Mixed Messages

The Pentland Hills can be seen from some windows of Fantasy Bob's residence.  And whether gleaming white with frost in the winter, or deep green under the occasional sunny day, a fine prospect they are too and rightly popular with walkers of all sizes, shapes, and abilities. 

In usual times it would therefore be no surprise to learn that they had unprecedented levels of visitors this weekend.  Other public spaces seem similarly to have been rammed.  The weather, after all, was better than the recent 3 sweater conditions. But these are not usual times, and there is a suggestion that the Government's messaging about social distancing and self-isolation might not be having the desired effect.  As in comprehensively misunderstood and ignored.

The majority of pubs and restaurants and cafes may now have closed for the duration, but until they took that action themselves: the Government's gentle exhortation to people not to go out was rather undermined by the decision to leave everything open.  The so-called masters of communication have put out the most mixed of mixed messages.  And are surprised at the result.

Every cricketer has played under a captain whose approach to field placing is after every ball to move a fielder to exactly where the ball has just been despatched.  This skipper now seems to have charge of the GB First XI.

Now, in FB's experience, cricketers have a particular sensitivity to the mixed message.  Such communication challenges are at the heart of the regular tragedies that befall cricketers at all levels of the game.  FB speaks of course of the run out;  when body and verbal language collide, when yes means no, no means maybe, maybe means yesnoyes and just because a batsman is charging towards the other end yelling like a banshee, it does not necessarily mean he or she actually has any intention of going for a run.  Quite the opposite. 

His long experience has given FB the tools to deal with these desperate situations, so that what was ambiguous becomes clear.  He will not leave his crease until he has written confirmation of his batting partner's intentions.  He has even devised a form to be filled in, requiring evidence of the speed of the ball, the distance to the nearest fielder and his or her capability in the matter of picking the ball up and throwing down the wicket.  Only when these factors have been fully reviewed will he  consider accepting the call. 

Given cricketers' heightened sensitivity to the mixed message, FB is confident that no bowler or batsman was among the weekend's crowds swelling the nation's beauty spots. They know the right thing to do in these difficult times. 

FB's conclusion seems to be borne out by the numerous videos that have been tweeted in recent days of cricketers in full kit practising in front rooms, kitchens, hall ways, patios,  confined gardens - anywhere in fact.

There is a fine collection of these tweeted by @crickshouts - and this is FB's favourite - a reckless quick single - no mixed message by the batter but would FB have responded to that call?

FB urges all cricketers everywhere to be safe.