All the world's cricketers walked into a bar. The LOLs, the chatter, and the occasional mini-brawls, they were endless. And the news cycle was never the same again! Welcome to ESPNcricinfo's Social Buzz, your go-to destination for all the bantz, the jousts, and little bit of eavesdropping from the social media playground and beyond.
April 4
Being stuck at home has made people do things they might not have otherwise. Like gardening. Sure, not everyone has the space to go green, but Thisara Perera does, and not only does he look pleased with his handiwork, he wants his team-mates to join the fun too.
what you plant today, you will harvest tomorrow
— Thisara perera (@PereraThisara) April 3, 2020
Thanks @chandi_17 for the #homegardenchallenge nomination . I would like to nominate @upultharanga44 @jeevanmendis @dilshanSD24 @Angelo69Mathews
Join with us to be a part of #foodsustainability of Sri Lanka . pic.twitter.com/pWZFLSs2fD
April 3
Ben Stokes remembers the name
Four years on from that night in Kolkata, Ben Stokes has no problem trying to "remember the name". Much as he might try to forget, his notifications won't let him.
It's that day again...happy 4 year anniversary here's to many more happy year's in the future https://t.co/0MfHwLMhuW
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) April 3, 2020
Nehra's rare triple nutmeg
When the stars... er, legs align and cricketers are housebound, a rare terrestrial event takes place - the triple nutmeg, demonstrated here by Ashish Nehra, who should probably try out for the football team when this lockdown is lifted.
April 2
Dizzy the double-ton savant
When Jason Gillespie weighs in on matters pertaining to double-hundreds, we listen.
They aren't easy to achieve you know.... https://t.co/trDnxFZQ4v
— Jason Gillespie (@dizzy259) April 1, 2020
Mayank Agarwal turns chef
Move over Matthew Hayden, there's a new chef in town. While other cricketers have been braving the shave and training their pets in slip catching, Mayank Agarwal's showing off his cooking skills. Here is he, making quinoa and butter garlic mushrooms with quantities of garlic that would only be appropriate in times of social isolation.
Meet Chef Mayank Agarwal
— BCCI (@BCCI) April 1, 2020
What's opening batsman @mayankcricket upto at home? Culinary skills put to test, Mayank prepares one awesome dish
Full video https://t.co/F07sucyRIf pic.twitter.com/zwLEzXpz2c
Ricky Ponting is watching old videos of his batting
Yes, Ricky Ponting is a mega-nerd, and just like you, he's watching old cricket videos on social media. The only difference is that he gets to be nostalgic about his own awesome skills. This footage is from the 2001-02 Cape Town Test that Australia won by four wickets.
I think this was as excited as I'd been on the field ... and I couldn't have asked for a better ball to hit for six. Thanks Paul https://t.co/yvmPdkWv9S
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) April 1, 2020
April 1
Jos Buttler puts World Cup final shirt up for auction
With the coronavirus pandemic stretching medical staff to the limit, Jos Buttler has decided to auction off his shirt from last year's World Cup final to raise funds for the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust. The shirt is signed by the whole England squad, and the bid stands at over £65,000 ($80,600 US) within 24 hours.
I'm going to be auctioning my World Cup Final shirt to raise funds for the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals charity. Last week they launched an emergency appeal to provide life saving equipment to help those affected during the Covid-19 outbreak. Link to auction in my bio. pic.twitter.com/ODN9JY4pk1
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) March 31, 2020
Hook, line and Saffa
It's April Fools' Day, and while nothing feels particularly funny this year, perhaps this prank on young Marnus Labuschagne will offer you some respite while you're staying away from your mates.
Even Australia's top cricketers can't escape April Fools'.
— The Test (@thetest_amazon) March 31, 2020
Watch #TheTestAmazon only on #AmazonPrimeVideo. pic.twitter.com/iExx0xieUT
Sheldon Jackson offers a helping hand
The coronavirus' rapid spread and the governments' struggle to contain it has shown up the inequalities that exist in our world in a big way. In India, the vulnerabilities of millions of migrant workers came to light when, left without food, water, money or transport once cities went into lockdown mode, they started making the journey back to their villages hundreds of kilometres away on foot. Many in the country debated what should be done with them for breaking the rules of social-distancing even while the migrants deliberated the choice between starvation and infection from a virus.
Saurashtra batsman Sheldon Jackson suggests this is the time to help those who need it.
It takes grace to remain kind, in cruel situations #compassion #NeedyInNeed #Quarantine #21daysLockdownIndia pic.twitter.com/vSrnMmbEsg
— Sheldon Jackson (@ShelJackson27) March 31, 2020
Food XI v Drinks XI
Andy Balbirnie certainly has a well-stocked kitchen and drinks cabinet! The XIs look pretty well-matched, but we reckon the Drinks batsmen will have the best shots.
Food XI v Drink XI pic.twitter.com/gBvjueZrT5
— Andy Balbirnie (@balbo90) March 31, 2020
Stuart Broad on getting pantsed by Joe Root
TFW you're in isolation and miss having your pants pulled down by your team-mate.
March 31
Billings and Warner brave the shave
It's a dilemma facing many of us during lockdowns around the world: what shall I do with my hair? While most are letting it all grow out, Sam Billings has taken the other approach, deciding instead to get rid of the lot, having been challenged to do so in support of National Health Service charities in the UK.
The end result looks better than you might expect - though earned him a comparison with Tottenham Hotspur footballer Eric Dier, courtesy of Billings' England team-mate Tom Banton.
David Warner has also taken the clippers out, and has challenged Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins and Joe Burns to do the same.
Why we love canine slip catchers
You know what's the best part of dogs as fielders? You get the ball back with enough spittle to shine it like a mirror. Betty, we're loving your commitment and enthusiasm.
Betty wanted to have a go too after watching Kane Williamson's beautiful dog Sandy nail that catch. Took Betty a while but she's got her first catch and immediately ran to celebrate pic.twitter.com/yM8lzdvs2e
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) March 30, 2020
March 30
It's time for roof cricket
Cricketers are finding different ways to keep their skills sharp during the self-isolation period.
Sarfaraz Khan has his brothers giving him throwdowns on the roof of their house.
: Sarfaraz Khan
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) March 29, 2020
: His brothers
: His father
: His terrace
Stunned already? Watch it yourself. #SaddaPunjab https://t.co/DCn9xTwSO5 pic.twitter.com/pz6hvJz8bw
Aaron Finch is working on his reflexes.
Pet cordon
After Kane Williamson's dog, Sandy, impressed the world with her catching skills, we might be seeing a new trend.
Neil Wagner bowled to his newborn, Livvie, who edged a fine catch to slip. Nice take, Blake.
Meanwhile, how's our UK editor Andrew Miller's cat, Lola, doing? This time's she got paw on ball.
"Ohh...whoo, wowwee, well what happened there, what happened there?" Tony Lewis brings the insight on another iconic moment of feline skullduggery #CatCricket pic.twitter.com/W1JAi0dpCv
— Andrew Miller (@miller_cricket) March 30, 2020
Missed all the chatter last week? Catch up on it here