Welcome to Twenty Two Yards, a newsletter celebrating cricket's biggest moments

In this issue:

• The Future of the Minnows

• The helmet of the future - CEO of Masuri

• Pakistan begins rebuilding

Here’s to the Minnows

By Ollie Goodwin

It's always nice seeing the Nations that expect wins, humbled on the biggest stage. The school bully KO'd by the quiet nerd, a secret Krav Maga expert. 

There's always a few curveballs at any World Cup. But on the tricky surfaces in Asia, all it takes is a couple of quick wickets, and it's upset city (see England / Pakistan).

The underdogs might not be moving on, but the future is bright:

Netherlands
The Orange lads. The Dutch have been plugging away since their last appearance in 2011. I read about coach Ryan Cook's belief in Total Cricket after studying the philosophy of Dutch football genius Johan Cruyff. Speechless, what a man, what an idea. A revolutionary construct with Dutch Style. South Africa found out.

Afghanistan
Sometimes, with the political background swirling away behind this Afghan side, you forget what it's all about. Afghanistan had a nasty bowling attack. When the wicket suits them, it's carnage. What captured the hearts in the end? Rahmanullah Gurbaz was seen distributing money to the homeless in Ahmedabad during Diwali. They'll be back. 

Bangladesh
Taskin Ahmed is a genuine menace to any batsman. A Bangladeshi fast bowler who's been coached by Allan Donald; if he taught him that stare then all should be taking cover. Sure, the timed-out dismissal vs SL will be remembered, but don't sleep on Bangladesh in the future.

Sri Lanka
It's not typically a minnow, but given the ICC's decision to suspend SL, it'll be rebuilding for some time. Rumours at this writing show legendary cricketer and politician Arjuna Ranatunga will be the likely leader to take the reins.

3D Helmets with Masuri CEO

By Angus Wilson

Harvard lecturer Theodore Levitt once said, "Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things."

Well…Masuri have just done a thing.

The cricket protection brand announced its latest innovation with the help of 3D-printing technology to deliver a 'perfect fit' helmet for all cricketers.

And when we say all cricketers, we mean all cricketers. Starting at the top, thanks to a deal struck by The PCA and Vitality, all professional players in England and Wales will receive their own TrueFit 3D-Pro helmet. For grassroots cricketers, the headwear technology is available via booking a scanning session for a premium price.

Following the news of this latest step forward in the game, we caught up with the CEO of Masuri, Sam Miller…

How long has the process been from ideation to today?
The first England player we 3D scanned was Eoin Morgan 8 years ago! We had to put the project on hold as the technology wasn't where it needed to be, but we restarted the project in 2019.

How has the reception been from players on the technology and final product?
The reaction from players around the world has been outstanding. We are now used to hearing, "Oh my god, that is the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn." and "I thought it would be good, but not this good."

Do you take insight or inspiration from head protection equipment in other sports?
We are always looking at the market for ideas. The challenge is determining which features add value for the customer and which are just gimmicks. We are 100% product-focused and don't add gimmicks just so we can tell a cool marketing story. Our mantra is that we don't update a product until we can make it demonstrably better. That's why you don't see regular seasonal updates from Masuri.

For a premium and personalised product, the price obviously matches that. But do you have plans to make this service accessible to grassroots players?
Four years ago, this product would have retailed at nearly £2,000 per helmet. The technology has developed quickly over the last 4 years, allowing us to deliver the fully customised version for £500, and we are hoping that over the next 4 years, the technology continues on the same trajectory, allowing us to make this technology affordable for everyone.

If you had the power, what's the one thing you as a business would change in cricket?
Accessibility – whether that be watching Test cricket or playing club cricket. It's such a wonderful game that the sky is the limit if we could deliver equal opportunity.

Seeing a brand dedicated to improving the game whilst ensuring safety and comfort goes hand in hand is something we take our hat (helmet) off for.  

The Slip Corden

• Pakistan begins rebuilding
  The Guardian’s Barney Ronay wrote about the feuding Pakistani side a few days before the Pakistan board swiftly went to work on the next era of PAK cricket. Morne Morkel, who signed on as bowling coach in June, resigned this weekend. New jobs likely open in the days to come.
  

• India’s “Cricket Supremacy”

  Ramachandra Guha dissects the power shift in cricket in his new Financial Times Essay (subscription*). Guha carefully weaves the politics and economics of Indian cricket. It's worth checking out his love affair, The Commonwealth of Cricket.

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Issue: Here’s to the Minnows
Publisher: J. LaLonde
Editor-At-Large: Angus Wilson
Contributing Writer: David Scipione
Contributing Writer: Ollie Goodwin
Illustration: Sidney Secolo