Ramping

Fantasy Bob has noted a lot of chat in recent official discourse about ramping. So, covid tests are being ramped.  PPE supplies are being ramped.  Virus research is being ramped.  Everything.  Ramp. Ramp.  Ramp.

There is a risk of confusing the cricketer, already dizzy from the lack of action.  A cricketer will immediately call to mind the shot that has come to exemplify modern batsmanship in limited over contests.  Holding the bat out towards the bowler, the batter uses it as a ramp to flick the ball over the shoulder and deposit it over the fine leg boundary.  Outrageous.

The inventor of the ramp in mid ramp

It may be Joss Buttler who is celebrated these days as the exponent par excellence of the shot, but it was invented by the Zimbabwean Dougie Marillier during a triangular tournament in 2000 involving Australia, West Indies and Zimbabwe.  Needing 15 to win off the final over of the match, he executed the shot twice against no less an opponent than Glen McGrath (whose response is not recorded).  McGrath had the last laugh however as ramps and all only 12 were taken off the over. 

For a while the shot was known as the Marillier, until commentators decided they needed something easier to say.  This is rather sad.  While Marillier's invention seems everywhere these days - even to the point that there is not a 13 year old batsman who will not attempt it in the nets against FB - its creator languishes in obscurity.   Sic transit gloria

Perhaps it is as well for public spokespersons that there was a name change.  Imagine them announcing that covid tests were being Marilliered, or that the Government was Marilliering PPE supplies.  No one would believe them.