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BBC Radio 7, 17 August - 21 September 2010
I wish I could say I liked this comedy. I can certainly appreciate its
purpose; to create a David Brent-like cricketing 'hero,' Dave Podmore (Christopher Douglas), who is so full of his own self-importance
that he cannot realize his own shortcomings; his poor performances with bat and ball, his self-adoring love of the media,
his overweening narcissism and inability to communicate with others, particularly his team-mates and his long-suffering wife
Jan. I can also appreciate author Douglas' satire of some of the less savoury aspects of the game: its emphasis on childish
pranks in the dressing-room; the almost complete lack of empathy with one's team-mates' feelings in the desire to 'have a
laugh'; and the blinkered attitudes which render some professionals totally oblivious to the consequences of their actions,
both in private and in public (remember the infamous 'Fredalo' incident on England's last tour of Australia?)
However I have to admit that neither Podmore nor his long-suffering interviewer
Andy are very likeable people. Strange as it might seem, there are some cricketers who do set
an example, both to their team-mates and their adoring public. Take the two wicket-keepers Alec Stewart and Adam Gilchrist;
both highly capable cricketers, as well as being interesting to listen to. I might be betraying my age here, but I do believe
that cricket is a game for all types of people from all walks of life; everyone can approach it in different ways. It doesn't
suffer from the disease of perpetual laddishness, even though there are some supporters - especially at 50-over matches - whose behaviour (especially
after a few pints) might suggest otherwise. I'd like to see more programmes that reflect this diversity, even though
that might not prove such a fruitful subject for comedic treatment.
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