Introduction

'The game of cricket has its own tantalising mystery.'

The Truth of Cricket

Often in my hearing, it's been said by seers and mystics,
Lies are only lies but statistics are damn statistics.

I once heard a great man say to a man, "You want to know about cricket?
Keep out of Wisden, avoid Wisden , I tell you, man, that's the ticket!"

Other chap he pulled at his imaginary box and replied,
"Wisdom, did you say? Wisdom? For that I've searched far and wide."

"Not wisdom, you ninny!" said first. " Listen afore you talk!"
Wisdom and Wisden, different as cheese and chalk!"

Oh, I've known men, grown men, had to be taught by fistics,
That lies are only lies but statistics are damn statistics.

Said he, "I've seen centuries, double tons, as dry as an old maids' nighty!
And I've seen ducks, sublime ducks, memorable and mighty!

That Bradman they quote ad nauseum with his ninety nine point whatever.
It means nought, me old sport, it's not necessarily clever.

Think Courtney Walsh from his aggregate be best bowler, damn his hide?
I've seen better, much better, who could only bowl a wide!"

Ah, cricket is an art form, stuff your silly logistics.
Lies are only lies but statistics are damn statistics.

Copyright; John Kidd
Email: amadeus@eisa.net.au