The big boys beckon

GUERNSEY could face the big boys of the cricket world in 2010. The Commonwealth Games will be held in New Delhi, India, and it is the host country's decision as to which sports will be included.

The cricket-mad nation's Olympic association is keen to see cricket contested as it will be massively supported and immense revenue generated.

'We are keen to have cricket in the 2010 Commonwealth Games,' said Randir Singh, the secretary general of both the Olympic Coucil of Asia and the Indian Olympic Association.

'Cricket officials must understand the use of multi-discipline Games. If they want to spread cricket, they have to bring cricket to such Games.'

David Piesing, president of the Guernsey Cricket Board, believes that India will include cricket and the island's players would benefit greatly from such an opportunity.

'The decision is down to the Indians so I reckon it's likely to happen,' said Piesing. 'Their other main sport is hockey and that is already included and I can't think of what else they would include. It looks very possible.'

On playing ability, Piesing estimates that Guernsey will be ranked between 30 and 35 when granted international status.

To that must be added the half-a-dozen or so various West Indian islands which would participate separately rather than as a combined side in the Games.

However, the countries in the top 30-35 which are not part of the Commonwealth, such as USA, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy and several of the Arab countries, would then be removed.

And not all Commonwealth member countries would enter a team so Guernsey would stand a good chance of being accepted.

The prospect of stepping onto the field with Australia, England, South Africa, India and Pakistan excites Piesing.

'We would definitely look into sending a team,' said Piesing.

'It's an opportunity that we would be mad to miss.'

The format of the cricket that has been suggested is Twenty20. This is a 20-overs-per-side game that was introduced at first-class level a couple of years ago.

More and more international Twenty20 matches are being played and England will face Australia at the Rose Bowl in Hampshire during the summer.

Guernsey captain Andy Biggins believes his team should not be overawed by such a competition, should it happen, especially because they are used to the format.

'We invented the Twenty20,' he said. 'Guernsey club sides have been playing evening cricket for as long as anyone has and you could argue that we've got more chance of competing in Twenty20 rather than 50-over matches.

'In the shorter game, one innings, one stunning catch or a maiden over could be the difference between two sides and any one of our players is capable of a cameo performance against anyone.'