#OnTheUp: After the Mankad, the April Fools
We introduced everything from Instagram handles on the back of shirts, Twitter polls in place of the traditional toss of the coin, and, in special circumstances, shorts in Test cricket.
As part of our efforts to make the game more appealing to younger generations, the ICC will be applying both numbers and Instagram handles to kits from the beginning of the World Test Championship. pic.twitter.com/XnvantQfc9
— ICC (@ICC) April 1, 2019
And, err, the tweaks found some love (that wasn't part of the plan!).
Thankfully, Nathan McCullum had some news that served as a much-needed distraction.
As did Denmark, who seemingly have become the most sought-after team in Test cricket overnight.
Delighted to announce a one-off Test vs Australia in Copenhagen in July prior to their Ashes tour of England. More details to follow.
— Danish Cricket Federation (@dcfcricket) April 1, 2019
Thankfully, there was the IPL to bring everyone back down to Earth with hard-hitting, top bracket drama. It's been a little over a week since the tournament began, and we've already had a range of issues that's been debated intensely.
It all began with a Mankad. But the two people who were in hot water weren't directly involved ...
I have been getting messages and tags and mentions from upset Indian cricket fans all morning - some angry, some supportive - because they have mistaken me for English cricketer Jos Buttler, it's been quite a day for me on twitter dot com https://t.co/ikEO8w8lmP
— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) March 26, 2019
As a disgraced cricketer I fully endorse any and all mankads. https://t.co/yJfqnozvSD
— Steve Smith (@stevesmithffx) March 25, 2019
There were many points raised on the ‘mankad’, Shane Warne being quite verbose about it all. But Ben Stokes’ two-bit takes the cake!
Sorry - one more thing to add. If Ben Stokes did what Ashwin did to @imVkohli it would be ok ? I’m just very disappointed in Ashwin as I thought he had integrity & class. Kings lost a lot of supporters tonight. Especially young boys and girls ! I do hope the BCCI does something
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019
Away from all that, we'd another celebrity spotting at the cricket. It was Ed Sheeran last week. This week, it was Olympian Michael Phelps. The Aquaman's presence, naturally, brought about some puns.
Be it swimming or cricket, you just can't beat @MichaelPhelps' strokeplay 😎
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 27, 2019
The 'Flying Fish' had a fun day out with our DC boys this morning!#ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals @UnderArmour_ind pic.twitter.com/PrGiN4qaG0
'Flying Fish' @MichaelPhelps in the house 😍😍 pic.twitter.com/pm9UCi6A1i
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 26, 2019
Elsewhere, Megan Schutt had some wonderful news.
Best day of my life. My heart is so full. I am a lucky woman ❤️ Mrs and Mrs Schutt 💁🏼 #Scholyoakewedding #loveislove #morephotostocome
— Megan Schutt (@megan_schutt) March 31, 2019
📷 - Brody Grogan Photography
🎥 - @CurtisBrownjohn pic.twitter.com/RHjMQzA8ZV
And KP ... well, he was just being KP.
And if none of this has cured your Monday blues, well here's Zampa and Stoinis. Such awwww.
