On Australia Day, the Socceroos gave their nation one of the greatest football gifts she could hope for: a place in the Asian Cup final.
Australia humiliated Uzbekistan 6-0 at Khalifa Stadium, Qatar, to qualify for their first major tournament decider since the 1997 Confederations Cup.
Harry Kewell opened the scoring before Sasa Ognenovski, David Carney, Brett Emerton, Carl Valeri and Robbie Kruse completed the demolition.
There was a satisfying synchronicity on the scoresheet - Kewell played in the Confederations Cup showpiece of a sporting generation ago, while Kruise was making just his second appearance in national colours.
One went to Europe before he could legally drive a car or drink a beer. The other is still plying his trade in our resurrected domestic league.
They represent the journey the sport has made Down Under over what has felt like both a lifetime and a moment.
Gone are the days when the men in green and gold could wistfully dream of winning silverware on the world stage - they will return to the same venue on Sunday with the nation's inaugural continental title one game away.
While the territory will be new, awaiting them will be an old enemy: Japan, who defeated South Korea on penalties in the other semi-final.
Australia owe Japan one on this stage - the Blue Samurai ended their maiden Asian Cup voyage in the quarter-finals four years ago.
But the three-time Asian champions also have scars that need the soothing balm only glory can provide - they were the first team to lose to Australia at a World Cup.
Asia's two best teams, doing battle for the continent's biggest prize. The stakes couldn't be higher.
Japan will be looking to reclaim the trophy they deemed their own after tournament victories in 2000 and 2004.
Australia have the chance to erase, once and for all, all the heartbreak that has bedevilled the world game on this continent.
Think of the 32 years we spent in the World Cup wilderness. The decline and fall of the old NSL. The embarrassment of being bundled out of the 2007 Asian Cup after starting as arrogant, underprepared favourites. Being thrashed by Germany in South Africa. The last-gasp loss to Italy four years earlier. Obtaining one vote to host the 2022 World Cup.
Even the Confederations Cup final of 14 years ago even ended in tears, thanks to a 6-0 hiding from Brazil.
Before joining and hopefully soon conquering Asia, Australia's moments of triumph were farcical - as part of the Oceania Confederation, they ran up cricket scores against the likes of American Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.
All the bitterness, all the misery, all the sham triumphs can all be washed away, with one victory.
Australia has already forged its reputation on football's most diverse continent - the Matildas are the reigning women's champions and the under 19s only lost their decider in the last, but one, minute of extra time.
Which will it be for Holger Osieck's men?
If yesterday's performance was any indication, it will be glory.
Australia didn't just defeat the Uzbeks, they crushed them. Just as Spain, Germany, Brazil and Argentina would crush an inferior opponent.
Once upon a time, we were the roadkill. Now, we are the juggernaut.
Soon, we could be the champions.
Advance Australia Fair.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
My Favourite Sportspeople - Ian Healy
Tests: 119 matches, 4356 runs at 27.39, 100s 4, 50s 22, HS 161*, catches 366, stumpings 29.
ODIs: 168 matches, 1764 runs at 21.00, 100s 0, 50s 4, HS 56, catches 194, stumpings 39.
Australia Day is an appropriate day to pay tribute to my favourite sportsperson of all time - long-time Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy, who was as proud an Aussie I have seen.
Heals, simply put, was the greatest wicketkeeper I saw pull on a baggy green cap. Others say Adam Gilchrist was the best wicketkeeper-batsman of all time (with the emphasis on batsman), and more than one of Healy's contemporaries said Pommie Jack Russell or Victorian Darren Berry were better behind the sticks.
While I respect their judgment, there is no one I would rather watch do his thing - in any sport, anywhere, anytime - than Ian Healy.
Allow me a slight tangent - cricket means a lot to me. It was the only sport I played to anything resembling a decent level and surprise, surprise, it was as a wicketkeeper.
Needless to say, Healy's exploits in 119 Tests and 168 ODIs were a source of awe, pride, joy and shame for me.
Shame, you say? Was it the infamous run-in with portly Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga at the SCG in 1996 (the words "unfit c---" may have been involved)? No way. Perhaps it was a blow-up with Windies opener Desmond Haynes back in 1991? Not a chance. What about a botched stumping that still cost Brian Lara his wicket in the first Test of the 1992-93 series? I couldn't care less. Surely it was another missed stumping, one that lost Australia the first Test of an away series in Pakistan in 1994. Nope.
It was that I was never going to be as good as him, no matter how hard I tried.
When I was playing, I didn't want to be like Ian Healy. I wanted to be him. It was like an itch I couldn't scratch. A thirst I couldn't quench. The sinking, awful feeling of failure and futility that couldn't be exorcised.
Countless were the times over 19 years playing cricket that coaches, team-mates, onlookers and even opponents tried to console me after making a mistake with the gloves.
As comforting as their words were, they couldn't shake the thought that monopolised my mind.
"Ian Healy wouldn't have missed/dropped/fumbled that."
It hurt. Watching a bloke do unheard of things behind the stumps (anyone remember his legside stumping of Mark Butcher off Michael Bevan in the 1997 Ashes?) then go out and dishonour him by committing routine errors was torture.
... that I was 14 at the time wasn't the point. It never would be.
Unrealistic? Of course. Unhealthy? Psychologists would say so.
But I digress.
Healy was described by a far greater writer than me - Greg Baum from the Age - as a palpable force behind the stumps. Therein lies my admiration for him. Usually the nicest thing said about keepers is that they are only noticed when they don't make mistakes. Healy was one of the pillars of Australia's climb from easybeats to the very summit of world cricket. He would 'take' wickets by himself.
The Butcher stumping mentioned above was one of many that Healy completed to the likes of Bevan, Stuart MacGill, Tim May and Shane Warne. There were some real good ones - down the legside, on the half-volley, on the full and only after seeing the ball at the very last moment. All to balls scuttling at uncertain heights and angles out of heavy footmarks. If you have never kept wickets in your life, the previous sentence would have meant little. If you have, it would mean the world.
Healy's catches to the slowies were pretty special too - in the 1997 Ashes he dived behind himself to snare one after the ball was cut into his knee.
Funnily enough, his brilliance up to the pegs was so routine that it one standing back that really sticks in my mind.
In Adelaide in 1997 he caught a South African after the Saffer left his bat sticking up like a periscope while ducking a bouncer. The ball took an unexpected and wicked deflection and Heals dived down the legside to bag it. Brilliant. Genius. Impossible.
Diving in front of first slip to catch one that wouldn't have quite carried was his specialty. All reports indicate that he claimed one like that in his very first Test, against Pakistan in 1988. Same thing in a rematch at the MCG a year later. Plenty after that as McDermott, Hughes, Reid, McGrath and Gillespie starting running through the world's batting line-ups.
I haven't written a word about his batting - Monet could probably write sonnets too, but what's the point? Okay, I'll indulge you. There was a six to win a Test match against the Saffers and Test tons against England (twice), New Zealand and the West Indies. The latter came as calls for him to be dropped started. Performing under pressure.
His most just reward came in Pakistan in 1998 - the country where he performed his most galling error when he broke the world record for dismissals in Test cricket. Although it wasn't a measure of greatness per se, it was a well deserved honour for the most-overlooked players in cricket.
It wasn't just his skill that I loved - it was that he was a fighter with a tremendous work ethic. He was plucked from Queensland obscurity to play Test cricket because of his never-say-die character. He amazed team-mates by going to dilapidated squash courts, hotel car parks and even lane ways to practice his golf ball drill.
Ah, the golf ball. Sitting on the desk where I am writing are two scarred, shredded golf balls. Guess how they got so pockmarked and worn? Trying to be like Ian Healy, using Ian Healy's methods. Stand on a flat surface, with a brick wall near by. Bounce said ball off said wall, practicing your footwork and hand movements. Become the best in the world. The best in history.
I tried. I loved every minute of it. But I just couldn't do it.
Healy was durable. Although he retired with hands that looked like someone had smashed in with a sledgehammer, he missed one Test match through injury. Amazing. His autobiographies (both of which I own) are littered with stories of shaking off the pain of a broken finger to play in a Test match the next day.
You try it. Break one of your fingers, then go see if you can catch a cricket ball travelling at somewhere near 140km/h for the best part of five days on end. It's torture.
As mentioned, Healy was a fighter. I outlined some of his most notorious incidents earlier. In short, he helped Australia add a hard edge to their game after years in the doldrums. And Arjuna was a fat c---.
Proud Aussie? Absolutely. Heals held for a long time an honour that is almost as big as the captaincy - leading the team in its famous victory song, 'Beneath the Southern Cross I stand'. Word has it Healy lived for these celebrations after famous wins - think the 1989 Ashes, the 1995 Frank Worrell Trophy and a heap of other series.
In the modest success I enjoyed during my beyond mediocre cricket career, I subscribed to the same 'play hard, party hard' mentality. Big wins were to be savoured, big drinks were to be consumed.
There was one fleeting, incredible moment where I had a chance to feel the same thing Healy felt through most of his career.
It was in my last full season. We were playing a team that was not in contention for the finals, while we needed an outright. A batsman who was on track to win the competition batting average was putting up some dogged resistance. The deck was flat and lifeless and precious minutes were slipping away.
Our captain - a slightly cranky, medium-fast bowler - insisted I come up to the stumps to his offerings to build pressure and keep the left-hander in his crease.
I hated standing up to even the most gentle of medium pacers - my inability to replicate Healy had my confidence shot. Nevertheless, I trudged up and did some neat work.
After a few overs, skipper sent one down the legside to the leftie. Slightly panicked, I moved to the legside, legs low and strong, just like Heals.
SNICK
A leg glance only got as far as my gloves (with Brad Haddin signature - SWERVE!) and stuck.
A miracle.
While my team-mates mobbed me, hugged me, showered me with kisses (we were close) only one thought went through my mind.
"Ian Healy wouldn't have got to that one."
ODIs: 168 matches, 1764 runs at 21.00, 100s 0, 50s 4, HS 56, catches 194, stumpings 39.
Australia Day is an appropriate day to pay tribute to my favourite sportsperson of all time - long-time Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy, who was as proud an Aussie I have seen.
Heals, simply put, was the greatest wicketkeeper I saw pull on a baggy green cap. Others say Adam Gilchrist was the best wicketkeeper-batsman of all time (with the emphasis on batsman), and more than one of Healy's contemporaries said Pommie Jack Russell or Victorian Darren Berry were better behind the sticks.
While I respect their judgment, there is no one I would rather watch do his thing - in any sport, anywhere, anytime - than Ian Healy.
Allow me a slight tangent - cricket means a lot to me. It was the only sport I played to anything resembling a decent level and surprise, surprise, it was as a wicketkeeper.
Needless to say, Healy's exploits in 119 Tests and 168 ODIs were a source of awe, pride, joy and shame for me.
Shame, you say? Was it the infamous run-in with portly Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga at the SCG in 1996 (the words "unfit c---" may have been involved)? No way. Perhaps it was a blow-up with Windies opener Desmond Haynes back in 1991? Not a chance. What about a botched stumping that still cost Brian Lara his wicket in the first Test of the 1992-93 series? I couldn't care less. Surely it was another missed stumping, one that lost Australia the first Test of an away series in Pakistan in 1994. Nope.
It was that I was never going to be as good as him, no matter how hard I tried.
When I was playing, I didn't want to be like Ian Healy. I wanted to be him. It was like an itch I couldn't scratch. A thirst I couldn't quench. The sinking, awful feeling of failure and futility that couldn't be exorcised.
Countless were the times over 19 years playing cricket that coaches, team-mates, onlookers and even opponents tried to console me after making a mistake with the gloves.
As comforting as their words were, they couldn't shake the thought that monopolised my mind.
"Ian Healy wouldn't have missed/dropped/fumbled that."
It hurt. Watching a bloke do unheard of things behind the stumps (anyone remember his legside stumping of Mark Butcher off Michael Bevan in the 1997 Ashes?) then go out and dishonour him by committing routine errors was torture.
... that I was 14 at the time wasn't the point. It never would be.
Unrealistic? Of course. Unhealthy? Psychologists would say so.
But I digress.
Healy was described by a far greater writer than me - Greg Baum from the Age - as a palpable force behind the stumps. Therein lies my admiration for him. Usually the nicest thing said about keepers is that they are only noticed when they don't make mistakes. Healy was one of the pillars of Australia's climb from easybeats to the very summit of world cricket. He would 'take' wickets by himself.
The Butcher stumping mentioned above was one of many that Healy completed to the likes of Bevan, Stuart MacGill, Tim May and Shane Warne. There were some real good ones - down the legside, on the half-volley, on the full and only after seeing the ball at the very last moment. All to balls scuttling at uncertain heights and angles out of heavy footmarks. If you have never kept wickets in your life, the previous sentence would have meant little. If you have, it would mean the world.
Healy's catches to the slowies were pretty special too - in the 1997 Ashes he dived behind himself to snare one after the ball was cut into his knee.
Funnily enough, his brilliance up to the pegs was so routine that it one standing back that really sticks in my mind.
In Adelaide in 1997 he caught a South African after the Saffer left his bat sticking up like a periscope while ducking a bouncer. The ball took an unexpected and wicked deflection and Heals dived down the legside to bag it. Brilliant. Genius. Impossible.
Diving in front of first slip to catch one that wouldn't have quite carried was his specialty. All reports indicate that he claimed one like that in his very first Test, against Pakistan in 1988. Same thing in a rematch at the MCG a year later. Plenty after that as McDermott, Hughes, Reid, McGrath and Gillespie starting running through the world's batting line-ups.
I haven't written a word about his batting - Monet could probably write sonnets too, but what's the point? Okay, I'll indulge you. There was a six to win a Test match against the Saffers and Test tons against England (twice), New Zealand and the West Indies. The latter came as calls for him to be dropped started. Performing under pressure.
His most just reward came in Pakistan in 1998 - the country where he performed his most galling error when he broke the world record for dismissals in Test cricket. Although it wasn't a measure of greatness per se, it was a well deserved honour for the most-overlooked players in cricket.
It wasn't just his skill that I loved - it was that he was a fighter with a tremendous work ethic. He was plucked from Queensland obscurity to play Test cricket because of his never-say-die character. He amazed team-mates by going to dilapidated squash courts, hotel car parks and even lane ways to practice his golf ball drill.
Ah, the golf ball. Sitting on the desk where I am writing are two scarred, shredded golf balls. Guess how they got so pockmarked and worn? Trying to be like Ian Healy, using Ian Healy's methods. Stand on a flat surface, with a brick wall near by. Bounce said ball off said wall, practicing your footwork and hand movements. Become the best in the world. The best in history.
I tried. I loved every minute of it. But I just couldn't do it.
Healy was durable. Although he retired with hands that looked like someone had smashed in with a sledgehammer, he missed one Test match through injury. Amazing. His autobiographies (both of which I own) are littered with stories of shaking off the pain of a broken finger to play in a Test match the next day.
You try it. Break one of your fingers, then go see if you can catch a cricket ball travelling at somewhere near 140km/h for the best part of five days on end. It's torture.
As mentioned, Healy was a fighter. I outlined some of his most notorious incidents earlier. In short, he helped Australia add a hard edge to their game after years in the doldrums. And Arjuna was a fat c---.
Proud Aussie? Absolutely. Heals held for a long time an honour that is almost as big as the captaincy - leading the team in its famous victory song, 'Beneath the Southern Cross I stand'. Word has it Healy lived for these celebrations after famous wins - think the 1989 Ashes, the 1995 Frank Worrell Trophy and a heap of other series.
In the modest success I enjoyed during my beyond mediocre cricket career, I subscribed to the same 'play hard, party hard' mentality. Big wins were to be savoured, big drinks were to be consumed.
There was one fleeting, incredible moment where I had a chance to feel the same thing Healy felt through most of his career.
It was in my last full season. We were playing a team that was not in contention for the finals, while we needed an outright. A batsman who was on track to win the competition batting average was putting up some dogged resistance. The deck was flat and lifeless and precious minutes were slipping away.
Our captain - a slightly cranky, medium-fast bowler - insisted I come up to the stumps to his offerings to build pressure and keep the left-hander in his crease.
I hated standing up to even the most gentle of medium pacers - my inability to replicate Healy had my confidence shot. Nevertheless, I trudged up and did some neat work.
After a few overs, skipper sent one down the legside to the leftie. Slightly panicked, I moved to the legside, legs low and strong, just like Heals.
SNICK
A leg glance only got as far as my gloves (with Brad Haddin signature - SWERVE!) and stuck.
A miracle.
While my team-mates mobbed me, hugged me, showered me with kisses (we were close) only one thought went through my mind.
"Ian Healy wouldn't have got to that one."
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Old School - ODI
Australia v South Africa
World Series Cup Final Game Two
SCG, 1998
Historical context: Possibly the game that led to Australia winning the 1999 World Cup. Yeah, yeah, two corresponding games at the actual tournament had a little bit to do with it, but if Australia lost back in 1998 things could have been VERY different come the real thing.
1997-1998 was the first home season Australia had a specialist one-day team - Test captain Mark Taylor was jettisoned in favour of Steve Waugh andCricket Jesus Ian Healy made way for a young wicketkeeper-bat Adam Gilchrist - mark that name, you may see a little bit more of it during this entry.
However, things were not rosy: the hosts had failed to defeat South Africa during the preliminary round - which also featured New Zealand - and dropped the first final to the Saffers. Waugh, apparently wilting under the pressure of captaincy, had made a string of single-figure scores. The man on the street and the media were begging for the return of at least Healy.
If Australia had lost this game - and the trophy - maybe Waugh would have lost the captaincy less than six months after he got it. Then, maybe we wouldn't have seen Tugga's immortal ton in the 1999 World Cup Super Sixes and 50 in the tied semi-final.
Fortunately, they didn't lose.
I arrived a bit late for this one from my proper job - when I turned on the TV who was taking strike but cricket's best (worst?) match fixer, South African skipper Hansie Cronje. He duly smacks Tom Moody over deep midwicket. Bookies haven't been on the phone today, I guess.
Ian Harvey - son of disgruntled former Invincibles rent-a-quote Neil Harvey - bowls at the other end. The best Ian Chappell can can say about his offerings is "mixed up". I'll write it in plainer terms - he was shite.
At the other end - Paul Wilson. F*ck me.
Boof Lehmann offers some left-arm tweakers. Good bloke, old Darren.
Warnie is still rocking the 1993-style step cut. No yeah yeah ... yet.
Rod Marsh is commentating - wow. He says Cronje looks embarrassed to get 50. I wonder why??
Jonty Rhodes - the most honest man in cricket - combined with Cronje for a big stand. As breathtaking as his fielding was he was boring at the crease, even in highlights.
Moody has a bit of a nightmare spell on the boundary - he dogs a catch, then lets one go for four between his legs, THEN misjudges a catch.
Finally, Long Tom catches Rhodes off Warnie, with a chorus of boos ringing in his ears.
The ground looks funny with no ropes around it.
Cronje launches a six onto the roof of the O'Reilly stand. Jury is still out on whether the fix is in. Bill Lawry breaks out the old telestrator to show the trajectory. Not as good as the crazy graphics they have these days.
Finally, Cronje holes out to Bevan off Warne for 73. Maybe he had an exotic on himself making less than 75? Would have been a handy collect.
Shaun Pollock replaces his captain and tries to sweep Paul Reiffel. Plumb.
Pat Symcox - a mediocre spinner, even worse as a sledger - is next man in. He had a whole roast chook thrown at him during the Australian summer. Mouthy bastard probably deserved it.
The Proteas (GREAT nickname, by the way - a flower ... VERY intimidating) finish on 6/228.
Richie Benaud's on the screen, looking very dapper in the off white - or is it bone? Or eggshell? Or beige? Or ivory? - jacket.
Gilchrist in his second ODI as Australian opener. His highest score to this point is 77. He starts smoking EVERYTHING. Mark Waugh joins the party. Australia off to a flier.
Waugh plays a glorious shot through extra cover. Smashed it. Then he chops on. Shit.
Ricky Ponting is in at three. Seth Efricen Tony Grieg claims Ian Harvey was a chance to bat at three. Shenanigans.
Dave Richardson is wearing some fugly brown keeping gloves. Allan Donald on to bowl. Pretty quick. Gilly greets him by thrashing him through mid-off.
Brian McMillian - featuring a 'business at the front, party at the back' haircut - he gets drilled by Punter.
Donald has pulled an ass muscle. Shenanigans. I reckon Hansie told his most dangerous bowler to get the f*ck off the ground because he has a game to fix. Or Donald doesn't fancy copping more stick off Gilchrist.
The immortal Darryl Cullinan is on to bowl some pies. Gilly takes at least 20 off his first over. Hmmmmm.
Gilchrist was public enemy No 1 when he replaced Heals in the one day team. He was booed onto the ground or this dig. Now they're chanting his name.
Symcox has a whinge when he has a LBW shout against Gilchrist turned down on 96. Whinge, whinge, f*cking whinge.
Gilchrist brings up his ton with a gay little dab down to third man. Kinda in conflict with the general mood of his knock.
He is dismissed when McMillian bowls him for 104 off 100 balls. Top knock. Maybe made his career. Australia need only 53 runs off a heap of balls.
Harvey is in at four. Wh--at?
Punter is trapped in front by Kluesner for 47. 3/184.
Boof is in. Starts by launching Kluesner through cover for four.
Australia need 19 off 66 balls. Hansie brings himself on to bowl. I am certain he had another exotic on Australia winning inside 42 overs.
Four byes by Richardson helps thebookmakers' Aussie cause. Then Harvey edges one for four ... to give Australia victory by eight wickets ... in 41.5 overs.
I'm guessing Hansie got some cash out of that one.
Australia went on to win the third final and the tournament, perpetuating a history of South African chokes in big events after dominating the preliminary stages. The 1996 World Cup, a 1997 ODI series against Australia on the veldt and some random tournament in India come to mind.
Regardless of whether he made this ton or not, Gilchrist would have eventually come through the ranks - but maybe not as quickly. Also, Steve Waugh may very well have been dumped as skipper if Australia lost. That could have robbed Australia of one of the best periods of its cricketing history.
World Series Cup Final Game Two
SCG, 1998
Historical context: Possibly the game that led to Australia winning the 1999 World Cup. Yeah, yeah, two corresponding games at the actual tournament had a little bit to do with it, but if Australia lost back in 1998 things could have been VERY different come the real thing.
1997-1998 was the first home season Australia had a specialist one-day team - Test captain Mark Taylor was jettisoned in favour of Steve Waugh and
However, things were not rosy: the hosts had failed to defeat South Africa during the preliminary round - which also featured New Zealand - and dropped the first final to the Saffers. Waugh, apparently wilting under the pressure of captaincy, had made a string of single-figure scores. The man on the street and the media were begging for the return of at least Healy.
If Australia had lost this game - and the trophy - maybe Waugh would have lost the captaincy less than six months after he got it. Then, maybe we wouldn't have seen Tugga's immortal ton in the 1999 World Cup Super Sixes and 50 in the tied semi-final.
Fortunately, they didn't lose.
I arrived a bit late for this one from my proper job - when I turned on the TV who was taking strike but cricket's best (worst?) match fixer, South African skipper Hansie Cronje. He duly smacks Tom Moody over deep midwicket. Bookies haven't been on the phone today, I guess.
Ian Harvey - son of disgruntled former Invincibles rent-a-quote Neil Harvey - bowls at the other end. The best Ian Chappell can can say about his offerings is "mixed up". I'll write it in plainer terms - he was shite.
At the other end - Paul Wilson. F*ck me.
Boof Lehmann offers some left-arm tweakers. Good bloke, old Darren.
Warnie is still rocking the 1993-style step cut. No yeah yeah ... yet.
Rod Marsh is commentating - wow. He says Cronje looks embarrassed to get 50. I wonder why??
Jonty Rhodes - the most honest man in cricket - combined with Cronje for a big stand. As breathtaking as his fielding was he was boring at the crease, even in highlights.
Moody has a bit of a nightmare spell on the boundary - he dogs a catch, then lets one go for four between his legs, THEN misjudges a catch.
Finally, Long Tom catches Rhodes off Warnie, with a chorus of boos ringing in his ears.
The ground looks funny with no ropes around it.
Cronje launches a six onto the roof of the O'Reilly stand. Jury is still out on whether the fix is in. Bill Lawry breaks out the old telestrator to show the trajectory. Not as good as the crazy graphics they have these days.
Finally, Cronje holes out to Bevan off Warne for 73. Maybe he had an exotic on himself making less than 75? Would have been a handy collect.
Shaun Pollock replaces his captain and tries to sweep Paul Reiffel. Plumb.
Pat Symcox - a mediocre spinner, even worse as a sledger - is next man in. He had a whole roast chook thrown at him during the Australian summer. Mouthy bastard probably deserved it.
The Proteas (GREAT nickname, by the way - a flower ... VERY intimidating) finish on 6/228.
Richie Benaud's on the screen, looking very dapper in the off white - or is it bone? Or eggshell? Or beige? Or ivory? - jacket.
Gilchrist in his second ODI as Australian opener. His highest score to this point is 77. He starts smoking EVERYTHING. Mark Waugh joins the party. Australia off to a flier.
Waugh plays a glorious shot through extra cover. Smashed it. Then he chops on. Shit.
Ricky Ponting is in at three. Seth Efricen Tony Grieg claims Ian Harvey was a chance to bat at three. Shenanigans.
Dave Richardson is wearing some fugly brown keeping gloves. Allan Donald on to bowl. Pretty quick. Gilly greets him by thrashing him through mid-off.
Brian McMillian - featuring a 'business at the front, party at the back' haircut - he gets drilled by Punter.
Donald has pulled an ass muscle. Shenanigans. I reckon Hansie told his most dangerous bowler to get the f*ck off the ground because he has a game to fix. Or Donald doesn't fancy copping more stick off Gilchrist.
The immortal Darryl Cullinan is on to bowl some pies. Gilly takes at least 20 off his first over. Hmmmmm.
Gilchrist was public enemy No 1 when he replaced Heals in the one day team. He was booed onto the ground or this dig. Now they're chanting his name.
Symcox has a whinge when he has a LBW shout against Gilchrist turned down on 96. Whinge, whinge, f*cking whinge.
Gilchrist brings up his ton with a gay little dab down to third man. Kinda in conflict with the general mood of his knock.
He is dismissed when McMillian bowls him for 104 off 100 balls. Top knock. Maybe made his career. Australia need only 53 runs off a heap of balls.
Harvey is in at four. Wh--at?
Punter is trapped in front by Kluesner for 47. 3/184.
Boof is in. Starts by launching Kluesner through cover for four.
Australia need 19 off 66 balls. Hansie brings himself on to bowl. I am certain he had another exotic on Australia winning inside 42 overs.
Four byes by Richardson helps the
I'm guessing Hansie got some cash out of that one.
Australia went on to win the third final and the tournament, perpetuating a history of South African chokes in big events after dominating the preliminary stages. The 1996 World Cup, a 1997 ODI series against Australia on the veldt and some random tournament in India come to mind.
Regardless of whether he made this ton or not, Gilchrist would have eventually come through the ranks - but maybe not as quickly. Also, Steve Waugh may very well have been dumped as skipper if Australia lost. That could have robbed Australia of one of the best periods of its cricketing history.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday's Random Thoughts
Australia won't sweep England in the ridiculously bloated seven-game ODI series ... Sharapova's out of the tennis? At least that nice Danish girl is still in ... Who are going to knock off Brisbane in the A-League finals? ... Hopefully Melbourne Victory are charged with harbouring a fugitive after Muscat's sickening tackle ... Wouldn't mind seeing them miss the finals, too ... Australia Day is coming - cue hordes of drunken teens wearing the flag as a cape ... The knives are well and truly out for Michael Clarke ... Baiting journos via twitter isn't the most mature response ... Great knock by Dave Hussey last night, but can he do any more than play a grafting sort of innings at that level ... Wollongong need to start winning in the NBL, now ... There were some mumbles at work today that Shawn Redhage's injury should have happened to Brad Robbins ... Man United are going to win the EPL ... Cronulla's $300 million plan to convert the swamps around their ground into shops and apartments smacks of the failed Oasis development ... I have a sinking feeling Newcastle's wastefulness over the past eight days will cost them in the EPL ... Australia will win the Asian Cup ... The Roosters have been prudent in shopping Braith Anasta ... Everyone has a use-by date ... Green Bay and Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl? Cool.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Muscat
I just saw Kevin Muscat's tackle on Adrian Zahra in Melbourne Derby III ... Ouch.
Melbourne Victory are my least favourite A-League club by far - all because of that Vinnie Jones wannabe and his constant thuggish antics.
I hope the FFA give Muscat a long enough suspension that he has to start planning for life after football.
Melbourne Victory are my least favourite A-League club by far - all because of that Vinnie Jones wannabe and his constant thuggish antics.
I hope the FFA give Muscat a long enough suspension that he has to start planning for life after football.
Catching up ...
After going to two shows at the Sydney Festival, I managed to get back in time to see Harry Kewell's last-gasp winner against Iraq. Awesome.
Is there anything better than feeling 116 minutes of frustration and trepidation wash away with one massive, memorable moment? Of course there is, but it was still pretty cool. Sure beats a penalty shoot-out.
Australia will face Uzbekistan in the semi-final for a spot in the Asian Cup decider.
Don't write off the Uzbeks - I had them pegged to make the semis before the tournament started and they have been a tough opposition in the past.
But with Brett Emerton to return from suspension and everyone but Jason Culina healthy, I really like our chances.
In the EPL, my beloved Toon conceded in injury time to butcher a second win in as many starts.
This time, the thieves in the nights were Spurs. It wasn't as painful as last week's calamity against the filthy Mackem scum, but it still grates.
Six points from six instead of two would have been invaluable this time of year in a very congested table.
I haven't written much about the Australian Open tennis. In the immortal words of Pat Rafter, "sorry mate".
As I wrote in Monday's Random Thoughts, the only match of week one I cared about was Hewitt v Nalbandian.
We all know how that ended - a heartbreaking five-set loss to the Aussie. Then some stuff happened.
Bernard Tomic booked a date with World No 1 Rafael Nadal - and lost in straight sets.
However, the 18-year-old only lost the second set 7-5 after nearly going up three service breaks. Oh well. His time will come ... I hope.
In the women's draw, Sam Stosur lost the first set of her round three match in a tie-break, then the plot, on her way to an early exit.
This was a major bummer for the nation's tennis fans - while we were hopeful Hewitt or Tomic could make some noise, Stosur was a legitimate threat.
Is there anything better than feeling 116 minutes of frustration and trepidation wash away with one massive, memorable moment? Of course there is, but it was still pretty cool. Sure beats a penalty shoot-out.
Australia will face Uzbekistan in the semi-final for a spot in the Asian Cup decider.
Don't write off the Uzbeks - I had them pegged to make the semis before the tournament started and they have been a tough opposition in the past.
But with Brett Emerton to return from suspension and everyone but Jason Culina healthy, I really like our chances.
In the EPL, my beloved Toon conceded in injury time to butcher a second win in as many starts.
This time, the thieves in the nights were Spurs. It wasn't as painful as last week's calamity against the filthy Mackem scum, but it still grates.
Six points from six instead of two would have been invaluable this time of year in a very congested table.
I haven't written much about the Australian Open tennis. In the immortal words of Pat Rafter, "sorry mate".
As I wrote in Monday's Random Thoughts, the only match of week one I cared about was Hewitt v Nalbandian.
We all know how that ended - a heartbreaking five-set loss to the Aussie. Then some stuff happened.
Bernard Tomic booked a date with World No 1 Rafael Nadal - and lost in straight sets.
However, the 18-year-old only lost the second set 7-5 after nearly going up three service breaks. Oh well. His time will come ... I hope.
In the women's draw, Sam Stosur lost the first set of her round three match in a tie-break, then the plot, on her way to an early exit.
This was a major bummer for the nation's tennis fans - while we were hopeful Hewitt or Tomic could make some noise, Stosur was a legitimate threat.
Word of the Week
"This bloke can/could play a bit"
Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's a phrase, not a word, I know. Frankly I'm overstimulated from too much sport, two odd shows at the Sydney Festival (yeah, I try to have interests outside sport) and the prospect of KFC for dinner (hate the commercials, love the grease).
This phrase isn't my original - I'm certain other people have said it at other times in other contests, but I like to use it here on this blog.
Simply put, it is a term of admiration. If I write something like 'X can play a bit' rest assured X was one of the best I saw in their chosen sport. Definitely in the top five.
There is one reason I like using it - this blog is all about superlatives and pumping things up as much as possible, but this phrase is so delightfully understated.
It is a rare moment of literary restraint from yours truly as my industry becomes more shrill.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's a phrase, not a word, I know. Frankly I'm overstimulated from too much sport, two odd shows at the Sydney Festival (yeah, I try to have interests outside sport) and the prospect of KFC for dinner (hate the commercials, love the grease).
This phrase isn't my original - I'm certain other people have said it at other times in other contests, but I like to use it here on this blog.
Simply put, it is a term of admiration. If I write something like 'X can play a bit' rest assured X was one of the best I saw in their chosen sport. Definitely in the top five.
There is one reason I like using it - this blog is all about superlatives and pumping things up as much as possible, but this phrase is so delightfully understated.
It is a rare moment of literary restraint from yours truly as my industry becomes more shrill.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
The Good: Australia's ODI win over England in Hobart. Shaun Marsh, who will replace Mike Hussey in the World Cup squad if the latter isn't fit, made a gutsy ton.
Australia defended a moderate total - albeit in helpful conditions - to continue gathering momentum before the World Cup.
Doug Bollinger produced a devastating early burst with the ball, while Brett Lee and Shane Watson looked good.
Injuries to the luckless Nathan Hauritz (shoulder) and Shaun Tait (groin) are a big worry though.
The Bad: Wollongong losing to NBL archrivals Sydney. The Kings snapped a franchise-worst 14-game losing streak, while the visiting Hawks dropped their sixth straight contest.
Although Wollongong were missing Glen Saville and Larry Davidson, losing against a team that hadn't won since round one was an opportunity lost, especially with a play-off spot slowly slipping away.
The Ugly: Adelaide United 8, North Queensland Fury 1. Record books will have to be rewritten after the hosts humiliated the embattled Townsville outfit.
The Fury, part of the FFA's much-ballyhooed expansion, are weeks away from folding unless their community gets behind them with cold, hard cash.
This result - an A-League record - won't help. I didn't see enough of the game to pass judgment on how the Fury are performing, but to concede eight is pretty damn sad.
It is clear that the players and coaching staff have their minds elsewhere - their club is at death's door, some are marking time til contracts elsewhere kick in and all are worried about their careers.
It's all so depressing that I'm going to watch Anchorman to cheer up.
Australia defended a moderate total - albeit in helpful conditions - to continue gathering momentum before the World Cup.
Doug Bollinger produced a devastating early burst with the ball, while Brett Lee and Shane Watson looked good.
Injuries to the luckless Nathan Hauritz (shoulder) and Shaun Tait (groin) are a big worry though.
The Bad: Wollongong losing to NBL archrivals Sydney. The Kings snapped a franchise-worst 14-game losing streak, while the visiting Hawks dropped their sixth straight contest.
Although Wollongong were missing Glen Saville and Larry Davidson, losing against a team that hadn't won since round one was an opportunity lost, especially with a play-off spot slowly slipping away.
The Ugly: Adelaide United 8, North Queensland Fury 1. Record books will have to be rewritten after the hosts humiliated the embattled Townsville outfit.
The Fury, part of the FFA's much-ballyhooed expansion, are weeks away from folding unless their community gets behind them with cold, hard cash.
This result - an A-League record - won't help. I didn't see enough of the game to pass judgment on how the Fury are performing, but to concede eight is pretty damn sad.
It is clear that the players and coaching staff have their minds elsewhere - their club is at death's door, some are marking time til contracts elsewhere kick in and all are worried about their careers.
It's all so depressing that I'm going to watch Anchorman to cheer up.
World According to Me - Michael Clarke
It's been a shit week for Michael Clarke. Scratch that - a shit month. No, no, wait - a shit season.
He struggled to hit the ball off the square during the Ashes. He had his first Test as skipper, which ended in an innings defeat. He retired from T20 cricket after said series to concentrate on the five-day format. He was then pilloried for a pedestrian effort in the first ODI v England. He caught heat from Cricket Australia brass for attending a charity function on the morning of the Boxing Day Test. He copped a serve from Joe Public for getting on the piss the night before the Melbourne Test ended in another innings defeat.
And now comes the most galling dagger of what has been an annus horribilis - having his batting technique criticised by a 17-year-old who plays fourth grade in Geelong.
It went down on Thursday when Daniel Brew gatecrashed the stand-in captain's pre-match press conference.
After sneaking past security and sitting among the press pack for nine minutes, the Bob Simpson-wannabe piped up and asked a question many cricket tragics were wondering about Australia's former golden boy.
"I've noticed something Michael, you're pushing at the ball too much. What are you going to do about that?"
Clarke started with a beaming smile and tried to deal with the surprise inquiry in good-natured fashion.
"I'm pushing at the ball too much? You should be a batting coach.What do you think I should do about it?"
The response was devastating in its simplicity.
''Play in front of your nose and under your eyes and not be reaching for it too much''.
The CA media guy - the same who penned a press release claiming that Nathan Hauritz's record in India was excellent when the World Cup squad was named - ended the all-in immediately. Spoilsport.
Emboldened, Brew had another chip at Clarke when he was batting in the nets later on.
"He asked him (Clarke) if he could borrow his bat because he wasn't using it. I told him off for that and made him apologise," Brew's dad said.
The whole incident would be funnier if it didn't reflect a major shortcoming in Australian cricket at the moment - the lack of technique at the top level.
Think Phil Hughes during the Ashes. Steve Smith every day. Clarke this season. Ricky Ponting has long been a candidate to getting out "on the walk" early on in his innings.
All were abject failures as the far more competent England bats stamped Australia flat during the Ashes.
I wonder if after Brew-ha-ha that the Australian batting coach - former Test great Justin Langer - sidled over and told Clarke "the kid's right, you know"?
I bloody well hope so.
He struggled to hit the ball off the square during the Ashes. He had his first Test as skipper, which ended in an innings defeat. He retired from T20 cricket after said series to concentrate on the five-day format. He was then pilloried for a pedestrian effort in the first ODI v England. He caught heat from Cricket Australia brass for attending a charity function on the morning of the Boxing Day Test. He copped a serve from Joe Public for getting on the piss the night before the Melbourne Test ended in another innings defeat.
And now comes the most galling dagger of what has been an annus horribilis - having his batting technique criticised by a 17-year-old who plays fourth grade in Geelong.
It went down on Thursday when Daniel Brew gatecrashed the stand-in captain's pre-match press conference.
After sneaking past security and sitting among the press pack for nine minutes, the Bob Simpson-wannabe piped up and asked a question many cricket tragics were wondering about Australia's former golden boy.
"I've noticed something Michael, you're pushing at the ball too much. What are you going to do about that?"
Clarke started with a beaming smile and tried to deal with the surprise inquiry in good-natured fashion.
"I'm pushing at the ball too much? You should be a batting coach.What do you think I should do about it?"
The response was devastating in its simplicity.
''Play in front of your nose and under your eyes and not be reaching for it too much''.
The CA media guy - the same who penned a press release claiming that Nathan Hauritz's record in India was excellent when the World Cup squad was named - ended the all-in immediately. Spoilsport.
Emboldened, Brew had another chip at Clarke when he was batting in the nets later on.
"He asked him (Clarke) if he could borrow his bat because he wasn't using it. I told him off for that and made him apologise," Brew's dad said.
The whole incident would be funnier if it didn't reflect a major shortcoming in Australian cricket at the moment - the lack of technique at the top level.
Think Phil Hughes during the Ashes. Steve Smith every day. Clarke this season. Ricky Ponting has long been a candidate to getting out "on the walk" early on in his innings.
All were abject failures as the far more competent England bats stamped Australia flat during the Ashes.
I wonder if after Brew-ha-ha that the Australian batting coach - former Test great Justin Langer - sidled over and told Clarke "the kid's right, you know"?
I bloody well hope so.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
My Favourite Sportspeople
I spend a lot of time being negative on this blog – and in my proper, food-on-the-table job. It’s the nature of the beast to pick at what’s wrong. Conflict makes a better story – admit it, you know it does.
But there are some people even I, a world-weary, slightly cynical sports reporter won’t tear down. Heroes. People who helped start and continue my love affair with sports – they captured my imagination, made me believe not in them, but myself.
They come from around the world, play team or individual or team sports – sometimes two, or more.
Some had their finest moments at the Olympic Games, others World Championships, others in events that float by without being noticed by the majority of the world.
Some finished wowing crowds and dominating rivals years ago, others are just starting out.
Their common denominator – I love watching them in action. Love talking about them. Love thinking about them.
Oh, one warning – I’m only going to write about people who have been doing their thing in my lifetime. I don’t feel well informed enough to pass judgment on stars from the 1970s and earlier. I wasn’t around.
These guys and girls won’t appear in any particular order – if I think of one, I’ll write them up. Check it out every Wednesday. I’ll just try to keep from doing people from the same sport in consecutive weeks. No promises, but.
Michael Jordan
Sport: Basketball
Date of birth February 17, 1963
Place of birth: Brooklyn, USA
Listed height 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) Listed weight 215 lb (98 kg)
Pro career 1984–2003
Surprise, surprise … I start with arguably the world’s most famous athlete, ever.
The only one who can legitimately claim he has His Airness covered is Muhammad Ali and that would be by not much.
There’s not much I can write about Jordan that someone with more time, more qualifications and more ability to argue a case has already done somewhere else.
However, I can tell you why I love this guy – I was born in 1983, just over a year after Jordan hit the game-winning jumper in the 1982 NCAA Championship game against Georgetown. That makes me 27. Which means in 1993, I was in Year 5 at primary school.
The Australian sporting landscape of 1993 was far different from it is today – cricket was the ONLY summer sport while all four football codes scratched and clawed for attention during the winter.
But that year and for a couple either side, they were all playing for second, because BASKETBALL was king.
That’s not to see I’m some zealot who hates the football codes – in fact, I love ‘em.
Let me tangentize (yes, I know it’s not a word) for a moment – my favourite sporting team in the world is the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, the only sport I played with anything resembling ability was cricket and the majority of my money comes from reporting on football. But basketball has a special place in my heart and that’s because of none other than Jordan.
Without Jordan, basketball would have never obtained the popularity it did Down Under – Australia was the NBA’s biggest overseas market, EVERYONE had basketball cards, our national league games were on in primetime in front of sold-out crowds and there were at least two games from the States on every weekend.
Bliss for a sports-mad youth looking for something new. And all because of MJ.
When Jordan pulled the pin after winning the first of two career three-peats with the Chicago Bulls in 1993, it was the beginning of the end of basketball’s hold on the public imagination here. They guy was everywhere – Nike ads, Gatorade, God knows how many other products. His #23 Bulls jersey everywhere. Some of the marks couldn’t name the guy who wore #33 next to him. Oops … promised I wasn’t going to be negative here, didn’t I?
Back then, if you turned on a TV, Jordan was there. Picked up a magazine? Jordan. He was voted the most popular athlete in Australia shortly before his retirement. A bloke that we could see do his thing once a week, late at night, on tape delay.
And … it was enough. Every week he was out there, battling the Knicks or the Hornets (everyone’s second favourite team) or whoever. And winning. A real-life Batman.
It wasn’t just the results – it was the method. The unbelievable up-and-under lay-up against the Lakers in the 1991 finals. Six threes in a half against Portland 12 months later. Showing Charles Barkley who was the real MVP in 1993.
Sheer strength of will. He bent the game to his wishes like no other in any sport
The scariest thing? The 7-15 year-olds worshipping Jordan knew nothing of point scoring binges of the 1980s, the battles with the Bad Boys from Detroit or Larry Bird’s Celtics. Or The Shot. Or the 69 points in the Boston Gah-den.
However, disaster struck – Jordan, mourning the death of father, retired and went to play minor league baseball.
Basketball’s mini-Dark Age had come.
Jordan was to baseball what I was to my relatively low level of cricket – enthusiastic, serious, dedicated … but mediocre.
After whiffing fastballs and booting grounders - and with baseball in a lengthy lockout – on March 18, 1995 Jordan announced his long-awaited return with a two-word press release. “I’m back.”
Nothing more needed to be said. People on every continent knew what it meant.
The comeback wasn’t an instant success – Orlando bundled Chicago out of the play-offs in the second round.
In 1995-96, the Bulls, rejuvenated by a fully fit Jordan and new face Dennis Rodman (there will be a post on him soon, trust me), went on to a 72-10 record – better than anything ever achieved in NBA – before winning the club's fourth championship.
Two more seasons, two more titles – the last clinched with what was thought to be Jordan’s final shot in pro ball against the Utah Jazz.
A legacy was complete – 30.1 ppg career scoring average, six rings, five MVPs, six Finals MVPs and every individual honour except sixth man of the year and most improved. He even won the defensive player of the year award in 1988 – almost unheard of for a guard.
That’s without mentioning two Olympic Gold Medals, three All-Star game MVPs, a pair of dunk contest wins and 10 scoring titles.
And the adoration of millions of kids just like me worldwide. Chicago were never my favourite team – as I established in an earlier post, I’m a Lakers man. But I never, ever complained when Jordan was on TV – even if he was whipping my boys.
After some time out of the game, less than a fortnight after September 11, 2001, Jordan did what he always did for the US – and indeed, the world – gave hope. He suited up again ... with the Washington Wizards.
Wh-aaaat?
It’s true, it’s true. It looked funny, felt odd, but Jordan wasn’t that bad. It’s just that he couldn’t bend games to his will the way he did in his prime. He was solid and indeed, whipped some young bucks. After two seasons he hung ‘em up for good.
Since leaving the game, Jordan has had some nasty incidents – a paternity suit, divorce, a Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech some read as nasty and bragging.
I don’t care about that stuff. Couldn’t give a damn. The reason I’m writing about him was his heroics, not his personal shortcomings. We have them all. We are all human.
Although, seeing #23 in action sometimes, it made me wonder if we all were human.
Oh ...
Seems South Korea didn't get a fifth goal against India. That means Australia top Group C.
The Socceroos should play either Iraq, North Korea or the UAE in the quarter-finals.
Well done, Fox Sports commentators, who told filthy lies about a fifth Korean goal.
The Socceroos should play either Iraq, North Korea or the UAE in the quarter-finals.
Well done, Fox Sports commentators, who told filthy lies about a fifth Korean goal.
Australia 1 : 0 Bahrain
They have to win to qualify. All we have to do is avoid defeat. That can be a dangerous situation, because plans can become muddled. They have a clear objective, we can take one of two paths. Glad to hear the coach saying he wants a win.
It looks like there is 15 people there. And it's raining. Not the weather you'd associate with the Middle East.
Australia is full strength, except for Wilkshire, Carney and Culina. Matt McKay at left back, Jade North on the right, Valeri in the guts.
Australia had two early chances - Emerton hooked one right while Cahill was forced wide with the keeper way off his line.
It is really teeming down - it's bizarre. I've watched my fair share of football over there and I've never seen it rain like this.
Bahrain fancy McKay - he is not a natural full back by any measure. Bring back Chippers!
South Korea are already 2-O up v India. Its only been 10 minutes.
Both coaches are rocking baseball caps - funny as.
India scored against South Korea - kinda wish I was watching that game.
Australia is lacking precision with the ball. Defence looks a bit shaky too. I have a nasty, sinking feeling.
Bahrain are really testing McKay. If they get something, it will be from there. 15 mins gone. Bahrain on points.
We are missing Culina - he starts things out of defence and is the team's best passer.
Cahill sprays one wide off a cheap turnover. If our midfield loses the battle, we are in real trouble.
25 gone. South Korea are up 3-1. Kewell and Holman botched a give-and-go in promising position.
Nothing here, yet. Kewell handball. Luckily, it was in their penalty area.
Jedinak flashes one over from range. Would have been a nicer one than he got against Korea.
Bahrain hit the post from a real tight angle. Kewell saved. Holman nipped in and stole it, then teed him up. Good stop. The cliche I was looking for was the game has come alive. I beat the TV commentator to it by 30-odd seconds.
Kewell plays in Holman, but the shot has no venom. 35 gone.
Jedinak puts us ahead! Unbelievable strike. Pumped it across his body from long, long range into the opposite corner. Keeper had no chance.
Now Australia have a free kick in handy range. Jedinak again ... Almost the same result. Keeper had to tip it around.
Mood has changed - Australia were looking shaky but the wondergoal has flattened the Gulf State.
Emerton got a silly yellow - he will be suspended for the quarter-final. Pity. He has been one of our best this tournament.
Possession split is 62-38. Guess I should spend more time watching, less time writing.
Halftime. 1-0 here, 3-1 in South Korea's game. If it stays like that, Australia top the group on goal difference. South Korea need another two without us scoring again to vault to the top. Australia can't put the cue in the rack.
Shit. Lleyton Hewitt lost to Nalbandian 9-7 in the fifth set. He should have wrapped it up in the fourth.
The crowd has increased to 20. Holman tries a repeat of his goal from the World Cup. Didn't work.
Great save by Schwarzer from distance. We are lucky to have him. If we had a suspect keeper, we would be in trouble.
Cahill heads wide after a big mistake from the far-more-suspect Bahrain keeper. Both were probably entitled to do better.
Bahraini Jaycee John blasts one wide from good position. Hmmm. I imagine he doesn't have any relos in his national team.
Tim Cahill has tracked back to his own penalty area. Fair indication of how under the pump Australia is right now. 60 gone.
Bahrain have earned a heap of corners, but are wasting them. Australia's turn. Guys in red deal with it okay.
Kewell has a penalty shout turned down. At the other end, only Schwarzer's legs save Australia.
Australia really need a goal. Another Bahrain corner. They botched it. Socceroos are really under the pump.
Fortunately for them, the opposition lack the cutting edge in the front third. Another cliche I beat the TV commentator to buy a minute.
I have a headache. I want this game to end. 20 to go. Well-timed tackle by Ogenovski - if he got it wrong, penalty.
No changes yet ... that says something about Osieck's lack of faith in the fringe players.
Scott McDonald? Really? I don't think a change up top is the solution ... for one, Australia have barely been out of their half. The midfield is the drama. Harry Kewell is the one dragged.
The crowd announcer claims there is nearly 4000 people there. Shenanigans.
Neil Kilkenny is on for Jade North. Emmo drops to right back, newcomer into the midfield.
Bahrain now have the edge on possession ... that is how much they have dominated the second half. Still 3-1 in the other game. 10 mins to go.
Now South Korea get their fourth. Australia are still on top of the group, if not the match.
Five to go. Holman just shoved an opponent. Handbags afterward. Holman gets booked. He wasn't carrying a yellow in, so he's sweet for the next game.
Two minutes left ... Holger wants to put on Robbie Kruse but the fourth official's pen isn't working. Funny as.
Cahill's down with what looks like a cork. F*ck that noise, Jack. Cahill off for Kruse.
Four minutes injury time. It will feel like four years.
South Korea get a fifth. Mass confusion about who is top of the group.
Full time. 1-0. Rubbish second half from us - that sort of effort in the quarters will kill us.
Australia missed Culina big time - they turned over too much ball.
Emerton out for the knock-out phase will sting and Wilkshire will probably have to slot in there.
They need Carney back too - McKay did his best, but he isn't a fullback.
Still awaiting confirmation of the group winner - I suspect South Korea will be, because they scored one more goal v Bahrain. My headache is bad and I have to be up for work in five hours. Look it up yourself.
It looks like there is 15 people there. And it's raining. Not the weather you'd associate with the Middle East.
Australia is full strength, except for Wilkshire, Carney and Culina. Matt McKay at left back, Jade North on the right, Valeri in the guts.
Australia had two early chances - Emerton hooked one right while Cahill was forced wide with the keeper way off his line.
It is really teeming down - it's bizarre. I've watched my fair share of football over there and I've never seen it rain like this.
Bahrain fancy McKay - he is not a natural full back by any measure. Bring back Chippers!
South Korea are already 2-O up v India. Its only been 10 minutes.
Both coaches are rocking baseball caps - funny as.
India scored against South Korea - kinda wish I was watching that game.
Australia is lacking precision with the ball. Defence looks a bit shaky too. I have a nasty, sinking feeling.
Bahrain are really testing McKay. If they get something, it will be from there. 15 mins gone. Bahrain on points.
We are missing Culina - he starts things out of defence and is the team's best passer.
Cahill sprays one wide off a cheap turnover. If our midfield loses the battle, we are in real trouble.
25 gone. South Korea are up 3-1. Kewell and Holman botched a give-and-go in promising position.
Nothing here, yet. Kewell handball. Luckily, it was in their penalty area.
Jedinak flashes one over from range. Would have been a nicer one than he got against Korea.
Bahrain hit the post from a real tight angle. Kewell saved. Holman nipped in and stole it, then teed him up. Good stop. The cliche I was looking for was the game has come alive. I beat the TV commentator to it by 30-odd seconds.
Kewell plays in Holman, but the shot has no venom. 35 gone.
Jedinak puts us ahead! Unbelievable strike. Pumped it across his body from long, long range into the opposite corner. Keeper had no chance.
Now Australia have a free kick in handy range. Jedinak again ... Almost the same result. Keeper had to tip it around.
Mood has changed - Australia were looking shaky but the wondergoal has flattened the Gulf State.
Emerton got a silly yellow - he will be suspended for the quarter-final. Pity. He has been one of our best this tournament.
Possession split is 62-38. Guess I should spend more time watching, less time writing.
Halftime. 1-0 here, 3-1 in South Korea's game. If it stays like that, Australia top the group on goal difference. South Korea need another two without us scoring again to vault to the top. Australia can't put the cue in the rack.
Shit. Lleyton Hewitt lost to Nalbandian 9-7 in the fifth set. He should have wrapped it up in the fourth.
The crowd has increased to 20. Holman tries a repeat of his goal from the World Cup. Didn't work.
Great save by Schwarzer from distance. We are lucky to have him. If we had a suspect keeper, we would be in trouble.
Cahill heads wide after a big mistake from the far-more-suspect Bahrain keeper. Both were probably entitled to do better.
Bahraini Jaycee John blasts one wide from good position. Hmmm. I imagine he doesn't have any relos in his national team.
Tim Cahill has tracked back to his own penalty area. Fair indication of how under the pump Australia is right now. 60 gone.
Bahrain have earned a heap of corners, but are wasting them. Australia's turn. Guys in red deal with it okay.
Kewell has a penalty shout turned down. At the other end, only Schwarzer's legs save Australia.
Australia really need a goal. Another Bahrain corner. They botched it. Socceroos are really under the pump.
Fortunately for them, the opposition lack the cutting edge in the front third. Another cliche I beat the TV commentator to buy a minute.
I have a headache. I want this game to end. 20 to go. Well-timed tackle by Ogenovski - if he got it wrong, penalty.
No changes yet ... that says something about Osieck's lack of faith in the fringe players.
Scott McDonald? Really? I don't think a change up top is the solution ... for one, Australia have barely been out of their half. The midfield is the drama. Harry Kewell is the one dragged.
The crowd announcer claims there is nearly 4000 people there. Shenanigans.
Neil Kilkenny is on for Jade North. Emmo drops to right back, newcomer into the midfield.
Bahrain now have the edge on possession ... that is how much they have dominated the second half. Still 3-1 in the other game. 10 mins to go.
Now South Korea get their fourth. Australia are still on top of the group, if not the match.
Five to go. Holman just shoved an opponent. Handbags afterward. Holman gets booked. He wasn't carrying a yellow in, so he's sweet for the next game.
Two minutes left ... Holger wants to put on Robbie Kruse but the fourth official's pen isn't working. Funny as.
Cahill's down with what looks like a cork. F*ck that noise, Jack. Cahill off for Kruse.
Four minutes injury time. It will feel like four years.
South Korea get a fifth. Mass confusion about who is top of the group.
Full time. 1-0. Rubbish second half from us - that sort of effort in the quarters will kill us.
Australia missed Culina big time - they turned over too much ball.
Emerton out for the knock-out phase will sting and Wilkshire will probably have to slot in there.
They need Carney back too - McKay did his best, but he isn't a fullback.
Still awaiting confirmation of the group winner - I suspect South Korea will be, because they scored one more goal v Bahrain. My headache is bad and I have to be up for work in five hours. Look it up yourself.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Old School - ODI
With Fox Sports running so much old school cricket, football and league, it would be remiss of me to not devote a little time to strolling down memory lane. Tonight, we head back to 1993 to see Australia host New Zealand in a one-day game.
Australia V New Zealand ODI
1993
MCG
Historical Context: Australia were rightfully regarded as the best ODI team in the world but clashes against the Kiwis were low-key compared with the first South African tour since the black-and-white era.
Australia v Bahrain in the Asian Cup starts in 30 minutes so I'm cutting it fine.
Ah, the Allan Border book is in the set for Richie's intro. I have that.
Australia won the toss - Matty Hayden is opening with Taylor. Not for long though. The MCG outfield looks like junk. Mark Waugh at three? Where the hell is Dean Jones?
Tubby Taylor looks funny in yellow. I had one of those lightning bolt shirts too. They used to go for $50, because they were a bonds polo with paint on them.
I fancy myself a bit of a cricket historian, but I have no idea who Richard de Groen is. He got Mark Waugh out, but.
Tubby's 50 is off 'only' 92 balls, according to Tony Grieg. I had to laugh at that. Expectations were low back then.
Steve Waugh is referred to as an all-rounder ... Now THAT is old school. Scary to think he was still playing 10 years later.
The NZ team includes luminaries such as Gary Larsen, Chris Pringle, Shane Thomson and Tony Blain. Not quite as legendary as Allan Border, who is Australia's captain.
Tugga retired hurt with a hammie. Bugger. Heals replaces him. AB run out off last ball. 5-202.
Billy McDermott takes the new ball. Rod Latham is opening for NZ. Who? Ken Rutherford replaces Bryan Young, who is out second ball.
Paul Reiffell is having a bowl. Some smartarse said I looked like him at high school. Mark Waugh gets a wicket with seam-up stuff. Truly, this is old school.
Mark Greatbatch is in. He always looked like a cockhead. Heals makes an awesome stumping off Warnie. See ya, Ken.
Bizarre to see them playing in colours, but with no numbers on the back.
Heals catches Chris Cairns off Warne. I was in Year 6 at school around this time and the step cut Warnie was rocking was all the rage.
Greatbatch proves he is a cockhead by mouthing off at AB after being trapped in front by Warne. Tell your story walking, muppet.
Blain waddles back into obscurity after being caught. Larsen tries to sweep a Mark Waugh yorker. These guys are rubbish.
Chris Pringle is in but Thompson lets him down by skying Billy to AB. Boonie runs out someone.
Danny Morrison - who was good, but a Kiwi - should have been run out, but Billy knocks the bails off without the ball.
With his side needing six off the last ball, he faces up baseball style. Nutter. Underarm reference by bitter old man Richard Hadlee. We win.
Australia V New Zealand ODI
1993
MCG
Historical Context: Australia were rightfully regarded as the best ODI team in the world but clashes against the Kiwis were low-key compared with the first South African tour since the black-and-white era.
Australia v Bahrain in the Asian Cup starts in 30 minutes so I'm cutting it fine.
Ah, the Allan Border book is in the set for Richie's intro. I have that.
Australia won the toss - Matty Hayden is opening with Taylor. Not for long though. The MCG outfield looks like junk. Mark Waugh at three? Where the hell is Dean Jones?
Tubby Taylor looks funny in yellow. I had one of those lightning bolt shirts too. They used to go for $50, because they were a bonds polo with paint on them.
I fancy myself a bit of a cricket historian, but I have no idea who Richard de Groen is. He got Mark Waugh out, but.
Tubby's 50 is off 'only' 92 balls, according to Tony Grieg. I had to laugh at that. Expectations were low back then.
Steve Waugh is referred to as an all-rounder ... Now THAT is old school. Scary to think he was still playing 10 years later.
The NZ team includes luminaries such as Gary Larsen, Chris Pringle, Shane Thomson and Tony Blain. Not quite as legendary as Allan Border, who is Australia's captain.
Tugga retired hurt with a hammie. Bugger. Heals replaces him. AB run out off last ball. 5-202.
Billy McDermott takes the new ball. Rod Latham is opening for NZ. Who? Ken Rutherford replaces Bryan Young, who is out second ball.
Paul Reiffell is having a bowl. Some smartarse said I looked like him at high school. Mark Waugh gets a wicket with seam-up stuff. Truly, this is old school.
Mark Greatbatch is in. He always looked like a cockhead. Heals makes an awesome stumping off Warnie. See ya, Ken.
Bizarre to see them playing in colours, but with no numbers on the back.
Heals catches Chris Cairns off Warne. I was in Year 6 at school around this time and the step cut Warnie was rocking was all the rage.
Greatbatch proves he is a cockhead by mouthing off at AB after being trapped in front by Warne. Tell your story walking, muppet.
Blain waddles back into obscurity after being caught. Larsen tries to sweep a Mark Waugh yorker. These guys are rubbish.
Chris Pringle is in but Thompson lets him down by skying Billy to AB. Boonie runs out someone.
Danny Morrison - who was good, but a Kiwi - should have been run out, but Billy knocks the bails off without the ball.
With his side needing six off the last ball, he faces up baseball style. Nutter. Underarm reference by bitter old man Richard Hadlee. We win.
Old school - ODI
With Fox Sports running so much old school cricket, football and league, it would be remiss of me to not devote a little time to strolling down memory lane.
Australia V West Indies ODI
1997
The Gabba
Historical Context: Australia had just climbed to No 1 in the Test rankings and lost the World Cup final. However, they were going off the boil in the short form of the game and would eventually miss the finals of the World Series Cup for the first time since 1979-80. That hastened the exit of Test skipper Mark Taylor and long-time keeper Ian Healy from the limited overs set-up.
Australia won the toss and batted, but were only 46 after 12 overs - a slow start by today's standards.
Taylor was at the start of the form slump that had him one innings away from being dropped and cuts a widish one to the keeper. 26 off 52.
Stuart Law in at first drop. The West Indies attack had Walsh, Ambrose and Bishop, so they weren't pie chuckers.
100 up in 23 overs. Waugh's 50 off 62 balls. We never got to appreciate how good a player he was because of his brother. Junior was never Australia's best bat, but he was consistent and made it look easy.
150 up in the 39th over - a snail's pace in the T20 era. Law has passed 50. Waugh brings his ton up with a gorgeous cover drive. Law caught off a no-ball. Curtly is unimpressed.
Diabolical run-out - Law hit one straight at Walsh and Waugh was left stranded.
Steve Waugh in at four. This bloke could play a bit.
Curtly is bowling no-balls for fun. Law is taking full advantage. Then he manages to run another Waugh out. Damn. 6 off 8 for Tugga.
How weird are those Commonwealth Bank ads? Film noir?
Michael Bevan - probably our greatest one-day player ever - in at five. Try running him out, Law.
250 up in 45th over. Wow. They are going pretty quick. Brian Lara takes a great catch at backward point - see ya, Stu. Well batted.
Greg Blewett in at six. Swipes Walsh for six. Top shot. This guy should have done so much more at international level.
Bevan is a fair dinkum rabbit between the wickets. It would drive me mad fielding against him.
Australia finish with 4/281. That'll take some chasing.
The little boxes ad referenced in another post is for the Uni of New England. I wouldn't go there.
Richie Benaud! Feels like years since I saw him on my TV screen.
Sherwin Campbell and Junior Murray open the batting. Anthony Stuart the bowling. Wow. For the best team in the world, we have some randoms. Andy Bichel at the other end. This, this is our new ball attack? McGrath must be injured and Gillespie not yet a ODI player.
Campbell caught by Heals. Awesome.
Lara is in. This bloke could play a bit. First ball on drive for three. Hmmm.
Four byes. Heals didn't make mistakes. It's a lie. Lara just slapped Stuart through extra cover for four. Sick shot.
Tom Moody catches Murray in the outfield. Moods was still playing two years later and it felt like he had been around for 30 years.
Carl Hooper joins Lara, who drills Stuart again. Twice. Uh oh.
Bichel goes the journey back over his head. Moody into the attack. Short answer: didn't work.
Security guard drops a six. Boos from the drunken Gabba rabble. Concentrate on Lara, fools.
The Prince of Trinidad brings up his 50 before Hooper gets in on the act.
Finally ... Warnie. Last time I saw him bowl, it was to Hugh Jackman. The West Indies are treating him with respect. Stuart drops Lara off Warne. Shit. That's gonna cost us. Another catch falls between three guys.
Hooper launches Bevan into the stands. Bevo was a handy bowler. Mad wrong 'un. Sneaks it past Lara, but stumping appeal turned down.
Steve Waugh bowling. That stopped pretty quick when he became captain. Law dropped Lara. We. Are. Boned.
Lara brings up his ton. Batted, guy. Everyone talks about Tendulkar, but I would rather watch this guy. I can't anymore tonight because he has been caught off Stuart. About 80 runs too late.
Jimmy Adams in now. Hooper has taken over. I've only just noticed the Ansett logos everywhere. Hahaha.
Warnie back on. Hooper nearly holes out to Bevan. Then brings up his ton. Hooper was an enigma - always looked cool, but I don't remember him ever playing a Lara-style knock.
Windies need just seven off two overs. Adams slashes a four off Moody. Hooper finishes it with a four.
On this night, it was fielding, not batting, that sunk Australia. Dropping Lara three times was always gonna make things tricky. Hooper got man of the match after outscoring Lara by eight.
Australia V West Indies ODI
1997
The Gabba
Historical Context: Australia had just climbed to No 1 in the Test rankings and lost the World Cup final. However, they were going off the boil in the short form of the game and would eventually miss the finals of the World Series Cup for the first time since 1979-80. That hastened the exit of Test skipper Mark Taylor and long-time keeper Ian Healy from the limited overs set-up.
Australia won the toss and batted, but were only 46 after 12 overs - a slow start by today's standards.
Taylor was at the start of the form slump that had him one innings away from being dropped and cuts a widish one to the keeper. 26 off 52.
Stuart Law in at first drop. The West Indies attack had Walsh, Ambrose and Bishop, so they weren't pie chuckers.
100 up in 23 overs. Waugh's 50 off 62 balls. We never got to appreciate how good a player he was because of his brother. Junior was never Australia's best bat, but he was consistent and made it look easy.
150 up in the 39th over - a snail's pace in the T20 era. Law has passed 50. Waugh brings his ton up with a gorgeous cover drive. Law caught off a no-ball. Curtly is unimpressed.
Diabolical run-out - Law hit one straight at Walsh and Waugh was left stranded.
Steve Waugh in at four. This bloke could play a bit.
Curtly is bowling no-balls for fun. Law is taking full advantage. Then he manages to run another Waugh out. Damn. 6 off 8 for Tugga.
How weird are those Commonwealth Bank ads? Film noir?
Michael Bevan - probably our greatest one-day player ever - in at five. Try running him out, Law.
250 up in 45th over. Wow. They are going pretty quick. Brian Lara takes a great catch at backward point - see ya, Stu. Well batted.
Greg Blewett in at six. Swipes Walsh for six. Top shot. This guy should have done so much more at international level.
Bevan is a fair dinkum rabbit between the wickets. It would drive me mad fielding against him.
Australia finish with 4/281. That'll take some chasing.
The little boxes ad referenced in another post is for the Uni of New England. I wouldn't go there.
Richie Benaud! Feels like years since I saw him on my TV screen.
Sherwin Campbell and Junior Murray open the batting. Anthony Stuart the bowling. Wow. For the best team in the world, we have some randoms. Andy Bichel at the other end. This, this is our new ball attack? McGrath must be injured and Gillespie not yet a ODI player.
Campbell caught by Heals. Awesome.
Lara is in. This bloke could play a bit. First ball on drive for three. Hmmm.
Four byes. Heals didn't make mistakes. It's a lie. Lara just slapped Stuart through extra cover for four. Sick shot.
Tom Moody catches Murray in the outfield. Moods was still playing two years later and it felt like he had been around for 30 years.
Carl Hooper joins Lara, who drills Stuart again. Twice. Uh oh.
Bichel goes the journey back over his head. Moody into the attack. Short answer: didn't work.
Security guard drops a six. Boos from the drunken Gabba rabble. Concentrate on Lara, fools.
The Prince of Trinidad brings up his 50 before Hooper gets in on the act.
Finally ... Warnie. Last time I saw him bowl, it was to Hugh Jackman. The West Indies are treating him with respect. Stuart drops Lara off Warne. Shit. That's gonna cost us. Another catch falls between three guys.
Hooper launches Bevan into the stands. Bevo was a handy bowler. Mad wrong 'un. Sneaks it past Lara, but stumping appeal turned down.
Steve Waugh bowling. That stopped pretty quick when he became captain. Law dropped Lara. We. Are. Boned.
Lara brings up his ton. Batted, guy. Everyone talks about Tendulkar, but I would rather watch this guy. I can't anymore tonight because he has been caught off Stuart. About 80 runs too late.
Jimmy Adams in now. Hooper has taken over. I've only just noticed the Ansett logos everywhere. Hahaha.
Warnie back on. Hooper nearly holes out to Bevan. Then brings up his ton. Hooper was an enigma - always looked cool, but I don't remember him ever playing a Lara-style knock.
Windies need just seven off two overs. Adams slashes a four off Moody. Hooper finishes it with a four.
On this night, it was fielding, not batting, that sunk Australia. Dropping Lara three times was always gonna make things tricky. Hooper got man of the match after outscoring Lara by eight.
14 of 15 ain't bad ...
Australia named the 15-man squad that will try to win a fourth consecutive World Cup today.
My squad was: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
The actual squad is: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
My squad was: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
The actual squad is: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
Monday, January 17, 2011
One guy who won't be going to the World Cup is ...
Brad Hodge.
Only the mention of Michael Clarke's name draws a more passionate response from Australian cricket fans.
Australia's 15-man squad for the World Cup will be named on Wednesday - I already nominated my side (see Australia's World Cup Team) - and Hodge won't be in it.
With the nation's cricketing fortunes in the toilet, plenty of pundits have called for the Victorian to return to the national team as soon as possible.
Hodge has averaged 494 runs at 82.33 in domestic one-day contests this year - figures which have the likes of Matt Hayden and Rodney Hogg screaming the 36-year-old's case for inclusion.
However, the selection panel seems to have marked Hodge's card a long time ago.
Hodge was included in the 30-man preliminary squad, but couldn't get a spot in the Twenty20 contests or the first ODI.
Ironically, some have called for Hodge to replace Clarke, who is held in so much esteem by the selectors that he will captain Australia throughout the England series with regular skipper Ricky Ponting on the sidelines.
Clarke has had a horror summer - so much that he retired from T20 cricket to concentrate on his poor Test form.
However, the notion that the current captain of the ODI side and future full-time Test skipper would be left out for a guy who is decidedly on the nose with the men who matter is laughable.
It's bad luck - Hodge averaged 75 at the last World Cup and only seems to be getting better with age. He has been the best short-form batsman in domestic cricket for years.
All after being dropped hot on the heels of a Test double-century.
No wonder Hayden called him the hard luck story of Australian cricket.
I think one of the problems is the positions Hodge would be most effective in - three, four or five - are occupied.
Ponting will remain at first drop in the pajama game, no matter what his Test future holds.
Clarke - the golden boy - has been a fixture at second drop for years.
Hodge's Victorian team-mate, Cameron White, has handled batting five with aplomb.
Some would argue there is a case for Hodge to open the innings. Fair enough.
But who would tell Shane Watson he needs to drop down the order? Not me. He's been Australia's best bat this summer. And he won the first ODI off his own bat.
The other slot will go to whoever gets the nod as wicketkeeper - Brad Haddin or Tim Paine. Both are capable enough to play as specialist bats and will open to make room for Steve Smith at seven.
That leaves the No 6 slot - I'm not convinced Hodge would be more effective as a closer than Michael Hussey.
I'd love to see Hodge go as the reserve batsman, but whether his weight of runs can sway the selectors he is a better option than David Hussey - whose bowling is very effective in limited overs cricket - is doubtful.
Only the mention of Michael Clarke's name draws a more passionate response from Australian cricket fans.
Australia's 15-man squad for the World Cup will be named on Wednesday - I already nominated my side (see Australia's World Cup Team) - and Hodge won't be in it.
With the nation's cricketing fortunes in the toilet, plenty of pundits have called for the Victorian to return to the national team as soon as possible.
Hodge has averaged 494 runs at 82.33 in domestic one-day contests this year - figures which have the likes of Matt Hayden and Rodney Hogg screaming the 36-year-old's case for inclusion.
However, the selection panel seems to have marked Hodge's card a long time ago.
Hodge was included in the 30-man preliminary squad, but couldn't get a spot in the Twenty20 contests or the first ODI.
Ironically, some have called for Hodge to replace Clarke, who is held in so much esteem by the selectors that he will captain Australia throughout the England series with regular skipper Ricky Ponting on the sidelines.
Clarke has had a horror summer - so much that he retired from T20 cricket to concentrate on his poor Test form.
However, the notion that the current captain of the ODI side and future full-time Test skipper would be left out for a guy who is decidedly on the nose with the men who matter is laughable.
It's bad luck - Hodge averaged 75 at the last World Cup and only seems to be getting better with age. He has been the best short-form batsman in domestic cricket for years.
All after being dropped hot on the heels of a Test double-century.
No wonder Hayden called him the hard luck story of Australian cricket.
I think one of the problems is the positions Hodge would be most effective in - three, four or five - are occupied.
Ponting will remain at first drop in the pajama game, no matter what his Test future holds.
Clarke - the golden boy - has been a fixture at second drop for years.
Hodge's Victorian team-mate, Cameron White, has handled batting five with aplomb.
Some would argue there is a case for Hodge to open the innings. Fair enough.
But who would tell Shane Watson he needs to drop down the order? Not me. He's been Australia's best bat this summer. And he won the first ODI off his own bat.
The other slot will go to whoever gets the nod as wicketkeeper - Brad Haddin or Tim Paine. Both are capable enough to play as specialist bats and will open to make room for Steve Smith at seven.
That leaves the No 6 slot - I'm not convinced Hodge would be more effective as a closer than Michael Hussey.
I'd love to see Hodge go as the reserve batsman, but whether his weight of runs can sway the selectors he is a better option than David Hussey - whose bowling is very effective in limited overs cricket - is doubtful.
Monday's random thoughts
Liverpool are ordinary ... Shane Watson is a top-notch cricketer ... The only first round game at Melbourne Park I give a jot about is Hewitt v Nalbandian ... How are Scumderland sixth? ... The EPL table looks bizarre with Villa and Everton near bottom ... England's post-Ashes hangover has arrived ... Even if the Hawks have three starters out, they have to beat Sydney ... The cricket World Cup squad will probably look nothing like the one I predicted ... The way sport stars from a heap of codes have rallied behind the flood victims is inspiring ... The King's Speech - go see that ... Bahrain are going to be a decent test for the Socceroos ... Ricky Stuart's secret meetings with Origin stars are a great move, but does NSW have the cattle to compete ... How the hell could South Sydney fit Sonny Bill Williams under the salary cap? ... If Cricket Australia don't get Steve Waugh to help review the game, I riot ... That Roger Federer can play a bit ... What about the Aussie qualifier who was bundled out in an hour? $14,000 isn't a bad prize to take home .
Newcastle 1 : 1 Mackems
Smashing Sunderland 5-1 is like climaxing and having your feet rubbed at the same time for a Geordie.
That's what The Toon Army experienced last October at St James Park.
Last night's rematch at Mackem Town was the football equivalent of a cockblock - thinking you're in with a girl til her friend ruins it by insisting she come home with her when the lights come on at the pub.
The Tyne-Wear Derby means so much to both sets of supporters: neither is likely to see their side win a trophy, while qualifying for Europe is an outside chance at best.
Therefore, beating the archrivals from nearby is a must for both clubs and losing is as painful as losing a cup final ... Or to Stevenhage.
After a scoreless first half in which both sides wasted their fair share of chances, Magpies hero Kevin Nolan put the good guys in front.
A magpie - a real-life, beaked, feathered specimen - jumped onto the pitch not long after. Hope it took a shit on Scumderland's field - then it really would be known as the Stadium of Shite.
Newcastle then missed a couple of chances - leading scorer Andy Carroll was out injured - but frankly we smashed 'em, just smashed 'em.
The red-and-white filth barely looked like scoring after halftime while the Mighty Toon deserved more than the lone goal.
Then, like typical thieves, Sunderland scored during five minutes of stoppage time to ass a draw.
Its the same as the hottie you were working on at the pub disappearing 90 seconds before closing time because her friend has twigged that she is maggot.
All those dreams, all those chances at an evening of ecstasy gone in a puff of smoke, leaving you to get a dodgy kebab and have a lonely cab ride home.
One point after conceding late is the dodgy kebab - you still get something out of it, but its likely to make you feel sick.
Playing them off the park is the cab ride - you go over all the points where you did well, but can't help wonder about the one vital, late moment where it all went wrong.
That's what The Toon Army experienced last October at St James Park.
Last night's rematch at Mackem Town was the football equivalent of a cockblock - thinking you're in with a girl til her friend ruins it by insisting she come home with her when the lights come on at the pub.
The Tyne-Wear Derby means so much to both sets of supporters: neither is likely to see their side win a trophy, while qualifying for Europe is an outside chance at best.
Therefore, beating the archrivals from nearby is a must for both clubs and losing is as painful as losing a cup final ... Or to Stevenhage.
After a scoreless first half in which both sides wasted their fair share of chances, Magpies hero Kevin Nolan put the good guys in front.
A magpie - a real-life, beaked, feathered specimen - jumped onto the pitch not long after. Hope it took a shit on Scumderland's field - then it really would be known as the Stadium of Shite.
Newcastle then missed a couple of chances - leading scorer Andy Carroll was out injured - but frankly we smashed 'em, just smashed 'em.
The red-and-white filth barely looked like scoring after halftime while the Mighty Toon deserved more than the lone goal.
Then, like typical thieves, Sunderland scored during five minutes of stoppage time to ass a draw.
Its the same as the hottie you were working on at the pub disappearing 90 seconds before closing time because her friend has twigged that she is maggot.
All those dreams, all those chances at an evening of ecstasy gone in a puff of smoke, leaving you to get a dodgy kebab and have a lonely cab ride home.
One point after conceding late is the dodgy kebab - you still get something out of it, but its likely to make you feel sick.
Playing them off the park is the cab ride - you go over all the points where you did well, but can't help wonder about the one vital, late moment where it all went wrong.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Word of the week: muppet
Right, here is a little thing I will do every week: explain a word that will frequently pop up in posts.
First cab off the rank? Muppet. I use that like an army private uses 'sir'.
It is a derogatory term implying the subject is false, a pretender, odd or just completely inept - just like the characters created by Jim Henson.
I first came across the term in the great movie Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
If some sportsperson, coach or team cops that term, I have serious doubts about their ability to stand up to pressure in their chosen field.
Examples of muppets: West Ham Utd in the EPL this season, the Sydney Kings in the NBL, the NBA's Washington Wizards, Cronulla in the 2010 NRL and Australia's cricket selectors.
Wow
Chasing the best part of 300 against England at the MCG? That's cool.
Great knock by Watson - he is definitely Australia's most in-form bat and can do it in all three formats. Finishing the match with an unbeaten ton and six off the last ball was just reward.
Haddin looked ok and Clarke and Michael Hussey chipped in.
The wicket was a road, of course, and England have gone off the boil in the field after catching EVERYTHING during the Ashes.
Here's smething random: shortly after Steve Waugh took over the ODI team in 1998 they chased 316 against Pakistan and knew they would go on to win the World Cup the following year.
I don't know that the 2011 vintage should be just as confident, but its not a bad thing that they can complete mammoth chases against quality opposition.
Great knock by Watson - he is definitely Australia's most in-form bat and can do it in all three formats. Finishing the match with an unbeaten ton and six off the last ball was just reward.
Haddin looked ok and Clarke and Michael Hussey chipped in.
The wicket was a road, of course, and England have gone off the boil in the field after catching EVERYTHING during the Ashes.
Here's smething random: shortly after Steve Waugh took over the ODI team in 1998 they chased 316 against Pakistan and knew they would go on to win the World Cup the following year.
I don't know that the 2011 vintage should be just as confident, but its not a bad thing that they can complete mammoth chases against quality opposition.
Australia's World Cup team
Australia will be gunning to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive cricket World Cup when the tournament starts on the subcontinent next month.
The 15-man squad will be named on Wednesday and with today's first ODI practically a trial run, it's time to look at who the selectors might pick.
It seems bowling rather than batting spots are open, which is little surprise after the lacklustre efforts from the Australian attack this summer.
The absence of Ryan Harris (ankle) is a massive blow - the guy enjoyed a magical start both his ODI and Test careers and is a menacing presence with the new pill.
Expect Brett Lee's renaissance to continue: he has looked a million bucks in the recent T20s and hopefully can keep that form going.
I suspect Shaun Tait will be on the plane - despite being left out of today's showdown, the tearaway seems to be one of the selectors' favourites. Tait hasn't been at his best since returning from injury but has the ability to turn a game in a matter of balls. With reverse swing prevalent in India, Tait could well prove a match winner.
Mitchell Johnson is a certainty.
I think the decision to play Xavier Doherty today instead of Nathan Hauritz is a sign that the Tasmanian left-armer might get the nod over the Bluebag. Despite lacking penetration during the Ashes, Doherty is a good limited overs bowler.
Hauritz ... Frankly, he's been dudded. He was dropped after copping some stick from history's second greatest player - Sachin Tendulkar - in India and hasn't looked like getting back in. It's a shame, because he was just getting into his Test stride before Andrew Hilditch and Co cut him off at the legs.
Today also indicated that Doug Bollinger would edge Peter Siddle for a bowling berth. Doug the Rug had a horror summer, only playing one Test, but just seems to be preferred to his Victorian counterpart in the shorter formats.
That means the specialist bowlers will be Lee, Johnson, Tait, Doherty and Bollinger. Hmm. That's not enough. Back to the drawing board.
The other three candidates are Hauritz, Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus, who struggled to penetrate during the Ashes. I'm not sure the subcontinent will be the place to revive his fortunes. However, taking just five frontline bowlers to the world's biggest tournament seems foolhardy - take him as a warm body and give him a game against Canada?
Personally, I'd plump for Hauritz because the wickets will be low, slow and take turn. Whether the selectors do remains to be seen. I fear that the selectors will leave it to all-rounders and bits and pieces men to cover the frontliners.
Australia will take a few of all-rounders. Shane Watson is good enough to go as a specialist bat - he is a certainty to open the innings - but his seam-up stuff is also a very handy option.
David Hussey probably booked himself a spot with handy bowling efforts in the T20 and first ODI. His flat spin seems to rob batsmen of rhythm and will be invaluable in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. There are still question marks about his batting - the guy is a slow starter and sometimes looks out of depth at international level.
Steve Smith is a certainty to bat seven. His leggies are handy and probably more suited to the short format than Test cricket, his ability to improvise with the bat is a must late in a 50-over innings and he may be one of the top three fielders in the nation.
The shame is batting certainties Michael Clark (left arm orthodox) and Cameron White (legspin) aren't bowling - taking the pace off will be a vital factor on low, dusty tracks. If the team looks anything like I've suggested, I think the selectors and team heirachy should encourage these guys to get back into the nets and roll their arms over. It would add a ton of balance and give captain Ricky Ponting endless options.
Ponting will be there and I suspect he sat out the fifth Test and the bloated seven-game, one-day series to ensure he has a chance to become the only man to captain three World Cup-winning teams.
Michael Hussey will be there as the closer - the man who comes in at six and uses a combination of sharp running and faultless placement to bring a healthy finish to a dig.
I would like to see David Warner get a spot. The electrifying left-hander has been in good form lately and has been starting his innings in a more measured fashion, adding untold staying power to his innings. Warner also has the X-factor to win a tournament off his own bat - when at his best, he scores faster than anyone on the planet. Perhaps he could be used as a floating pinch hitter coming in anywhere from No 3 to 7 depending on circumstance. Worth a gamble, I'd say. However, I doubt the men who matter see things the same way.
That leaves two spots, which I think will both go to keepers. Brad Haddin will be the first choice with Tim Paine his understudy. Whether that remains the pecking order by the end of the tournament remains to be seen.
Paine is ready to go at international level - he has sparkled in his limited chances so far and may be one of the best five cricketers in the country. That the young Tasmanian was preferred to his counterpart for the T20s speaks volumes, no matter what Hilditch tries to say.
Haddin is a fine cricketer - he is a better bat than Paine, but his keeping is slipping - he missed some chances today and was tidy, rather than outstanding, during the Ashes. Paine is better behind the sticks. If the incumbent struggles with bat or gloves in India, he could well find himself done at international level.
Sadly, that is the plight of many of Australia's squad come the big tournament.
Ponting's future is still up in the air, Michael Hussey was on his last legs before the Test series, David Hussey has just been repatriated after 18 months in the wilderness, Doherty needs to prove himself while Tait and Lee are having their last hurrah at this level.
I will write a heap more about the World Cup as it draws closer, but the uncertainty surrounding a few of the personnel will be a hindrance, not a help come game time.
My squad is: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
The 15-man squad will be named on Wednesday and with today's first ODI practically a trial run, it's time to look at who the selectors might pick.
It seems bowling rather than batting spots are open, which is little surprise after the lacklustre efforts from the Australian attack this summer.
The absence of Ryan Harris (ankle) is a massive blow - the guy enjoyed a magical start both his ODI and Test careers and is a menacing presence with the new pill.
Expect Brett Lee's renaissance to continue: he has looked a million bucks in the recent T20s and hopefully can keep that form going.
I suspect Shaun Tait will be on the plane - despite being left out of today's showdown, the tearaway seems to be one of the selectors' favourites. Tait hasn't been at his best since returning from injury but has the ability to turn a game in a matter of balls. With reverse swing prevalent in India, Tait could well prove a match winner.
Mitchell Johnson is a certainty.
I think the decision to play Xavier Doherty today instead of Nathan Hauritz is a sign that the Tasmanian left-armer might get the nod over the Bluebag. Despite lacking penetration during the Ashes, Doherty is a good limited overs bowler.
Hauritz ... Frankly, he's been dudded. He was dropped after copping some stick from history's second greatest player - Sachin Tendulkar - in India and hasn't looked like getting back in. It's a shame, because he was just getting into his Test stride before Andrew Hilditch and Co cut him off at the legs.
Today also indicated that Doug Bollinger would edge Peter Siddle for a bowling berth. Doug the Rug had a horror summer, only playing one Test, but just seems to be preferred to his Victorian counterpart in the shorter formats.
That means the specialist bowlers will be Lee, Johnson, Tait, Doherty and Bollinger. Hmm. That's not enough. Back to the drawing board.
The other three candidates are Hauritz, Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus, who struggled to penetrate during the Ashes. I'm not sure the subcontinent will be the place to revive his fortunes. However, taking just five frontline bowlers to the world's biggest tournament seems foolhardy - take him as a warm body and give him a game against Canada?
Personally, I'd plump for Hauritz because the wickets will be low, slow and take turn. Whether the selectors do remains to be seen. I fear that the selectors will leave it to all-rounders and bits and pieces men to cover the frontliners.
Australia will take a few of all-rounders. Shane Watson is good enough to go as a specialist bat - he is a certainty to open the innings - but his seam-up stuff is also a very handy option.
David Hussey probably booked himself a spot with handy bowling efforts in the T20 and first ODI. His flat spin seems to rob batsmen of rhythm and will be invaluable in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. There are still question marks about his batting - the guy is a slow starter and sometimes looks out of depth at international level.
Steve Smith is a certainty to bat seven. His leggies are handy and probably more suited to the short format than Test cricket, his ability to improvise with the bat is a must late in a 50-over innings and he may be one of the top three fielders in the nation.
The shame is batting certainties Michael Clark (left arm orthodox) and Cameron White (legspin) aren't bowling - taking the pace off will be a vital factor on low, dusty tracks. If the team looks anything like I've suggested, I think the selectors and team heirachy should encourage these guys to get back into the nets and roll their arms over. It would add a ton of balance and give captain Ricky Ponting endless options.
Ponting will be there and I suspect he sat out the fifth Test and the bloated seven-game, one-day series to ensure he has a chance to become the only man to captain three World Cup-winning teams.
Michael Hussey will be there as the closer - the man who comes in at six and uses a combination of sharp running and faultless placement to bring a healthy finish to a dig.
I would like to see David Warner get a spot. The electrifying left-hander has been in good form lately and has been starting his innings in a more measured fashion, adding untold staying power to his innings. Warner also has the X-factor to win a tournament off his own bat - when at his best, he scores faster than anyone on the planet. Perhaps he could be used as a floating pinch hitter coming in anywhere from No 3 to 7 depending on circumstance. Worth a gamble, I'd say. However, I doubt the men who matter see things the same way.
That leaves two spots, which I think will both go to keepers. Brad Haddin will be the first choice with Tim Paine his understudy. Whether that remains the pecking order by the end of the tournament remains to be seen.
Paine is ready to go at international level - he has sparkled in his limited chances so far and may be one of the best five cricketers in the country. That the young Tasmanian was preferred to his counterpart for the T20s speaks volumes, no matter what Hilditch tries to say.
Haddin is a fine cricketer - he is a better bat than Paine, but his keeping is slipping - he missed some chances today and was tidy, rather than outstanding, during the Ashes. Paine is better behind the sticks. If the incumbent struggles with bat or gloves in India, he could well find himself done at international level.
Sadly, that is the plight of many of Australia's squad come the big tournament.
Ponting's future is still up in the air, Michael Hussey was on his last legs before the Test series, David Hussey has just been repatriated after 18 months in the wilderness, Doherty needs to prove himself while Tait and Lee are having their last hurrah at this level.
I will write a heap more about the World Cup as it draws closer, but the uncertainty surrounding a few of the personnel will be a hindrance, not a help come game time.
My squad is: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Australia 1 : 1 South Korea
It's 2.33am here and I've been writing since 8.30am yesterday at work and now at home getting this blog up and running. I'm a tad stroppy and need to get to sleep. But I promised stuff on all three big sporting events that inspired this blog, so here 'tis.
Oh no. No, no, no, no. After seing the battered and bruised Hawks get a whipping off Perth (see No Disgrace) this was too much. Take all three points. Give us our injured players back.
Sure, we got out of the heavyweight clash with a 1-1, but the loss of three of our most important players could very well kill our Asian Cup campaign.
David Carney - Australia's only left fullback - dislocated his shoulder.
Luke Wilkshire - the second or third name on the teamsheet at right fullback - wrecked his groin.
Culina - the team's best passer - didn't even make it to half-time.
Coach Holger Osieck said the injuries were "pretty serious". Not what we want to hear three days before the final game of the group stage.
While the stalemate basically ensures that Australia and South Korea will advance from Group C, the Socceroos only have three days before the Bahrain game.
And some major personnel issues.
The only other left footers in the squad are Tommy Oar and Matt Mackay. Neither is a fullback.
Jade North replaced Wilkshire and gave away some cheap ball.
Carl Valeri did a decent job in Culina's stead, but is not in his class as a playmaker out of midfield.
Still, to climb off the canvas after the Koreans scored first was a top effort and testament to the guts of the side. The equaliser was a scrappy goal to Mile Jedinak.
However, it came after the dream team of Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill spurned chances in the first half. Big games require big players to step up. Still, Harry played awesome and caused plenty of problems.
I thought South Korea would win 3-1. Before you line me up against the wall for defeatist talk or being unpatriotic, it was based on a sober assessment of preparation and past results. They played an actual team (Bahrain) last start, we feasted on India. They belted us in Seoul in 2009. They were way better at the World Cup.
South Korea are for me the best team in Asia - definitely the quickest - and they knock the ball around really well. Whether that's enough to win the tournament remains to be seen. But I picked them before Christmas. Their defence is a little suspect, but they have only conceded once in 180 minutes so far. And there is no team in Asia that is going to rack up a heap of goals. Unless they're playing India.
Us ... well, we um, are a little more workmanlike until the ball gets to Emerton (for me, Australia's best at the tournament so far) or Kewell, who hasn't played this well in national colours since '97. He is in menacing touch.
It was good to see Lucas Neill recover from a shaky first half (his mistake led to Korea's goal) and his centreback partner, Sasa Ogonovski, who was tagged slow by the opposing coach in the lead-up, have decent games.
And our fighting qualities and solid defence will come in handy at the sharp end. Even if the lines are breached, there is always Schwarzie between the sticks. He saved our bacon with a great reflex save four minutes from the end.
All in all, I'm proud of the result and the effort, but the reality is injuries/suspension are really going to test the Socceroos.
Let's hope they can regroup - and don't have to draft in an assistant coach!
Oh no. No, no, no, no. After seing the battered and bruised Hawks get a whipping off Perth (see No Disgrace) this was too much. Take all three points. Give us our injured players back.
Sure, we got out of the heavyweight clash with a 1-1, but the loss of three of our most important players could very well kill our Asian Cup campaign.
David Carney - Australia's only left fullback - dislocated his shoulder.
Luke Wilkshire - the second or third name on the teamsheet at right fullback - wrecked his groin.
Culina - the team's best passer - didn't even make it to half-time.
Coach Holger Osieck said the injuries were "pretty serious". Not what we want to hear three days before the final game of the group stage.
While the stalemate basically ensures that Australia and South Korea will advance from Group C, the Socceroos only have three days before the Bahrain game.
And some major personnel issues.
The only other left footers in the squad are Tommy Oar and Matt Mackay. Neither is a fullback.
Jade North replaced Wilkshire and gave away some cheap ball.
Carl Valeri did a decent job in Culina's stead, but is not in his class as a playmaker out of midfield.
Still, to climb off the canvas after the Koreans scored first was a top effort and testament to the guts of the side. The equaliser was a scrappy goal to Mile Jedinak.
However, it came after the dream team of Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill spurned chances in the first half. Big games require big players to step up. Still, Harry played awesome and caused plenty of problems.
I thought South Korea would win 3-1. Before you line me up against the wall for defeatist talk or being unpatriotic, it was based on a sober assessment of preparation and past results. They played an actual team (Bahrain) last start, we feasted on India. They belted us in Seoul in 2009. They were way better at the World Cup.
South Korea are for me the best team in Asia - definitely the quickest - and they knock the ball around really well. Whether that's enough to win the tournament remains to be seen. But I picked them before Christmas. Their defence is a little suspect, but they have only conceded once in 180 minutes so far. And there is no team in Asia that is going to rack up a heap of goals. Unless they're playing India.
Us ... well, we um, are a little more workmanlike until the ball gets to Emerton (for me, Australia's best at the tournament so far) or Kewell, who hasn't played this well in national colours since '97. He is in menacing touch.
It was good to see Lucas Neill recover from a shaky first half (his mistake led to Korea's goal) and his centreback partner, Sasa Ogonovski, who was tagged slow by the opposing coach in the lead-up, have decent games.
And our fighting qualities and solid defence will come in handy at the sharp end. Even if the lines are breached, there is always Schwarzie between the sticks. He saved our bacon with a great reflex save four minutes from the end.
All in all, I'm proud of the result and the effort, but the reality is injuries/suspension are really going to test the Socceroos.
Let's hope they can regroup - and don't have to draft in an assistant coach!
About Me
A thought has struck. For me, that's rarer than lightning. I just realised I can't start a blog without introducing myself. Yeah, I know there's that little 'About Me' thing in the sidebar, but does anyone read that? I don't and wouldn't. Nor should you. It's just silly.
Right - I'm 28, work as a sports reporter at a daily newspaper in my hometown of Wollongong, NSW, Australia and am addicted to crack, erm, uh ... I mean, writing and talking to people.
I don't think I'll write really tight, news-type stories here - I'm basically throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. My early posts are rubbish - read them at your peril. You've been warned.
My background is sports journalism but if a thought strikes re history (my other real passion), movies, TV, ect and I think I can produce a coherent argument, I'll write it. Also, on this blog, "football" is soccer, "league" is rugby league and "union" is rugby union.
I'll probably have a weekly thing looking back at something - with the old school league and cricket on there might be some fun to be had.
Any big sporting event I'll probably have my two cents worth on - it was the massive amount of sport on Friday night/Saturday morning that inspired me to start this thing in the first place.
I plan to do a "World According to Me" thing where I write something a bit more sober about an issue. Probably on Thursdays.
And any time I have something to say, you'll probably find it here. I'll fix up the look of this thing too, promise.
If you follow sports, you follow teams, so here's a list of my favs and the justification.
NRL: Manly. Instinct. I still have the 1987 premiers tshirt. It was big one me when I was four. Instinct.
NBL: Wollongong Hawks. Good blokes. Great ballers.
A-League: Sydney FC. They're the closest to my home. That's all I got.
NBA: LA Lakers. Oi, Kobe haters, I started following them in 1994-95 when the coach was Del Harris and the starting five was Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Cedric Ceballos, Elden Campbell and Vlade Divac. I'm old school.
EPL: Newcastle United. Alan Shearer was the first player I knew about in the EPL (1993-94). He was with Blackburn then, but went on home. I love that Newcastle is a one-team town.
Obviously, I support Australia's national sporting teams (even the cricketers).
If you follow certain teams, you dislike others. Here are mine - and the justification.
NRL: Newcastle. '97 grand final. Nuff said.
NBL: Perth. Brad Robbins. 2010 grand final.
A-League: Melbourne Victory. Kevin Muscat.
NBA: Everyone but LA at play-off time. San Antonio all the time 'cause they're good.
EPL: Liverpool FC. Instinct. I eat, sleep, read, write, hope to make a baby one day and dislike Liverpool. Instinct.
At international level, here are some teams I don't like
Football: Italy. Divers. Boring.
League: England. Terrible.
Union: Seth Efrica. They're better than us. There, I said it.
Cricket: Any nation that embraces match fixing. I'm looking at you, Pakistan.
And I'm spent
Right - I'm 28, work as a sports reporter at a daily newspaper in my hometown of Wollongong, NSW, Australia and am addicted to crack, erm, uh ... I mean, writing and talking to people.
I don't think I'll write really tight, news-type stories here - I'm basically throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. My early posts are rubbish - read them at your peril. You've been warned.
My background is sports journalism but if a thought strikes re history (my other real passion), movies, TV, ect and I think I can produce a coherent argument, I'll write it. Also, on this blog, "football" is soccer, "league" is rugby league and "union" is rugby union.
I'll probably have a weekly thing looking back at something - with the old school league and cricket on there might be some fun to be had.
Any big sporting event I'll probably have my two cents worth on - it was the massive amount of sport on Friday night/Saturday morning that inspired me to start this thing in the first place.
I plan to do a "World According to Me" thing where I write something a bit more sober about an issue. Probably on Thursdays.
And any time I have something to say, you'll probably find it here. I'll fix up the look of this thing too, promise.
If you follow sports, you follow teams, so here's a list of my favs and the justification.
NRL: Manly. Instinct. I still have the 1987 premiers tshirt. It was big one me when I was four. Instinct.
NBL: Wollongong Hawks. Good blokes. Great ballers.
A-League: Sydney FC. They're the closest to my home. That's all I got.
NBA: LA Lakers. Oi, Kobe haters, I started following them in 1994-95 when the coach was Del Harris and the starting five was Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Cedric Ceballos, Elden Campbell and Vlade Divac. I'm old school.
EPL: Newcastle United. Alan Shearer was the first player I knew about in the EPL (1993-94). He was with Blackburn then, but went on home. I love that Newcastle is a one-team town.
Obviously, I support Australia's national sporting teams (even the cricketers).
If you follow certain teams, you dislike others. Here are mine - and the justification.
NRL: Newcastle. '97 grand final. Nuff said.
NBL: Perth. Brad Robbins. 2010 grand final.
A-League: Melbourne Victory. Kevin Muscat.
NBA: Everyone but LA at play-off time. San Antonio all the time 'cause they're good.
EPL: Liverpool FC. Instinct. I eat, sleep, read, write, hope to make a baby one day and dislike Liverpool. Instinct.
At international level, here are some teams I don't like
Football: Italy. Divers. Boring.
League: England. Terrible.
Union: Seth Efrica. They're better than us. There, I said it.
Cricket: Any nation that embraces match fixing. I'm looking at you, Pakistan.
And I'm spent
No Disgrace
Well, Wollongong Hawks assistant coach Matt Flinn played 90 seconds of garbage time against Perth. That's cool and makes a feel-good story; a guy playing his first NBL game in 15 years. Here's the bad news: Flinny threw up an ugly J that barely caught iron, Zac Delaney refused to pass when he was open under the bucket and the plucky Hawks lost 92-58 in a replay of last season's grand final.
Now, why did a 30-something former Dapto Cricket Club all-rounder have to dust off his Cons and suit up tonight?
Well, his side were missing three starters - Gary Ervin (thumb), Glenn Saville (knee) and Larry Davidson (preggers ankle - check Friday's Illawarra Mercury. That's what he called it).
That left the Hawks with a makeshift team - Delaney (ankle), Mat Campbell (calf) and Oscar Foreman (worst case of gastro in recorded history, according to reports coming out of the west, plus a sternum problem) played despite nasty problems.
People might say 'but they lost by more than 30'. So? Perth were cranky after losing on their own floor a week earlier and came out pumped up. Wollongong were too and trailled by only five at quarter-time.
After that, it got nasty.
Wildcats germ, ahem, guard Brad Robbins tried to pick a fight with Dave Gruber, whose nickname is the Terminator because of his Herculean physique. Ty Demos, who was also carrying an injury, backed up the big man. Luckily for the Hawks' personnel woes and Robbins' well-being, everyone kept their heads.
Some rookie with a headband and fugly moehawk dunked twice when the game was well finished and carried on like he was John Starks throwing down on the Bulls at the Garden back in the day. Clown.
Ranga Rob Beveridge kept yelling at the refs til Flinny checked in. Muppet.
In short, we were all hoping for the fairytale finish: Matt Flinn, the NBL's Rocky Balboa, landing a knockout punch on a hated enemy with a sweet three-ball. Didn't quite work out that way, but the Hawks can come home and get ready for another archrival, Sydney, with their heads held high. They kept their discipline and refused to be bated by the sheer Perthiness of the environment they were in.
And Sydney are so bad that even with Ervin, Sav and Larry out (with a preggers ankle), they should still thump the Kings. Wooooooooooooooooo.
Now, why did a 30-something former Dapto Cricket Club all-rounder have to dust off his Cons and suit up tonight?
Well, his side were missing three starters - Gary Ervin (thumb), Glenn Saville (knee) and Larry Davidson (preggers ankle - check Friday's Illawarra Mercury. That's what he called it).
That left the Hawks with a makeshift team - Delaney (ankle), Mat Campbell (calf) and Oscar Foreman (worst case of gastro in recorded history, according to reports coming out of the west, plus a sternum problem) played despite nasty problems.
People might say 'but they lost by more than 30'. So? Perth were cranky after losing on their own floor a week earlier and came out pumped up. Wollongong were too and trailled by only five at quarter-time.
After that, it got nasty.
Wildcats germ, ahem, guard Brad Robbins tried to pick a fight with Dave Gruber, whose nickname is the Terminator because of his Herculean physique. Ty Demos, who was also carrying an injury, backed up the big man. Luckily for the Hawks' personnel woes and Robbins' well-being, everyone kept their heads.
Some rookie with a headband and fugly moehawk dunked twice when the game was well finished and carried on like he was John Starks throwing down on the Bulls at the Garden back in the day. Clown.
Ranga Rob Beveridge kept yelling at the refs til Flinny checked in. Muppet.
In short, we were all hoping for the fairytale finish: Matt Flinn, the NBL's Rocky Balboa, landing a knockout punch on a hated enemy with a sweet three-ball. Didn't quite work out that way, but the Hawks can come home and get ready for another archrival, Sydney, with their heads held high. They kept their discipline and refused to be bated by the sheer Perthiness of the environment they were in.
And Sydney are so bad that even with Ervin, Sav and Larry out (with a preggers ankle), they should still thump the Kings. Wooooooooooooooooo.
A stream of gibber
It's past midnight. Roos are about to start against South Korea.
Here's something I prepared earlier (WARNING: The following contains rambling. It is recommended only for mature audiences.)
Finch 53 off 33? Well played sir, well played. He did well against the tweakers - very inventive.
Australia got 147 - I called it.
I strongly dislike those mitsubishi ads - especially the one with the smug little ranga. Smarmy little bastard can't even talk properly. Ennunciate. Kids sounding like that on television isn't cute.
I'm writing this post on my phone, but I'll refrain from using that txt spk.
So, the channel 9 crew are gonna look like the Bee Gees on sunday? Gimmick. I'll watch the intro to see who wears what, but it will be silly.
KFC carpet is back. Now a stupid huddle. I never get those. You have plenty of time in the dressing room to say what needs to be said. Same goes for them other sports that do it. You know who you are.
Hmm Tait opening ... He bowled trash the other night. I don't see how he, Brett Lee and Johnson will work in India. Express pace gets pumbled there. And at the MCG - Bell just crunched one for four. If the spinners aren't on by the seventh over, I riot. Jeez, another four. The Sherminator can play a bit. Next ball, a fugly charge and swing that he missed. Stay in your crease champ. Like you did for that clip off your toes. 11 off.
Opening at the other end ... Brett Lee. I reckon him and Tait are a bit same-same. Not gay or anything, they just bowl similar speed and angles. If a bloke can play express, he might get a heap.
Let's see what Davies does now he has some strike ... Can play a bit, too. Fancies himself as a mini-Gilly. We'll see. Dot. A thousand fielders square on the off side. Still got one from a back defence. Nice to see Cam White have a plan. Bell's turn ... Dot. Binga is bowling ok here. No width. Seth Efricen Pom Tony Grief wants Tait out of the attack. I concur. Binga, meantime, looks the goods tonight because he's getting up around their chests with no width.
Bear ignored Greigy - Tait still on. Single. Bell on strike. Did I mention this bloke can play a bit? Well, he just tried to spoon one to mid on. from his chest. With a straight bat. Crazy. Then a swing and a miss. Fugly. Perfectly worked two. Tait filthy. I predict bouncer. Picked it. Toed for two. No ball. Time for a freebie. I predict bouncer. Yorker. Single. Didn't pick it.
The Good Guys ad creeps me out.
Binga. Single to Bell. Smith forgot where he was fielding while talking to commentators on the earpiece. Funny as.
Davies is out there? Thought Bell was playing last man carries. Single. Bell just mistimed one for three through point.
This Mini-Gilly can't hit it off the square. Just hooked one off the splice.
Ball-by-ball is tough, I'm switching to random observations.
Damn, The Good Guys ad again. That little ranga chick looks like she is on the gear. Acts like it, too.
Oh ... www.qld.gov.au/floods - go there. Give cash.
Bell just played a running forehand that wouldn't have looked out of place at Melbourne Park for the tennis. My pick? Soderling. He's mad and could beat Nadal and Federer. Smoky? Tsonga or Del Potro. They get it right answer you're going to lose.
Hahaha - Johnson nearly missed the cut strip with his first ball.Sometimes he looks like he belongs in fifth grade cricket. Just sayin'.
England 0/41, looking the goods. A lack of spin on a marshmellow doesn't help.
Neither does bowling short shit, Mitchell.
Spin. Or more to the point, Hussey. He darts 'em in. His bowling probably keeps him in the team.
Smith is miced up and made a great stop on the fence. He's having no luck tonight. Forgot where he was fielding. Again. Possible space cadet.
Good fielder, but.
Johnson bowls Bell. Phew. KP - the Tony Grieg of the 21st Century - is in. Copped heaps from the crowd. He has raised almost 30 grand for flood relief off his own bat. Show some respect, drunken Victorian muppets.
Micro-Gilly (he has been downgraded) works a 1. Gilly Classic would have hit the same ball halfway to Flinders St Station.
Mad catch by Bear. See ya, KP. Two wickets in one over for Johnson.
England 2/62.
Brett Lee is on the plane to India, health permitting. Just looks sharp, on his game.
O'Keefe on bowling left arm orthodox. Very nice. 2/72.
Shit ... Hawks telecast starts on One HD in one minute. Can't do both at once. Lazy. Staying here.
Collingwood has brought his Ashes form with him. He bats like me, but right handed. Good fielder, but. Unlike me.
3/74 - Collingwood spoons to mid-off. He can't play anymore. I read he got hit in the nuts three times in the nets before the PM's XI game. Struggling, to say the least. Could miss the World Cup.
Morgan is in - can bat.
Yes! Assistant coach Matt Flinn is in the lay-up line over in Perth for the Hawks! Looking the goods!
3/82 in Melbourne. Doin' my best here.
Tait is dogging it in the field. Slide, chief. Flinny is a handy cricketer too - pick him, Hilditch!
3/88.
I'm changing to equations now - better for T20, methinks.
Micro-Gilly out. Weird shot. Good grab by Warner. 4/88. Equations are coming, I swear.
Hawks down 7-4 early. No Flinn ... yet.
England need 57 from 36 balls. There.
Hawks down 16-6 with four mins left in first quarter. No Flinn. Could be trouble.
England need 51 from 30. Definite trouble.
Have you seen the Telstra ad where the guy is in the cinema ... Terrible. That phone looks like a piece of trash too.
Australia have been better in the field. This one means a bit more to them than England. Chasing on a soft pitch makes it hard too.
England need 45 from 24 balls. Cactus.
19-16! Yes hawks, yes! Ty Demos wants to kill Brad Robbins. Do it. He's slime. Refs tee'd him up. Good. Gruber missed both. Yuk. Gotta hit 'em when your assistant coach has been PULLED OUT OF A 16-YEAR RETIREMENT BECAUSE YOU ARE SO SHORT OF PLAYERS! Now Matt Campbell misses two free throws. 23-18 at quarter time. Pretty awesome effort from the blokes in white.
Back to the cricket ... England need 35 from 17. Make that 16 - morgan just hit one down Finch's throat. Game over?
Back in Perth - scoreless first minute of the quarter. 25-18. No Flinn, yet.
In melbourne, England need 30 from 12. Surely we have them beat ... Tait just bowled an over of 142km/h inswinging yorkers. Didn't get a wicket. Unlucky.
Oh dear ... Five wides down the legside. England need 18 from the last over.
Bowler: Brett Lee.
On strike: tim bresnan.
Ball one: two. 16 off 5.
White fiddles with the field.
Ball two: two to square leg. 14 from 4.
Ball three: single. 13 from 3. Tough from here.
Ball four: Shit. Six over midwicket. Seven off two. Chris woakes, the kid who brought em home in game one, did it.
Ball five: single. Six needed from last bowl.
Bresnan on strike.
Hahahahaha. Mistimed pull. Australia win by four runs.
Pick Binga for the World Cup. That is all.
And I'm spent.
Here's something I prepared earlier (WARNING: The following contains rambling. It is recommended only for mature audiences.)
Finch 53 off 33? Well played sir, well played. He did well against the tweakers - very inventive.
Australia got 147 - I called it.
I strongly dislike those mitsubishi ads - especially the one with the smug little ranga. Smarmy little bastard can't even talk properly. Ennunciate. Kids sounding like that on television isn't cute.
I'm writing this post on my phone, but I'll refrain from using that txt spk.
So, the channel 9 crew are gonna look like the Bee Gees on sunday? Gimmick. I'll watch the intro to see who wears what, but it will be silly.
KFC carpet is back. Now a stupid huddle. I never get those. You have plenty of time in the dressing room to say what needs to be said. Same goes for them other sports that do it. You know who you are.
Hmm Tait opening ... He bowled trash the other night. I don't see how he, Brett Lee and Johnson will work in India. Express pace gets pumbled there. And at the MCG - Bell just crunched one for four. If the spinners aren't on by the seventh over, I riot. Jeez, another four. The Sherminator can play a bit. Next ball, a fugly charge and swing that he missed. Stay in your crease champ. Like you did for that clip off your toes. 11 off.
Opening at the other end ... Brett Lee. I reckon him and Tait are a bit same-same. Not gay or anything, they just bowl similar speed and angles. If a bloke can play express, he might get a heap.
Let's see what Davies does now he has some strike ... Can play a bit, too. Fancies himself as a mini-Gilly. We'll see. Dot. A thousand fielders square on the off side. Still got one from a back defence. Nice to see Cam White have a plan. Bell's turn ... Dot. Binga is bowling ok here. No width. Seth Efricen Pom Tony Grief wants Tait out of the attack. I concur. Binga, meantime, looks the goods tonight because he's getting up around their chests with no width.
Bear ignored Greigy - Tait still on. Single. Bell on strike. Did I mention this bloke can play a bit? Well, he just tried to spoon one to mid on. from his chest. With a straight bat. Crazy. Then a swing and a miss. Fugly. Perfectly worked two. Tait filthy. I predict bouncer. Picked it. Toed for two. No ball. Time for a freebie. I predict bouncer. Yorker. Single. Didn't pick it.
The Good Guys ad creeps me out.
Binga. Single to Bell. Smith forgot where he was fielding while talking to commentators on the earpiece. Funny as.
Davies is out there? Thought Bell was playing last man carries. Single. Bell just mistimed one for three through point.
This Mini-Gilly can't hit it off the square. Just hooked one off the splice.
Ball-by-ball is tough, I'm switching to random observations.
Damn, The Good Guys ad again. That little ranga chick looks like she is on the gear. Acts like it, too.
Oh ... www.qld.gov.au/floods - go there. Give cash.
Bell just played a running forehand that wouldn't have looked out of place at Melbourne Park for the tennis. My pick? Soderling. He's mad and could beat Nadal and Federer. Smoky? Tsonga or Del Potro. They get it right answer you're going to lose.
Hahaha - Johnson nearly missed the cut strip with his first ball.Sometimes he looks like he belongs in fifth grade cricket. Just sayin'.
England 0/41, looking the goods. A lack of spin on a marshmellow doesn't help.
Neither does bowling short shit, Mitchell.
Spin. Or more to the point, Hussey. He darts 'em in. His bowling probably keeps him in the team.
Smith is miced up and made a great stop on the fence. He's having no luck tonight. Forgot where he was fielding. Again. Possible space cadet.
Good fielder, but.
Johnson bowls Bell. Phew. KP - the Tony Grieg of the 21st Century - is in. Copped heaps from the crowd. He has raised almost 30 grand for flood relief off his own bat. Show some respect, drunken Victorian muppets.
Micro-Gilly (he has been downgraded) works a 1. Gilly Classic would have hit the same ball halfway to Flinders St Station.
Mad catch by Bear. See ya, KP. Two wickets in one over for Johnson.
England 2/62.
Brett Lee is on the plane to India, health permitting. Just looks sharp, on his game.
O'Keefe on bowling left arm orthodox. Very nice. 2/72.
Shit ... Hawks telecast starts on One HD in one minute. Can't do both at once. Lazy. Staying here.
Collingwood has brought his Ashes form with him. He bats like me, but right handed. Good fielder, but. Unlike me.
3/74 - Collingwood spoons to mid-off. He can't play anymore. I read he got hit in the nuts three times in the nets before the PM's XI game. Struggling, to say the least. Could miss the World Cup.
Morgan is in - can bat.
Yes! Assistant coach Matt Flinn is in the lay-up line over in Perth for the Hawks! Looking the goods!
3/82 in Melbourne. Doin' my best here.
Tait is dogging it in the field. Slide, chief. Flinny is a handy cricketer too - pick him, Hilditch!
3/88.
I'm changing to equations now - better for T20, methinks.
Micro-Gilly out. Weird shot. Good grab by Warner. 4/88. Equations are coming, I swear.
Hawks down 7-4 early. No Flinn ... yet.
England need 57 from 36 balls. There.
Hawks down 16-6 with four mins left in first quarter. No Flinn. Could be trouble.
England need 51 from 30. Definite trouble.
Have you seen the Telstra ad where the guy is in the cinema ... Terrible. That phone looks like a piece of trash too.
Australia have been better in the field. This one means a bit more to them than England. Chasing on a soft pitch makes it hard too.
England need 45 from 24 balls. Cactus.
19-16! Yes hawks, yes! Ty Demos wants to kill Brad Robbins. Do it. He's slime. Refs tee'd him up. Good. Gruber missed both. Yuk. Gotta hit 'em when your assistant coach has been PULLED OUT OF A 16-YEAR RETIREMENT BECAUSE YOU ARE SO SHORT OF PLAYERS! Now Matt Campbell misses two free throws. 23-18 at quarter time. Pretty awesome effort from the blokes in white.
Back to the cricket ... England need 35 from 17. Make that 16 - morgan just hit one down Finch's throat. Game over?
Back in Perth - scoreless first minute of the quarter. 25-18. No Flinn, yet.
In melbourne, England need 30 from 12. Surely we have them beat ... Tait just bowled an over of 142km/h inswinging yorkers. Didn't get a wicket. Unlucky.
Oh dear ... Five wides down the legside. England need 18 from the last over.
Bowler: Brett Lee.
On strike: tim bresnan.
Ball one: two. 16 off 5.
White fiddles with the field.
Ball two: two to square leg. 14 from 4.
Ball three: single. 13 from 3. Tough from here.
Ball four: Shit. Six over midwicket. Seven off two. Chris woakes, the kid who brought em home in game one, did it.
Ball five: single. Six needed from last bowl.
Bresnan on strike.
Hahahahaha. Mistimed pull. Australia win by four runs.
Pick Binga for the World Cup. That is all.
And I'm spent.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Dinner was great, thanks for asking
The ch 9 commentary boys sound like four lads sitting around over a schooner after work. Winner. Keeping the rusted-on old bastards 95 per cent of the population are fed up with out of the box works too. We all know T20 is all hit 'n' giggle and a more relaxed commentary team sets the mood perfectly.
Why are we having 7 ODIs? Obvious answer is to fill Cricket Australia's coffers, but I reckon playing the same muppets that many times won't help come the World Cup. With people sick of the 50-over format, I reckon no bi-lateral series should be more than three games. It just gets silly ... and no one will remember who did what one week later.
Dave Hussey? They picked the wrong brother. He's too slow a starter at this level, no matter how much he makes for Victoria. Really struggles to hit the thing off the square sometimes. Can't play short stuff, either.
I hope the Bear (Cam White) goes off. Damn. As I wrote that, lbw Swann. Good pill.
I hate the word nurdling. Scratch that. Its not a word.
I'm terrible at blogging, but am doing this after a long day at work ... Writing proper stuff.
Finch should not have come in now - he opens for Victoria and usually hammers quick stuff. He won't see any of that tonight.
Nice shot hussey ... Shame deep mid wicket got in the way. 8 off 16 balls. Told ya he was slow starting.
Smith's in now - FYI, he is the most boring tweeter I have ever read. I stopped following him.
Finch can't even hit full tosses for six. Neither could I, but that's not the point. Some Indian just paid $300K for him to play IPL. I'd want a guy to be able to hit full tosses for six for that sort of coin.
Smith just went sweep-crazy. He connected ... once? Might be time for a breather. He looks overwhelmed. I know I am.
Australia won't get more than 145. Slow deck though, so it might be enough.
Why are we having 7 ODIs? Obvious answer is to fill Cricket Australia's coffers, but I reckon playing the same muppets that many times won't help come the World Cup. With people sick of the 50-over format, I reckon no bi-lateral series should be more than three games. It just gets silly ... and no one will remember who did what one week later.
Dave Hussey? They picked the wrong brother. He's too slow a starter at this level, no matter how much he makes for Victoria. Really struggles to hit the thing off the square sometimes. Can't play short stuff, either.
I hope the Bear (Cam White) goes off. Damn. As I wrote that, lbw Swann. Good pill.
I hate the word nurdling. Scratch that. Its not a word.
I'm terrible at blogging, but am doing this after a long day at work ... Writing proper stuff.
Finch should not have come in now - he opens for Victoria and usually hammers quick stuff. He won't see any of that tonight.
Nice shot hussey ... Shame deep mid wicket got in the way. 8 off 16 balls. Told ya he was slow starting.
Smith's in now - FYI, he is the most boring tweeter I have ever read. I stopped following him.
Finch can't even hit full tosses for six. Neither could I, but that's not the point. Some Indian just paid $300K for him to play IPL. I'd want a guy to be able to hit full tosses for six for that sort of coin.
Smith just went sweep-crazy. He connected ... once? Might be time for a breather. He looks overwhelmed. I know I am.
Australia won't get more than 145. Slow deck though, so it might be enough.
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