I figured I'd give it a try with the Steam refund policy in the back of my mind. Started a test and was immediately greeted by Hazlewood bowling a couple of overs of dross on Duckett's pads. Started a test v India - Leech's very first ball resulted in the same flick onto the pads we've seen in C22 and caught by the close catcher. Alt+F4'd, refund requested, thank you very much. I feel a little sad, honestly. I've played just about every cricket game since Brian Lara Cricket in 1998 to Cricket 22. I've found fun in all of them in some way shape or form, but in the 2 hours I tried 24 it just felt so... beige. So soulless. I can't really explain it better than that. Old issues immediately coming up felt like such a slap in the face.
Oh well. My personal curiosity has been satisfied so I'll back to playing FC 24, various racing games and waiting for EA WRC. Fingers crossed Cricket 24 improves over time because I really wish for the best for Big Ant.