of Justin Langer, but even he is stil 20odd short. This highly exclussive club may be coming to the end of its membership.

Tim said...

Touch wood you're right Richard!

I guess you're right about failing at Test level paving the way for him to get 100 tons, although had he had the opportunity to play more games abroad during the English off season he may have got there in similar time, albeit with more of those hundred scored for England! Hats off to him though.

Langer's on 83, and seems to have retired from WA, so he's gonna need two and a half brilliant seasons to get there. Not sure if he's got enough time!