excessive heat.The first indication this summer was different occurred when streaker Michael Angelow painted an amusing picture at Lords in just a pair of s

The game of cricket is constantly evolving. This week, for instance, there was a choice of vastly contrasting Test matches from three different countries, whereas 40 years ago you were lucky if the last session of a days play was on television.Despite the drawn match at Sabina Park, theres a greater percentage of results in the modern game. Scoring rates are up, largely influenced by the need for haste in T20 cricket, where sixes soar over shorter boundaries, propelled by booming bats. Theres also less pad play, with the threat of the DRS hanging over batsmens heads like a poised guillotine.The game also keeps regenerating, with stars like Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson stepping out of the shadows of retired masters. At the other end of the pitch, Mitchell Starc, Kagiso Rabada, R Ashwin and Yasir Shah are ensuring that pace and wily spinners continue to be a viable threat in the game.However, if you want a contrast to show how cricket and society have changed drastically, turn the clock back to 1975. It was a scorching summer in England, and perhaps the seasons madness can be blamed on excessive heat.The first indication this summer was different occurred when streaker Michael Angelow painted an amusing picture at Lords in just a pair of sneakers and socks. Having been induced by a bet, he hurdled the stumps at both ends, thankfully (for him) managing to clear the bails comfortably.Legendary broadcaster John Arlott was in the radio booth and I can imagine him describing the aftermath in his distinctive Basingstoke brogue: All in readiness now for the resumption of play… two balls remaining.Where streakers are now slapped with a life ban and hefty fines at many venues, Angelow encountered a judge with a sense of humour. On hearing that Angelow had embarked on his stunt for ￡20, the judge said: Well have that then, and there was no further punishment. Having survived a streaker at Lords, the Australians moved on to Headingley, assuming the madness would abate in the cooler climes of Yorkshire.We were mistaken but not before an enthralling Test match had unfolded over four days. On the penultimate evening, Australia required a further 225 runs with seven wickets in hand and opener Rick McCosker poised on 95, in sight of his first Test century.McCosker was thwarted, not by good bowling but a pitch that was dug up and had oil spilled on it by a London East End protest group, headed by a man named Peter Chappell. The group arranged a series of protests over London cab driver George Davis 20-year gaol sentence for armed robbery.The match was eventually abandoned because the nature of the pitch had been irreversibly changed. The teams then travelled to London for the final Test at The Oval.The night before the Test, my brother Gregs phone rang in his hotel room. A distinctive Cockney accent enquired: Peet-ur Chappell here. Could I get a couple of tickets for the Test match? Unfazed by his namesakes hijinks at Headingley, Greg replied: Peter, Im happy to get you tickets for the Test as long as you promise not to dig up the pitch.Peter kept his end of the bargain but a plain-clothes policeman told me over a drink after play that some copycats had tried to get under the covers and dig up the Oval pitch the previous evening. I then asked if Davis was actually guilty and the policeman explained there was no doubt in his mind. He then added that if Davis was freed, hed soon be back in gaol because he was a recidivist. Sure enough, Davis was set free in 1976 and two years later he was back in gaol after admitting to an armed bank robbery.Ah, the good old days! The 1950s musical comedy about cockney spivs was spot on with the hit song Fings Aint Wot They Used To Be. Puma Shoes Nz Sale . Louis Cardinals. Victorino is batting sixth and playing right field after missing two games because of back tightness. Puma Outlet Store Nz .1 million pounds ($61.2 million) on Saturday, giving the beleaguered English Premier League champions a major lift. http://www.cheappumanz.com/ . With Parker having a quiet game for once, Nicolas Batum and Boris Diaw provided the scoring as France won its first major basketball title by beating Lithuania 80-66 on Sunday. It was a victory that ended a decade of frustration for Parker and a talented French generation, which lost the final against Spain two years ago and took bronze in 2005. Cheap Puma Shoes Nz .S. Open champion Justin Rose birdied the first hole with a blind shot he hit to a foot of the pin, and he stayed in front Tuesday until he completed a 4-under 67 for a two-shot lead over Jason Dufner in PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Buy Puma Shoes Online Nz . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. DENVER -- Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was released from the hospital Sunday night after being carted off the field earlier when a San Diego player ran into him on the sideline.The team said the 69-year-old coach was expected at work Monday.Broncos linebacker Von Miller blocked Chargers running back Melvin Gordon into Phillips during Bradley Robys interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter of Denvers 27-19 win.Gordon upended Phillips, and the back of the coachs head slammed against the ground.Medical personnel surrounded Phillips and, after about five minutes, hee was secured to a backboard and carted off the field.dddddddddddd He pointed his index finger in the air as he was being driven to the locker room.In last seasons playoffs, Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant upended the defensive coordinator, but Phillips popped back up quickly and kept coaching.After Phillips left Sundays game, linebackers coach Reggie Herring took over the defensive play-calling duties.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '