NEW YEAR 2003

THE ‘OVAL WORLD’ CRICKET WORLD CUP FANTASY LEAGUE 2003 by Marcus Hook

The World Cup is looming, so surely it must be time for another Oval World fantasy cricket competition! Yes, back by popular demand - and at a time when I can promise to send out regular scores updates - here is the perfect complement to the forthcoming World Cup. Basically, the format of the competition is the same as it was four years ago, but the keen-eyed amongst you will notice that the number of points awarded for things like each wicket taken have been modified to produce what I hope will be a better balance between batting, bowling and wicketkeeping performances.

HOW TO SCORE POINTS
Using Oval World’s unique scoring system everything from runs scored to byes conceded will be taken into account. At first glance some of the values appear to be a bit odd, but because not all teams will get as far as the Final on 23 March players can lose points as well as gain them! For this reason, no points will be awarded for fielding, although in the event of a tie-break the team attributed the most run outs will be deemed the winner. Anyway, before it comes to that, here is a checklist of how the points will be calculated:

BATTING

• 1 point for every run scored
• Minus 19 points each time a player is out

BOWLING

• 5 points for every over bowled
• Minus 1 point for every run conceded
• 7 points for each wicket taken

WICKETKEEPING

• 11 points for each catch/stumping
• Minus 6 points for every bye conceded

YOUR SQUAD
Each entrant must select a fifteen-man squad by completing the APPLICATION FORM. The squad must consist of:

• 2 top order batsmen
• 2 middle order batsmen
• 1 wicketkeeper
• 2 all-rounders
• 3 seam bowlers
• 1 spin bowler
• plus an extra player in 4 categories of your choice

The six categories are based on the SELECTION GRID. This grid is important because you can only pick one player from each sector, e.g. you cannot put Jacques Kallis and Shaun Pollock in the same team. In addition, you can only select up to three players representing the same country. You will note that Bangladesh, Canada, Holland, Kenya and Namibia are not shown on our grid, but should you want to pick a player from any of these countries you can include them anywhere you like. The same goes for any late replacements, e.g. if Adam Hollioake replaces Craig White you can, if you like, put him down as a middle order batsman even though White is deemed an all-rounder on the selection grid.

This is because at the end of the competition your total score will be calculated on the best possible eleven which can be permed from your 2 most successful top order batsmen, 2 middle-order batsmen, 2 all-rounders, 3 seamers, your best spinner and No.1 wicketkeeper (so there is nothing to deter you from, say, picking both Adam Gilchrist and Alec Stewart). The only stipulation is that the eleven must contain the minimum number of players in each category. Every cricketer will score points for batting and bowling performances. Wicketkeepers will also be awarded points based on their work behind the stumps.

... NOW FOR THE SMALLPRINT
Each entrant is only allowed to submit one entry and he or she must have been a member of the Surrey CCC Supporters’ Club in 2002 (anyone who wasn’t, should send in a cheque for £5 made payable to ‘SCCCSC’ along with their entry form). There is no registration fee, but if you would like to receive regular updates through the post, please enclose 4 x 26p stamps with your entry. Selectors can choose a name for their team, provided it does not exceed 25 letters and will not be considered offensive. All entries must be received before the first ball of the World Cup is bowled at Newlands on 9 February. Selections can, if necessary, be amended before this date either in writing, by e-mail or over the telephone (020-8680-5700 - which, if I am not home, has an answerphone). All correspondence relating to the competition should be sent to Marcus Hook, Flat 1, 67 Birdhurst Rise, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 7EJ.