Cricket, the epitome of gentility in sports, replete with timeless rivalries, boisterous crowds, and, of course, the delightful banter that never fails to tickle our funny bone. Gone are the days of poker-faced stares and tense silences; the players, it turns out, possess a remarkable talent for humor, though they once kept it hidden behind the locker room doors.
Then along came Twitter and Instagram, crashing onto the scene like a cricket ball demolishing the stumps. No longer were the cricketers confined to being subjects of journalists; they could now be their own storytellers, and the locker room banter became our daily dose of amusement. Among this assembly of jesters, one name reigns supreme: New Zealand’s very own Jimmy Neesham.
1. The Ode to Kane Williamson
“Sorry guys I didn’t really want to do that but it’s my job so I kinda had to.” pic.twitter.com/HvbIfuuftI
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) December 4, 2020
When Kane Williamson unleashed a breathtaking innings of 251 against the West Indies, the world erupted in cheers, akin to a Beatles reunion. But Neesham had different plans. He promptly snapped a photograph of the star batsman and playfully captioned it: “Sorry guys, I didn’t really want to do that, but it’s my job so I kinda had to.” Cue the collective chuckles and guffaws. Was he secretly envious of his captain’s glory, or was it just a playful wink? We may never truly fathom, but his wit certainly captured the hearts of the Twitterati.
2. Aakash Chopra’s Humbling
Averaging 18.5 striking at 90 doesn’t win many matches either 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/qNmotRL0WT
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) October 3, 2020
Imagine this scenario: Aakash Chopra, the seasoned cricketer turned commentator, taking to YouTube to critique Neesham’s performance, asserting that he’s “not really a match-winner” and advocating for Mujeeb ur Rahman instead. The Twitter-savvy Neesham wasn’t having any of it. He fired back with a retort: “Averaging 18.5 and striking at 90 doesn’t win many matches either 😂😂😂😂.” Ouch! With that sharp comeback, he not only defended his honor but also turned Chopra into the day’s prime target for roasting.
3. World Cup: The Tragic Comedy
Next on the agenda: Better binoculars for the Ice spotters on the Titanic https://t.co/nwUp4Ks3Mp
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) October 14, 2019
Ah, the 2019 World Cup, a painful memory still fresh in the hearts of many New Zealanders. When the ICC decided to amend the super-over rule, you could bet Neesham had a response ready. He quipped, “Next on the agenda: Better binoculars for the Ice spotters on the Titanic.” A sublime blend of tragedy and humor. Drawing a parallel between the last-minute rule change and the futile efforts on the Titanic was nothing short of Twitter gold. It was a moment that left us torn between laughter and tears, and Neesham nailed it perfectly.
Jimmy Neesham is a breath of fresh air, piercing through the rehearsed speeches and politically correct statements that athletes often find themselves mired in. And my, is he hilarious! So, as you navigate Twitter’s labyrinthine corridors in search of a nugget of humor, remember that Neesham has got you covered. In the realm of 140 characters, he’s truly batting a century.