I must say, you cricket enthusiasts give the impression that

[Burney]

Oh I don't mean this case in particular, I mean in general. Perhaps it's hard to see from the inside, but when discussing cricket you all constantly moan and whinge like little bitches. There's never any joy.

Please accept my apologies for the patriarchal language in this message.

I think the tendency to minutely criticise individual performance in cricket is a function of the game’s odd nature. Despite being a team game, it puts immense scrutiny and pressure on individuals because, at its most crucial points, it is a contest between individuals rather than a team sport. This means that fans inevitably focus on individual performance to what must seem a forensic degree for a football fan. It’s not unhappiness, it’s simply how the game works.

[Peter]

I think the tendency to minutely criticise individual performance in cricket is a function of the game’s odd nature. Despite being a team game, it puts immense scrutiny and pressure on individuals because, at its most crucial points, it is a contest between individuals rather than a team sport. This means that fans inevitably focus on individual performance to what must seem a forensic degree for a football fan. It’s not unhappiness, it’s simply how the game works.

It is also a highly technical game where decisions hinge on millimetres...

[Burney]

It is also a highly technical game where decisions hinge on millimetres...

Indeed. And one in which technical and psychological flaws are quickly and ruthlessly exposed.

So, for instance, a footballer can make a cock up and then redeem themselves by playing brilliantly for the rest of the game. The batsman has no such luxury. More often than not if he fúcks up, he’s out. That makes the scrutiny of technique and mentality highly relevant.