Fred Basset by Alex Graham for August 12, 2023

He does seem to be fiercely competitive, and that isn’t a bad thing, except whenever you hurt the competition or anyone. Not good sportsmanship.

i’m not sure that is quite “cricket” Fred, though what do Inknow be from the States?

A like because it’s Fred, even though I have no idea what he’s talking about!

What happened to the kind, gentle Fred and family? I don’t like this one.

Now, that’s cricket! (I’m not even a fan. I just remember the Fred Basset ’toon’s of my childhood featured cricket and not baseball).

I’m assuming he’s changed ends in the third panel.

no the perspective has changed from behind the wife and Fred, first panel he is walking back to his mark. No wonder he is hitting the batsmen the pitch looks like an absolute green top.

I have read all the comments—and all the replies—up to now. I still don’t see but a rather general explanation of what is going on in the cartoon. I thank those people, and sincerely. But, then, one day long ago I actually read the entire Wikipedia article on cricket—and was left quite none the wiser. Hopefully someone explains today’s joke yet . .

He seems to like his cricket close to the bone. You definitely don’t want to play the silly positions with him bowling.

Is Fred talking about cricket?

I definitely prefer the newer comics to the older ones.

What is with Mr. Dear lately?

Quite the pitcher, I dare say, Fred’s got it right…

I went to an English public ( private) school on a scholarship (of sorts). I endured cricket. I was short-sighted and cross lateral. I learned three things. 1) Cricket is the Englishman’s answer to Zen Buddhism. The only place in the world where you will hear the sound of one hand clapping. On the knee, the other hand holding a pint. 2) The shortest tongue twister is " Cricket critic" . Try it and say quickly. My copyright for this. 3) Douglas Addams’ “Krikkit Wars” are very funny – to the English and cricket playing nations.

Cricket and think Mr Dears pitches are hitting people