1st Grade and 3rd Grade continued to prove that the faith they have in
themselves this season is well founded, after telling victories over the
past weekend. 2nd Grade blew a great opportunity to take down Albion
Park, while 4th Grade again fell just short in their match. And the
Middle Order Blues played their part in each of the matches.
Firstly,
though, let's focus on 1st Grade. The last time Kiama 1st Grade won
their first three rounds was way back in 1986-87 – ironically in my
first season of 1st Grade – when they in fact won their first four
matches, before running into Warilla, and losing by 104 runs on the
first innings.
(Note : In 1992-93, 1sts were undefeated for the first
seven rounds, though four of those were draws in a season disrupted by
rain).
In itself this is a wonderful achievement. In the big
picture, it is a good start, and not to be disregarded, but also not
used to begin resting on laurels.
Beginning their chase on the second
day at 2/37, 1sts quickly lost three wickets to find themselves
precariously placed at 5/64, and not even halfway to their target of
149. Four double figure scores from batsmen 6, 7, 8 and 9 got the side
home to an important victory. The four single figure scores from batsmen
2, 3, 4 and 5, however, would have been of some concern.
2nd
Grade, as the final example here, were charging at 3/85, and looked to
be doing it comfortably in their chase for 217. The unfortunate
retirement of Anthony Savage at this score, however, caused a commotion.
A glimpse at the scorecard would see 1, 0, 0, 0 and 0 littering the
middle of the innings, turning a good chase into a dog's breakfast.
I
am not suggesting that this is a crisis of immediate concern, but it is
something that the respective skippers of all Grades will be watching.
While 1st Grade keep winning, there will be no urgency to make any
changes to the side.
Of some concern to Matt Meurant will be that
John Simon is the only 2nd Grader who has made consistent runs. Tim Wolf
has looked good without making a big score yet, and Nathan Barr leaves
for overseas at the end of the month. The back-up is not abundant.
The same can be said for the bowling. Josh Elliott and Mick Norris have both taken wickets, but both have gone for runs as well.
The
return of Josh Jones this weekend will alleviate most concerns in this
regard, but some form needs to be found in 2nd Grade soon to enable the
pressure to be kept on 1st Grade.
The enigma that is Tommy Mayes
has captured the imagination of the Club after just three appearances.
His wonderful double against arch-antagonists Albion Park in 3rd Grade
on the weekend, where he took four wickets for 40 runs in the first
innings, and then scored a match-winning 63 opening the batting, has
seen his stocks soar. He must be doing well, because the chorus of calls
from regular 3rd Graders accusing 2nd Grade of being about to 'poach'
him from their ranks have grown in strength. This is a sure sign that
they don't want to lose him.
2nd Grade's loss to Albion Park has
put them in an unenviable position. A loss in the next round to
Gerringong will not definitely put them out of finals contention, but it
will make it an extremely unlikely proposition. This young team has
shown signs of being able to compete in this Grade, but have so far not
been able to string together good batting and bowling performances
consistently. With the teams either side of them undefeated, it is time
for 2nds to come out fighting and give them the support they need. A
losing 2nd Grade side does not bode well for either 1sts or 3rds. This
is the match that 2nds must come out, and show they are a force to be
reckoned with.
Thursday, November 3, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Five Times!
One of the drawbacks to being an active lower Grade cricketer is that
you miss some important milestones in 1st Grade of players you respect
and are also friends with.
Last weekend, Sam Wolf came through with arguably the bowling spell of his career, snaring his first five wicket haul in 1st Grade. His 5/25 spanned a 17 over straight spell. All five wickets were top order batsmen.
It is a mark of the continued maturity of Sam Wolf the Cricketer, that this was possible. Playing a Jamberoo side that contains batsmen that, though perhaps not out-and-out sloggers, are capable of some hard cross-bat hitting, on a ground that is intimidatingly small for a bowler if you are not on song, it takes patience and a good line and length to pull off bowling figures like those that Sam returned.
Three seasons ago, Sam was a good 3rd Grade bowler, knocking on the door of 2nds, but he had some control problems. He made his 1st Grade debut that season, eventually being ordered out of the attack after 1.5 overs against Warilla for continued head-high full tosses (I think that is the polite way to phrase it). He finished the season in 3rd Grade, with half the wickets at almost twice the cost as he had achieved in the previous season. Something had to change.
The following season, Sam's work ethic at training and in cricket in general picked up dramatically, and the results showed. He played the entire season in 2nd Grade, apart from one match in 1sts, and finished with 32 wickets at 14 for the season. His bowling had improved out of sight, he was staying taller in delivery, and his line and length had become good enough to trouble the best batsmen 2nd Grade could provide.
Last season, Sam graduated to 1st Grade on a full-time basis. Though 18 wickets at 26 doesn't sound impressive, it is the knowledge he gained from playing the entire season, being able to watch what the other 1st Grade bowlers did to take wickets, that was invaluable.
And now, the benefits are obvious. In just the 3rd match of the season, Sam now has 11 wickets at 11, has become the opening bowler Kiama needs, and the foil that 1sts need when Josh Jones returns to the fold.
No one now trains harder, or works harder at their game, than Sam Wolf. No one is more enthusiastic or passionate about the Kiama Cricket Club. He has assumed the mantle of leader of the Club's Victory Song, and he guards it with both honour and glee.
No doubt in his own mind, and most certainly in the minds of his 1st Grade opponents, he has now graduated as a 1st Grade Bowler.
It was a shame not to be there to share it with him.
Last weekend, Sam Wolf came through with arguably the bowling spell of his career, snaring his first five wicket haul in 1st Grade. His 5/25 spanned a 17 over straight spell. All five wickets were top order batsmen.
It is a mark of the continued maturity of Sam Wolf the Cricketer, that this was possible. Playing a Jamberoo side that contains batsmen that, though perhaps not out-and-out sloggers, are capable of some hard cross-bat hitting, on a ground that is intimidatingly small for a bowler if you are not on song, it takes patience and a good line and length to pull off bowling figures like those that Sam returned.
Three seasons ago, Sam was a good 3rd Grade bowler, knocking on the door of 2nds, but he had some control problems. He made his 1st Grade debut that season, eventually being ordered out of the attack after 1.5 overs against Warilla for continued head-high full tosses (I think that is the polite way to phrase it). He finished the season in 3rd Grade, with half the wickets at almost twice the cost as he had achieved in the previous season. Something had to change.
The following season, Sam's work ethic at training and in cricket in general picked up dramatically, and the results showed. He played the entire season in 2nd Grade, apart from one match in 1sts, and finished with 32 wickets at 14 for the season. His bowling had improved out of sight, he was staying taller in delivery, and his line and length had become good enough to trouble the best batsmen 2nd Grade could provide.
Last season, Sam graduated to 1st Grade on a full-time basis. Though 18 wickets at 26 doesn't sound impressive, it is the knowledge he gained from playing the entire season, being able to watch what the other 1st Grade bowlers did to take wickets, that was invaluable.
And now, the benefits are obvious. In just the 3rd match of the season, Sam now has 11 wickets at 11, has become the opening bowler Kiama needs, and the foil that 1sts need when Josh Jones returns to the fold.
No one now trains harder, or works harder at their game, than Sam Wolf. No one is more enthusiastic or passionate about the Kiama Cricket Club. He has assumed the mantle of leader of the Club's Victory Song, and he guards it with both honour and glee.
No doubt in his own mind, and most certainly in the minds of his 1st Grade opponents, he has now graduated as a 1st Grade Bowler.
It was a shame not to be there to share it with him.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Four of a Kind, or a Straight Flush
It is a rare event when it can be said that Kiama have won all four
Grades, but the past weekend was one of them. They were of varying
degrees, against varying opposition. Comparing them, one may get a
glimpse of what lies ahead.
1st Grade's victory by an innings over Warilla is one that should be celebrated to the maximum, and used as evidence that the team combination is heading in the right direction. Much has been said of the lack of success our Club has had against Warilla, and needs not be repeated. In the end, the victory was an emphatic one.
Having said that, the opposition are acknowledgably at their weakest in memory. Historically, Warilla have fought between themselves on and off the field, but always pull together (in a manner of sorts) when required to gain victory on the field. Now, it appears, they are unable to summon up that ability at will, which makes them vulnerable for the remainder of the season. Up against a Kiama side that is as well drilled as any that I can remember, Warilla were simply unable to match their enthusiasm and spirit.
It is important for 1sts to continue to build on their impressive start, and not get caught taking opposition for granted. The next two matches are against perennial finalists Jamberoo, and big improver of the past two seasons Lake Illawarra. In four weeks time, the story may be heading towards that happy ending.
2nd Grade had the distinct pleasure of not only rolling Warilla for just 95, but of asking them to follow on. That was where the joy really ended, as Warilla batted out the day to finish at 7/250, and some of the gloss of the first innings points was taken away with it.
Though the win made up partly for the first round loss, it also emphasised that 2nd Grade this season do not contain the firepower they have had in recent seasons. There is a sense in the team that it is building up to that, and that the side will be right in the mix come finals time. Yet, with only 12 rounds scheduled in the 2nd Grade competition, and one of those a bye, one slip could mean the difference between playing finals and watching from the sidelines. Losing to Shellharbour, and the inability to force the outright against Warilla are both equations that would have been reversed in the past 2 seasons.
3rd Grade completed an easy outright victory over the hapless Rail Red side, which gave them the best possible start to the season. It's interesting to hear around the traps that 3rds are 'almost certainties' to win the premiership this season. Without attempting to compare this season's side to any other, it must be remembered that last season 3rds were undefeated at Christmas, and only just snuck into the top four. Three seasons ago, Kiama fielded what I consider to be the best ever 3rd Grade side our Club has put on the paddock – and they too were defeated in the semi-final.
There is a hell of a lot of cricket to be played between now and March. No matter what the quality of the players available to 3rds this year, they still have to combine as a team, and win the important games. The Rail is not a good guide. Albion Park and Oak Flats will be the guides as to the fortunes of our 3rd Grade aspiriations this season.
4th Grade started their season with a victory, again against The Rail, and got good contributions from their young brigade. Eric Mete, Ben Runge, Matt Cook, Mitch Formosa, Grant Regan and Dave Tobin all did good things, and is a promising sign for the side during the coming season. Most of this side played together last year, and are developing nicely as a squad. One would not expect it to be too long before some, if not all, of these guys are gracing the field in higher grades.And that is the big picture with 4th Grade. Winning games will be great, but the development of the players in the side will be ever so much more important.
1st Grade's victory by an innings over Warilla is one that should be celebrated to the maximum, and used as evidence that the team combination is heading in the right direction. Much has been said of the lack of success our Club has had against Warilla, and needs not be repeated. In the end, the victory was an emphatic one.
Having said that, the opposition are acknowledgably at their weakest in memory. Historically, Warilla have fought between themselves on and off the field, but always pull together (in a manner of sorts) when required to gain victory on the field. Now, it appears, they are unable to summon up that ability at will, which makes them vulnerable for the remainder of the season. Up against a Kiama side that is as well drilled as any that I can remember, Warilla were simply unable to match their enthusiasm and spirit.
It is important for 1sts to continue to build on their impressive start, and not get caught taking opposition for granted. The next two matches are against perennial finalists Jamberoo, and big improver of the past two seasons Lake Illawarra. In four weeks time, the story may be heading towards that happy ending.
2nd Grade had the distinct pleasure of not only rolling Warilla for just 95, but of asking them to follow on. That was where the joy really ended, as Warilla batted out the day to finish at 7/250, and some of the gloss of the first innings points was taken away with it.
Though the win made up partly for the first round loss, it also emphasised that 2nd Grade this season do not contain the firepower they have had in recent seasons. There is a sense in the team that it is building up to that, and that the side will be right in the mix come finals time. Yet, with only 12 rounds scheduled in the 2nd Grade competition, and one of those a bye, one slip could mean the difference between playing finals and watching from the sidelines. Losing to Shellharbour, and the inability to force the outright against Warilla are both equations that would have been reversed in the past 2 seasons.
3rd Grade completed an easy outright victory over the hapless Rail Red side, which gave them the best possible start to the season. It's interesting to hear around the traps that 3rds are 'almost certainties' to win the premiership this season. Without attempting to compare this season's side to any other, it must be remembered that last season 3rds were undefeated at Christmas, and only just snuck into the top four. Three seasons ago, Kiama fielded what I consider to be the best ever 3rd Grade side our Club has put on the paddock – and they too were defeated in the semi-final.
There is a hell of a lot of cricket to be played between now and March. No matter what the quality of the players available to 3rds this year, they still have to combine as a team, and win the important games. The Rail is not a good guide. Albion Park and Oak Flats will be the guides as to the fortunes of our 3rd Grade aspiriations this season.
4th Grade started their season with a victory, again against The Rail, and got good contributions from their young brigade. Eric Mete, Ben Runge, Matt Cook, Mitch Formosa, Grant Regan and Dave Tobin all did good things, and is a promising sign for the side during the coming season. Most of this side played together last year, and are developing nicely as a squad. One would not expect it to be too long before some, if not all, of these guys are gracing the field in higher grades.And that is the big picture with 4th Grade. Winning games will be great, but the development of the players in the side will be ever so much more important.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
The Coming of Age
While the weekend saw a lot of good news for the Kiama Cricket Club, it
did contain perhaps two of the best stories in individual performances,
both of which have probably been coming for some time, and both of which
were from opening batsmen.
Dale Scifleet has threatened for the past couple of years to break through and translate his obvious talent into runs and wickets. At a time when Kiama Cricket needs him to do it the most, it looks as though he may finally have taken that step.
Kiama 1sts were jumping on Saturday, having finally broken a 15 year hoodoo, and taken 1st innings points in their clash with Warilla. In the midst of this achievement stood the growing colossus of Dale Scifleet.
Coming on as first change as 1sts attempted to dismiss the Kookaburras, Dale snared 3/23 with his increasingly improving bowling. Dale has always shown himself to be a bowler with an ability to bowl quick, though unfortunately his frame has sometimes been unable to cope with that strain. For the first time since he was 16, he now appears fit and strong enough to cope with the demands he places on himself in delivery.
With no rest for the wicked, Dale, having helped decimate Warilla for just 98, immediately straps on his pads, and walks out to open the innings for Kiama's reply. He is in form, having scored 65 not out in the first match. Now, however, he must do it against one the competition's historically striongest teams.
Though two early wickets fell, Dale is resolute, and with his skipper, they steer Kiama past the mental barrier imposed for so long. From here, the job is not finished, Dale bats on, dominating the attack, until, like Kiama batsmen in the nineties before him, he cuts a ball on to his stumps, prematurely ending his innings on 94, when a maiden 1st Grade century beckoned.
What does it all mean. From the sidelines, what it means is that Dale has finally found himself as a cricketer, managing to meld the talent with the work ethic on and off the field that is required to succeed. His selection for South Coast is testimony to that, and the possibility of reaching Southern Zone and, maybe, Country, would be an extension of that.
More than anything else, Kiama's great hope for the past six years finally appears to have materialised, and with it, 1st Grade's best chance for success in many years.
A few kilometres away, at Bonaira Street, another prodigal was making a mark of his own. Simon Pearson seems to have spent the last few seasons in the shadows, appearing briefly in the higher grades, but generally forced to work his trade in 3rd Grade, where he was playing on the weekend.
After his skipper had won the toss and decided to bat against The Rail Red, Simon strapped on his pads and walked out to face the music.
The side was loaded with faces that, in talk at the Grand, were expected to do the real damage. But while Savage, Wills, Gunning, Bombaci, Park and Lawler made their contributions, Simon played as he always does, accumulating his runs without anyone realising how well he is going.
Playing at Oakleigh Park, I had an indication that he was doing well by the frequency of the phone calls from his father, Ian. The final one came at around 4.30pm, when Ian could barely contain his glee by announcing, “Simon made his hundred, and I was there to see it!”.
Simon has been unfortunate that his chances in the higher grades have often been one-off cameo's, when others have been unavailable for a weekend. On his 1st Grade debut, he put his hand up for the Number 3 position against the toughest assignment in South Coast cricket...(and promptly shouldered arms to an inswinging rocket and lost his off stump). He has the ability to make a solid 1st Grade batsman, given the opportunity to stake a claim, and the desire to make it happen.
These are just two of the stars from last weekend. The Warilla victory in 1st Grade may have drawn the headlines, but these two players have every right to feel very pleased with their start to the season.
Dale Scifleet has threatened for the past couple of years to break through and translate his obvious talent into runs and wickets. At a time when Kiama Cricket needs him to do it the most, it looks as though he may finally have taken that step.
Kiama 1sts were jumping on Saturday, having finally broken a 15 year hoodoo, and taken 1st innings points in their clash with Warilla. In the midst of this achievement stood the growing colossus of Dale Scifleet.
Coming on as first change as 1sts attempted to dismiss the Kookaburras, Dale snared 3/23 with his increasingly improving bowling. Dale has always shown himself to be a bowler with an ability to bowl quick, though unfortunately his frame has sometimes been unable to cope with that strain. For the first time since he was 16, he now appears fit and strong enough to cope with the demands he places on himself in delivery.
With no rest for the wicked, Dale, having helped decimate Warilla for just 98, immediately straps on his pads, and walks out to open the innings for Kiama's reply. He is in form, having scored 65 not out in the first match. Now, however, he must do it against one the competition's historically striongest teams.
Though two early wickets fell, Dale is resolute, and with his skipper, they steer Kiama past the mental barrier imposed for so long. From here, the job is not finished, Dale bats on, dominating the attack, until, like Kiama batsmen in the nineties before him, he cuts a ball on to his stumps, prematurely ending his innings on 94, when a maiden 1st Grade century beckoned.
What does it all mean. From the sidelines, what it means is that Dale has finally found himself as a cricketer, managing to meld the talent with the work ethic on and off the field that is required to succeed. His selection for South Coast is testimony to that, and the possibility of reaching Southern Zone and, maybe, Country, would be an extension of that.
More than anything else, Kiama's great hope for the past six years finally appears to have materialised, and with it, 1st Grade's best chance for success in many years.
A few kilometres away, at Bonaira Street, another prodigal was making a mark of his own. Simon Pearson seems to have spent the last few seasons in the shadows, appearing briefly in the higher grades, but generally forced to work his trade in 3rd Grade, where he was playing on the weekend.
After his skipper had won the toss and decided to bat against The Rail Red, Simon strapped on his pads and walked out to face the music.
The side was loaded with faces that, in talk at the Grand, were expected to do the real damage. But while Savage, Wills, Gunning, Bombaci, Park and Lawler made their contributions, Simon played as he always does, accumulating his runs without anyone realising how well he is going.
Playing at Oakleigh Park, I had an indication that he was doing well by the frequency of the phone calls from his father, Ian. The final one came at around 4.30pm, when Ian could barely contain his glee by announcing, “Simon made his hundred, and I was there to see it!”.
Simon has been unfortunate that his chances in the higher grades have often been one-off cameo's, when others have been unavailable for a weekend. On his 1st Grade debut, he put his hand up for the Number 3 position against the toughest assignment in South Coast cricket...(and promptly shouldered arms to an inswinging rocket and lost his off stump). He has the ability to make a solid 1st Grade batsman, given the opportunity to stake a claim, and the desire to make it happen.
These are just two of the stars from last weekend. The Warilla victory in 1st Grade may have drawn the headlines, but these two players have every right to feel very pleased with their start to the season.
Friday, October 7, 2005
Time to Stand Up and Be Counted
With all Grades getting on the paddock this weekend, we will finally get
an indication as to how all of the Clubs are travelling in the new
season.
1st Grade have a wonderful opportunity to charge away early in the season against recent powerhouses Warilla at Cavalier Park. Early indications are that the Kookaburras may well find the going a lot tougher this season, and 1sts must take advantage of that in the coming match. 1st Grade have an abysmal record against Warilla, having won only 5 matches out of the 45 played between the two sides since Warilla’s initial season in 1979/80 – the last victory coming on December 22, 1990. If Kiama are to move forward this season, they must overcome this to do so.
2nd Grade had a rough start; falling to an opponent they should have defeated comfortably, and will be looking to rectify that against Warilla at Oakleigh Park.
2nds will be in the mix again this season, but their charter has been reformed from recent seasons. Unlike recent times, the 2nd Grade side is expected to be filled with players who are aiming at playing 1st Grade, rather than with players who for one reason or another will not gain elevation to the top Grade.
The selectors have been consistent in this attitude throughout the pre-season. It may affect the overall playing strength of the side, but it will certainly improve the long-term strength of the 1st Grade side, and this is what the Club must be aiming for.
The match against Warilla, who are angling the same way themselves, will be the benchmark. Win the game, and the season is back on track. Lose the game, and the focus may change entirely.
3rd Grade has a wealth of playing talent to sift through and call upon as a result of 2nd Grade’s charter. The team for the weekend’s match against The Rail Red at Bonaira Street has an abundance of talent and experience, and must be seriously thinking about a maiden premiership. Containing players like Jason Wills, AJ Savage, Simon Pearson, Jeff Lawler, Luke Bombaci and Ryan Gunning, this side, if it stays together, should be one of the dominating sides of the summer.
The Rail has two sides in the 3rd Grade competition this season, and if recent history is any guide, it should be a fairly comfortable victory to the Kiama side.
4th Grade will hope to reap the rewards of last season’s youth investment policy, by pushing for more victories, and the further development of the Club’s future. Most of the kids who played last season have returned for another crack, and no doubt the experience that they gained from last season will benefit them enormously.
They face The Rail in their first match, and will be confident of putting a win on the board.
The word from around the Club is to keep an eye on youngster Eric Mete. We shall see how his season progresses.
So – away we go. The coming few weekends will soon tell the tale of how Kiama can hope to go this season. If they perform to their potential, it should be one of the most exciting in recent years.
1st Grade have a wonderful opportunity to charge away early in the season against recent powerhouses Warilla at Cavalier Park. Early indications are that the Kookaburras may well find the going a lot tougher this season, and 1sts must take advantage of that in the coming match. 1st Grade have an abysmal record against Warilla, having won only 5 matches out of the 45 played between the two sides since Warilla’s initial season in 1979/80 – the last victory coming on December 22, 1990. If Kiama are to move forward this season, they must overcome this to do so.
2nd Grade had a rough start; falling to an opponent they should have defeated comfortably, and will be looking to rectify that against Warilla at Oakleigh Park.
2nds will be in the mix again this season, but their charter has been reformed from recent seasons. Unlike recent times, the 2nd Grade side is expected to be filled with players who are aiming at playing 1st Grade, rather than with players who for one reason or another will not gain elevation to the top Grade.
The selectors have been consistent in this attitude throughout the pre-season. It may affect the overall playing strength of the side, but it will certainly improve the long-term strength of the 1st Grade side, and this is what the Club must be aiming for.
The match against Warilla, who are angling the same way themselves, will be the benchmark. Win the game, and the season is back on track. Lose the game, and the focus may change entirely.
3rd Grade has a wealth of playing talent to sift through and call upon as a result of 2nd Grade’s charter. The team for the weekend’s match against The Rail Red at Bonaira Street has an abundance of talent and experience, and must be seriously thinking about a maiden premiership. Containing players like Jason Wills, AJ Savage, Simon Pearson, Jeff Lawler, Luke Bombaci and Ryan Gunning, this side, if it stays together, should be one of the dominating sides of the summer.
The Rail has two sides in the 3rd Grade competition this season, and if recent history is any guide, it should be a fairly comfortable victory to the Kiama side.
4th Grade will hope to reap the rewards of last season’s youth investment policy, by pushing for more victories, and the further development of the Club’s future. Most of the kids who played last season have returned for another crack, and no doubt the experience that they gained from last season will benefit them enormously.
They face The Rail in their first match, and will be confident of putting a win on the board.
The word from around the Club is to keep an eye on youngster Eric Mete. We shall see how his season progresses.
So – away we go. The coming few weekends will soon tell the tale of how Kiama can hope to go this season. If they perform to their potential, it should be one of the most exciting in recent years.
Monday, October 3, 2005
3. Midnight Oil / 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. 1982. 4/5.
Once I actually had the album, there was even more to it than that. The moody opening song "Outside World" really lulls you in, without even knowing with the keys and Peter Garrett's vocals strangely efficient. Its sereneness is followed by the more frantic and demanding nature of "Only the Strong", often leading to my being "locked in my room... and I just wanna screeeeeeeeaaaaammm!!!" whilst listening to it.
The heart of the album follows, and it stacks up against the middle of any album ever recorded. "Short Memory", my all-time favourite Midnight Oil song "Read About It", "Scream In Blue", "U.S Forces" and "Power and the Passion" are all songs that everyone of Generation X know the words to - certainly in Australia. Just fabulous songs, all with their own message, and still all brilliantly enjoyable. They all still hold up as well today as when they were recorded 30 years ago.
This is all a tough act to follow, and the end of the album for me suffers a little because of it. However, "Tin Legs and Tin Mines" still has quirkiness that makes it endearing.
All in all this is one of the finest albums to come out of Australia. While some believe Diesel and Dust or Blue Sky Mining rank above it, this to me will always be Midnight Oils' finest moment.
Rating: "There must be some solution but I just don't know". 4/5
Sunday, October 2, 2005
2. The Beatles / 1. 2000. 5/5.
One of the things with The Beatles too, is that to say this is their definitive best of is open to personal opinion. There are songs missing for me, as I am sure there would be for most fans.
I have always enjoyed their pre-experimentation years more than their later, non-touring session albums. Pure rock and roll pop songs like "She Loves You", "Can't Buy Me Love", A Hard Day's Night", "Eight Days a Week" and "Help!" have generally been my favourite type by the band. This being said, two of my absolute favourite Beatles songs are "Eleanor Rigby" and "Penny Lane", which certainly don't fit into this category.
Everyone knows The Beatles. Everyone knows The Beatles songs. You may not love the band or their music, but you sure as hell know the words to most of their songs. It's almost a prerequisite in the modern music world. This collection does a pretty fair job of putting together their decade in one package.
Rating: "Love you every day girl, always on my mind". 5/5
1. Metallica / ...And Justice For All. 1988. 5/5.
Let’s get through the negative from the outset. New bass guitarist Jason Newsted could just as well have taken an extra six months off for the effect he has on this recording. If he had been turned down in the mix any lower, then his amps would have been at -1, not 11. Turn the bass up on your stereo when you listen to the album. You get the bass drum ticking away like a metronome in your chest, but the bass guitar is still in the background.
There can also be a case made for just how tight and exacting the instruments are on this album. Is it sterile as some have suggested, or just clinical? It's open to opinion and interpretation. There is no doubt that there is a much fuller sound on their album that follows this one, but does that make it better? In 1988, this was the bees knees.
There can also be a case made for just how tight and exacting the instruments are on this album. Is it sterile as some have suggested, or just clinical? It's open to opinion and interpretation. There is no doubt that there is a much fuller sound on their album that follows this one, but does that make it better? In 1988, this was the bees knees.
...And Justice for All is a testament to the amazing growth in the band, to all that they had seen and learned in the previous years, both as artists and people. Hetfield's lyrics are cutting and concise, blisteringly brutal in places, much like the music that accompanies them. There is nothing friendly or polite here. Hetfield takes his thoughts and shoves them up you nose with force. Feel his anger at the stupidity rife in the world. It is a subtle as a blow from a brick to the head. Environmental issues ("Blackened"), injustice ("...And Justice for All"), the horrors of war ("One"), and even politely informing your parents of their wrongs ("Dyers Eve") are all covered here.
It's not just the lyrical content that shines here. The progressive arrangement of the songs is amazing. as heavy as they are, the time changes and the arrangement of the song structures is ahead of its time, so far ahead of what any other metal band of any denomination was doing at the time. It was the benchmark for metal moving into a new decade.
What can you say about one of the all-time classics. This album blew away even the metal world when it was released in 1988. It was just another step up from what Metallica had achieved before, and is a masterpiece.
Arguments will always ensue as to the greatest Metallica album. Rest assured this is as close as you can get if you don't already believe it is. Almost without peer was the tour which followed this album. I can vouch that it still remains one of the best I have ever seen. It also became the turning point in Metallica's career. It was the close of the first chapter of their story. For many, it went downhill from this point. Others believe that the best was yet to come. Almost all will agree that this was a ground breaking classic.
Arguments will always ensue as to the greatest Metallica album. Rest assured this is as close as you can get if you don't already believe it is. Almost without peer was the tour which followed this album. I can vouch that it still remains one of the best I have ever seen. It also became the turning point in Metallica's career. It was the close of the first chapter of their story. For many, it went downhill from this point. Others believe that the best was yet to come. Almost all will agree that this was a ground breaking classic.
Rating: "Blackened is the end... winter it will send..." 5/5
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
1st Impress and 2nds Decompress
A marginal first weekend of competition has raised as many questions as it may have answered for the Kiama Cricket Club.
1st Grade, playing for the first time in coloured clothing and with a white ball, couldn’t have been much more impressive in their defeat of The Rail at Croome Road Oval. Bowling out their opponents for just 165 was a great effort with a virgin bowling attack, while the chase was one of Kiama’s best in the past 15 seasons, losing only two wickets in the chase, and with more than 13 overs to spare.
This was the type of performance that announces a team’s intentions for the season. Some will scoff that it was “only against The Rail”, but most Club’s will have taken the result very seriously indeed.
The performance of 17 year old Matt O’Brien was outstanding. In just his 10th 1st Grade match, he took 5/26. It was his second five wicket haul in 1st Grade, in just his second season. He becomes just the 41st Kiama player to take multiple 5 wicket innings in 1st Grade. Not since Darren Gregory has the Club had a spinner so young with so much talent and maturity. His will be a season worth watching.
Dale Scifleet’s all-round effort is the kind of performance that Kiama has been looking for from him for the past couple of seasons. His start is excellent news for 1sts, and very encouraging.
He should almost definitely have secured himself a start in the Burns Cup side as well, where no doubt he will do himself and his Club proud.
As an opening effort, Matt Meurant would be pleased with the victory. The boys were certainly on a high back at the Grand Hotel beer garden after the match. Their enthusiasm and excitement bodes well for the coming weeks.
On the other side of the coin, 2nd Grade could not have been more disappointed with their loss to one of last season’s stragglers, Shellharbour City. Though it was a side that was not at full strength, the team should still have defeated the opposition they faced.
Apart from John Simon, whose patient 53 held the innings together, the batting failed to fire against some excellent patient line and length bowling from the Shellharbour side. Their bowling was, in fact, a perfect execution of what is required in one day cricket.
2nds always appeared a bowler short, especially after Jason Wills’ knees buckled for the ninetieth time in his career. Josh Elliott finished with 3 wickets, and though he was not at top pace, will expect to get better as the weeks roll on.
Things will be clearer following the next round, especially with the beginning of the lower grade competitions. Already, however, Kiama are beginning to feel very confident about the season ahead.
1st Grade, playing for the first time in coloured clothing and with a white ball, couldn’t have been much more impressive in their defeat of The Rail at Croome Road Oval. Bowling out their opponents for just 165 was a great effort with a virgin bowling attack, while the chase was one of Kiama’s best in the past 15 seasons, losing only two wickets in the chase, and with more than 13 overs to spare.
This was the type of performance that announces a team’s intentions for the season. Some will scoff that it was “only against The Rail”, but most Club’s will have taken the result very seriously indeed.
The performance of 17 year old Matt O’Brien was outstanding. In just his 10th 1st Grade match, he took 5/26. It was his second five wicket haul in 1st Grade, in just his second season. He becomes just the 41st Kiama player to take multiple 5 wicket innings in 1st Grade. Not since Darren Gregory has the Club had a spinner so young with so much talent and maturity. His will be a season worth watching.
Dale Scifleet’s all-round effort is the kind of performance that Kiama has been looking for from him for the past couple of seasons. His start is excellent news for 1sts, and very encouraging.
He should almost definitely have secured himself a start in the Burns Cup side as well, where no doubt he will do himself and his Club proud.
As an opening effort, Matt Meurant would be pleased with the victory. The boys were certainly on a high back at the Grand Hotel beer garden after the match. Their enthusiasm and excitement bodes well for the coming weeks.
On the other side of the coin, 2nd Grade could not have been more disappointed with their loss to one of last season’s stragglers, Shellharbour City. Though it was a side that was not at full strength, the team should still have defeated the opposition they faced.
Apart from John Simon, whose patient 53 held the innings together, the batting failed to fire against some excellent patient line and length bowling from the Shellharbour side. Their bowling was, in fact, a perfect execution of what is required in one day cricket.
2nds always appeared a bowler short, especially after Jason Wills’ knees buckled for the ninetieth time in his career. Josh Elliott finished with 3 wickets, and though he was not at top pace, will expect to get better as the weeks roll on.
Things will be clearer following the next round, especially with the beginning of the lower grade competitions. Already, however, Kiama are beginning to feel very confident about the season ahead.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Charge of the Cav Brigade
After six months of dissection, decision and discussion, the new South
Coast cricket season begins this Saturday, with First and Second Grades
kicking off their 2005-06 campaigns. The eager anticipation, following
the recruitment of Matt Meurant as Coach and 1st Grade skipper, can now
be funnelled into on-field enthusiasm and performance.
Apart from the confidence that is currently flowing through the Club at all levels, it is important to view the coming season as the beginning of a rebuilding and reinventing phase, and not the end. Both 1st and 2nd Grades are likely to be bursting at the seams with youth, and as always, that youth will take some time to adjust to what it is facing, and what is expected from it.
1st Grade will spend the first two rounds without key all rounders Josh Jones and Tim Richardson. This will place more pressure on their replacements, and on the established players in the squad. 1st Grade also has the added bonus of playing the first match in coloured clothing and with a white ball for the first time, with little practice behind them. It will be a test of their character as to how they are able to cope with these innovations on such short notice.
Over the course of the two trial matches held over the past weeks, the fielding and bowling from the 1st Grade players has looked sharp and enthusiastic. The fielding will be important, as every run saved is one less left to chase.
The bowlers will need to step up and deliver their best to cover those players who are unavailable in the initial rounds. Early breakthroughs will be important, and Dale Scifleet and Sam Wolf will need to achieve these in the first round clash to help their bowling partners once their opening burst is complete.
The batsmen have had one good day and one ordinary day. Last season, the batting was the side’s weak link. That needs to be rectified this season. It wasn’t through a lack of talent. Many of the same faces will be doing the job again this season. This season, however, they need to start converting. It is highly unlikely players will be persevered with this season if they are unable to perform.
Several changes must occur within the culture of the Club for greater success to be achieved. The attitude, and performance, of some of the players would be at the top of that list.
There has never been any doubt about the standard of players within the Kiama Cricket Club – their ability is not in question. The problem has stemmed from the fact that, in general, these talented youngsters suffer from one, or a combination, of the following afflictions – a fear of the opposition, a confidence–sapping negativity towards cricket, a lack of heart and determination, an inability or unwillingness to train, and a deplorable lack of team and Club spirit.
These problems must be identified and agreed upon. Then they must be cured. Not an easy thing to do on any count.
The individual must take responsibility for their own behaviour and performance. It is all well and good to blame poor umpiring, a dodgy deck, or a team mate’s dropped catch or bad call. In the long run, it is the individual’s responsibility to come back from that – rise above it, and continue to put in the effort that is required. If an individual gets dropped a Grade, spitting the dummy impresses no one, and does themselves, their team mates, and the Club, no good whatsoever.
The good news is this appears to be happening already. For our sake’s, let’s hope this continues.
We can either be a Club that strives to be the best it can be, while retaining the humour and enjoyment of the game that we have always had, or we can become a social club, that eventually would fold because all of the people in our Club who care about Cricket would play elsewhere, or not at all.
The answer appears obvious.
The season looks to be one of the most important in the Club’s history. Despite the loss of some players, the playing roster for 2005-06 appears stronger than was originally feared. The kids in the squad (i.e. – those 18-22 years) have shown the willingness and desire to step up and become better cricketers, and attempt to win a 1st Grade Premiership. The first steps have been taken.
It’s time to rally the troops, and roll out the cannons – time for all Cavaliers to stand up and be counted, be they players, partners, ex-players or supporters.
It’s time to get some fire in the belly, some steel in the heart, and make ourselves a force to be reckoned with again.
Nothing can hold back this Club, except itself.
Let’s sweep past the doubts, and beyond that lies the secret to winning those elusive Premierships…
Apart from the confidence that is currently flowing through the Club at all levels, it is important to view the coming season as the beginning of a rebuilding and reinventing phase, and not the end. Both 1st and 2nd Grades are likely to be bursting at the seams with youth, and as always, that youth will take some time to adjust to what it is facing, and what is expected from it.
1st Grade will spend the first two rounds without key all rounders Josh Jones and Tim Richardson. This will place more pressure on their replacements, and on the established players in the squad. 1st Grade also has the added bonus of playing the first match in coloured clothing and with a white ball for the first time, with little practice behind them. It will be a test of their character as to how they are able to cope with these innovations on such short notice.
Over the course of the two trial matches held over the past weeks, the fielding and bowling from the 1st Grade players has looked sharp and enthusiastic. The fielding will be important, as every run saved is one less left to chase.
The bowlers will need to step up and deliver their best to cover those players who are unavailable in the initial rounds. Early breakthroughs will be important, and Dale Scifleet and Sam Wolf will need to achieve these in the first round clash to help their bowling partners once their opening burst is complete.
The batsmen have had one good day and one ordinary day. Last season, the batting was the side’s weak link. That needs to be rectified this season. It wasn’t through a lack of talent. Many of the same faces will be doing the job again this season. This season, however, they need to start converting. It is highly unlikely players will be persevered with this season if they are unable to perform.
Several changes must occur within the culture of the Club for greater success to be achieved. The attitude, and performance, of some of the players would be at the top of that list.
There has never been any doubt about the standard of players within the Kiama Cricket Club – their ability is not in question. The problem has stemmed from the fact that, in general, these talented youngsters suffer from one, or a combination, of the following afflictions – a fear of the opposition, a confidence–sapping negativity towards cricket, a lack of heart and determination, an inability or unwillingness to train, and a deplorable lack of team and Club spirit.
These problems must be identified and agreed upon. Then they must be cured. Not an easy thing to do on any count.
The individual must take responsibility for their own behaviour and performance. It is all well and good to blame poor umpiring, a dodgy deck, or a team mate’s dropped catch or bad call. In the long run, it is the individual’s responsibility to come back from that – rise above it, and continue to put in the effort that is required. If an individual gets dropped a Grade, spitting the dummy impresses no one, and does themselves, their team mates, and the Club, no good whatsoever.
The good news is this appears to be happening already. For our sake’s, let’s hope this continues.
We can either be a Club that strives to be the best it can be, while retaining the humour and enjoyment of the game that we have always had, or we can become a social club, that eventually would fold because all of the people in our Club who care about Cricket would play elsewhere, or not at all.
The answer appears obvious.
The season looks to be one of the most important in the Club’s history. Despite the loss of some players, the playing roster for 2005-06 appears stronger than was originally feared. The kids in the squad (i.e. – those 18-22 years) have shown the willingness and desire to step up and become better cricketers, and attempt to win a 1st Grade Premiership. The first steps have been taken.
It’s time to rally the troops, and roll out the cannons – time for all Cavaliers to stand up and be counted, be they players, partners, ex-players or supporters.
It’s time to get some fire in the belly, some steel in the heart, and make ourselves a force to be reckoned with again.
Nothing can hold back this Club, except itself.
Let’s sweep past the doubts, and beyond that lies the secret to winning those elusive Premierships…
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
The Relationship is Over
I lost someone close to me today. They walked out on me for another.
We had been together for sixteen glorious years. And now it is over.
I guess the signs have been there for awhile. There is no doubt that I have been faultering recently, my form a little below par. Perhaps I had forgotten how important it is not only to show that I care, but to put the effort into maintaining that care.
There had been rumours circulating for the past eighteen months of this other "beau". That they were staking a claim for what was mine. Of course I heard all of this, but I never really believed it could come true. How could they entice from me what I had held so dear for so long?!
Sure - we've had the usual hurdles in our relationship. I remember during June of 1997, we had a rocky time. There were thoughts that we may part company, that we had fallen apart. But we held together, fought our way through that rough patch, and consolidated our relationship stronger than ever.
I still remember fondly our union in 1989. The excitement. The passion. The joy of coming together. It was all unforgettable. Over time, our bond just seemed to grow stronger. I had begun to believe that it would never end. That we would never be separated from each other...
And now - "they" are together. My Prize, and the Heathen.
It is so difficult to accept or believe after sixteen years together.
But I haven't given up hope. We may be apart now, but maybe there is still a chance for us. If I give those two their time together - maybe 12 to 14 months.
And then, I will launch my bid to win my Prize back.
And I will stop at nothing, to reclaim what is rightfully mine....
I guess the signs have been there for awhile. There is no doubt that I have been faultering recently, my form a little below par. Perhaps I had forgotten how important it is not only to show that I care, but to put the effort into maintaining that care.
There had been rumours circulating for the past eighteen months of this other "beau". That they were staking a claim for what was mine. Of course I heard all of this, but I never really believed it could come true. How could they entice from me what I had held so dear for so long?!
Sure - we've had the usual hurdles in our relationship. I remember during June of 1997, we had a rocky time. There were thoughts that we may part company, that we had fallen apart. But we held together, fought our way through that rough patch, and consolidated our relationship stronger than ever.
I still remember fondly our union in 1989. The excitement. The passion. The joy of coming together. It was all unforgettable. Over time, our bond just seemed to grow stronger. I had begun to believe that it would never end. That we would never be separated from each other...
And now - "they" are together. My Prize, and the Heathen.
It is so difficult to accept or believe after sixteen years together.
But I haven't given up hope. We may be apart now, but maybe there is still a chance for us. If I give those two their time together - maybe 12 to 14 months.
And then, I will launch my bid to win my Prize back.
And I will stop at nothing, to reclaim what is rightfully mine....
Revenge
I have just one thing to say.
I hope the Poms enjoy the next 12 months as holders of the Ashes.
Because in the first week of January 2007, we shall complete the 5th Test of the next Ashes series in Sydney, and we will have them back!
And I intend to be there to celebrate the beginning of the our next 16 year reign as holders of cricket's greatest prize....
I hope the Poms enjoy the next 12 months as holders of the Ashes.
Because in the first week of January 2007, we shall complete the 5th Test of the next Ashes series in Sydney, and we will have them back!
And I intend to be there to celebrate the beginning of the our next 16 year reign as holders of cricket's greatest prize....
Through the Crystal Ball
Now that the unpleasantness is over, it is time to look into the crystal ball, and seek out the future of Australian cricket.
Despite losing the Ashes, the comparative closeness of the series in all barring the First Test could theoretically allow the national selectors to continue with the current side during the upcoming domestic summer - especially against the weakening West Indians.
But the Ashes series only proved these things -
a) That without Warne and McGrath, Australia would struggle to bowl out any other international side twice.
b) That Langer and Ponting are the only batsmen assured of long-term national selection.
c) That the majority of next-best options are either under-prepared or aged on the wrong side of 30.
You can be almost assured that the international careers of Gillespie, Kasprowicz and MacGill are effectively over. Gillespie was given enough chances for three men in an attempt to overcome his form slump, and still failed to find any cure for his ineffectualness. Kasper was given two Tests, albeit at late notice, to do enough to be retained, but was also unable to find his old zip and ball movement. MacGill was a victim of poor programming, which led to a lack of consistent match bowling, which therefore gave him little chance of being injected into the series - this despite the fact that Australia's other leg-spinner took an astounding 40 English wickets in just five Tests!!! Despite his continued credentials, one suspects that, when an opportunity comes along this summer to play two spinners in the same Test eleven, that the selectors will begin blooding a youngster to be the successor to Warne's throne, while the King still reigns to guide him.
Those on notice that the end may be approaching include Hayden, Martyn and Katich. Hayden's epic knock at The Oval was a bonus for him and the team, but doesn't eradicate the twelve months of struggle he has been through. He won't be immediately abandoned, but he will need to rediscover his touch to last the summer. Both Martyn and Katich were victims of some dreadful LBW decisions during the Ashes series, which stymied their progress, but both must still face the reality of the numbers they posted. They were not good enough, in a batting line-up that struggled.
It is not a time to panic. Nor is it a time to stand idle. The selectors must continue to be vigilant in regards to the ageing of its player base, and ensure that there is a smooth and consistent transition within the team.
A glut of runs and wickets over the Australian summer will make careers of those on the fringes. Players such as Phil Jaques, Dan Cullen and Cameron White are the next generation. Their time may soon be upon us. Following the Flintoff phenomenon, players like Shane Watson, Dominic Thornley and even Andy Symonds may find they have a chance to become Test all-rounders.
Any player, with age on their side (sorry Michael Bevan), who comes out this season, and can score 1000+ runs, or take 40+ wickets, may find themselves fast-tracked into this Australian team, such is the need to find some youthfulness.
This now shapes up as the most important 12 months in Australian cricket in two decades. Our champions are heading towards the exit door, and new ones must be found to replace them.
Despite losing the Ashes, the comparative closeness of the series in all barring the First Test could theoretically allow the national selectors to continue with the current side during the upcoming domestic summer - especially against the weakening West Indians.
But the Ashes series only proved these things -
a) That without Warne and McGrath, Australia would struggle to bowl out any other international side twice.
b) That Langer and Ponting are the only batsmen assured of long-term national selection.
c) That the majority of next-best options are either under-prepared or aged on the wrong side of 30.
You can be almost assured that the international careers of Gillespie, Kasprowicz and MacGill are effectively over. Gillespie was given enough chances for three men in an attempt to overcome his form slump, and still failed to find any cure for his ineffectualness. Kasper was given two Tests, albeit at late notice, to do enough to be retained, but was also unable to find his old zip and ball movement. MacGill was a victim of poor programming, which led to a lack of consistent match bowling, which therefore gave him little chance of being injected into the series - this despite the fact that Australia's other leg-spinner took an astounding 40 English wickets in just five Tests!!! Despite his continued credentials, one suspects that, when an opportunity comes along this summer to play two spinners in the same Test eleven, that the selectors will begin blooding a youngster to be the successor to Warne's throne, while the King still reigns to guide him.
Those on notice that the end may be approaching include Hayden, Martyn and Katich. Hayden's epic knock at The Oval was a bonus for him and the team, but doesn't eradicate the twelve months of struggle he has been through. He won't be immediately abandoned, but he will need to rediscover his touch to last the summer. Both Martyn and Katich were victims of some dreadful LBW decisions during the Ashes series, which stymied their progress, but both must still face the reality of the numbers they posted. They were not good enough, in a batting line-up that struggled.
It is not a time to panic. Nor is it a time to stand idle. The selectors must continue to be vigilant in regards to the ageing of its player base, and ensure that there is a smooth and consistent transition within the team.
A glut of runs and wickets over the Australian summer will make careers of those on the fringes. Players such as Phil Jaques, Dan Cullen and Cameron White are the next generation. Their time may soon be upon us. Following the Flintoff phenomenon, players like Shane Watson, Dominic Thornley and even Andy Symonds may find they have a chance to become Test all-rounders.
Any player, with age on their side (sorry Michael Bevan), who comes out this season, and can score 1000+ runs, or take 40+ wickets, may find themselves fast-tracked into this Australian team, such is the need to find some youthfulness.
This now shapes up as the most important 12 months in Australian cricket in two decades. Our champions are heading towards the exit door, and new ones must be found to replace them.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
When a Draw is a Win
3.48am. Tuesday morning. My phone beeps, and I read the SMS inscribed upon it.
“Victory! A draw! My heart now recedes into my chest”
The sender, Dan Reilly, later exclaims how exciting it had been watching Australia fight for a draw after all those thousands of victories he has watched over the years. Oh, the innocence of youth. All it brought back for me was the pain of my youth, watching Australia celebrate draws as victories – and not celebrating very often.
Most people of my generation would especially relate the joy we felt when Mike Whitney, a 'ferret' of a batsman [for those not in the know, the 'ferrets' come after the 'rabbits'], was able to survive the entire final over of a Test match in Melbourne, enabling Australia to draw the match and win a series for the first time in four years. The bowler was Richard Hadlee, and the team was New Zealand. The Kiwi's for goodness sake! We celebrated a DRAW against NEW ZEALAND like we had WON!! The depth of the abyss can never be measured until you have crashed to the very bottom.
So – as much as Rocket enjoyed it, let's hope there aren't too many more of them.
What will it take to win this series? Australia will consider themselves favourites, if only for the fact that they only need to win one of the final two Tests to retain the Ashes, a drawn series being enough for them to do that. They will want to win the series outright to quell any speculation. England will consider themselves favourites, if only for the fact that they do have some sort of momentum, despite being unable to dislodge Australia with 108 overs at their disposal at Old Trafford.
When it comes to making changes to Test sides, Australia have been very reluctant to do so in recent times. They back themselves to perform, even if they have a player or two in the side who is struggling to contribute. This, of course, is fine when the team keeps winning. If the team is not winning, it certainly must make that task more difficult. England, on the other hand, have often chopped and changed their side. On this occasion, they have played the same eleven in each of the three Ashes Tests.
In an effort to win the final two Tests, you would expect both sides could make some minimal changes to their line-up.
England will probably only consider one change, that being selecting another bowler in the place of Matthew Hoggard. Despite picking up two wickets on the final day at Old Trafford, Hoggard still appears largely ineffective, and Vaughan appears reluctant to use him. If England are to retain the balance of their team as it is, with four bowlers plus Flintoff, then surely picking a bowler that the captain feels confident about bowling for more than 6 overs (as occurred in the first innings) would be a benefit. Chris Tremlett is the popular pick as 'next-best'. At this stage, it appears that the England selectors will stick with the eleven they have. To me, that would be folly.
Australia must now be on the verge of replacing ailing strike bowler Jason Gillespie. 3 wickets at 100 is a true indication of the struggle he has faced all winter. He has been given every chance to run back into anything vaguely resembling form, and has failed to find it. Loyalty can only reach so far, and the loyalty to Gillespie realistically expired some time ago. Interestingly, it has probably only been his batting that has kept him in the team this long, and it has been invaluable on two occasions.
The selectors will probably fall back on Michael Kasprowicz, another legacy of loyalty. It would, however, be nice to think that Shaun Tait might get a run. New blood is needed in Australia's bowling ranks. Surely the best place to learn Test match bowling would be with alongside Glenn McGrath.
Loyalty will no doubt keep Australia's top 6 intact, unless injury forces Michael Clarke out for Brad Hodge's debut. However, how much of a difference could Andrew Symonds have made if he was available for Test selection? Batting at six, and offering a genuine fifth bowler option, who can bowl both medium pace and spin, depending on the conditions? We'll probably never know – but, if the selectors were feeling adventurous...
“Victory! A draw! My heart now recedes into my chest”
The sender, Dan Reilly, later exclaims how exciting it had been watching Australia fight for a draw after all those thousands of victories he has watched over the years. Oh, the innocence of youth. All it brought back for me was the pain of my youth, watching Australia celebrate draws as victories – and not celebrating very often.
Most people of my generation would especially relate the joy we felt when Mike Whitney, a 'ferret' of a batsman [for those not in the know, the 'ferrets' come after the 'rabbits'], was able to survive the entire final over of a Test match in Melbourne, enabling Australia to draw the match and win a series for the first time in four years. The bowler was Richard Hadlee, and the team was New Zealand. The Kiwi's for goodness sake! We celebrated a DRAW against NEW ZEALAND like we had WON!! The depth of the abyss can never be measured until you have crashed to the very bottom.
So – as much as Rocket enjoyed it, let's hope there aren't too many more of them.
What will it take to win this series? Australia will consider themselves favourites, if only for the fact that they only need to win one of the final two Tests to retain the Ashes, a drawn series being enough for them to do that. They will want to win the series outright to quell any speculation. England will consider themselves favourites, if only for the fact that they do have some sort of momentum, despite being unable to dislodge Australia with 108 overs at their disposal at Old Trafford.
When it comes to making changes to Test sides, Australia have been very reluctant to do so in recent times. They back themselves to perform, even if they have a player or two in the side who is struggling to contribute. This, of course, is fine when the team keeps winning. If the team is not winning, it certainly must make that task more difficult. England, on the other hand, have often chopped and changed their side. On this occasion, they have played the same eleven in each of the three Ashes Tests.
In an effort to win the final two Tests, you would expect both sides could make some minimal changes to their line-up.
England will probably only consider one change, that being selecting another bowler in the place of Matthew Hoggard. Despite picking up two wickets on the final day at Old Trafford, Hoggard still appears largely ineffective, and Vaughan appears reluctant to use him. If England are to retain the balance of their team as it is, with four bowlers plus Flintoff, then surely picking a bowler that the captain feels confident about bowling for more than 6 overs (as occurred in the first innings) would be a benefit. Chris Tremlett is the popular pick as 'next-best'. At this stage, it appears that the England selectors will stick with the eleven they have. To me, that would be folly.
Australia must now be on the verge of replacing ailing strike bowler Jason Gillespie. 3 wickets at 100 is a true indication of the struggle he has faced all winter. He has been given every chance to run back into anything vaguely resembling form, and has failed to find it. Loyalty can only reach so far, and the loyalty to Gillespie realistically expired some time ago. Interestingly, it has probably only been his batting that has kept him in the team this long, and it has been invaluable on two occasions.
The selectors will probably fall back on Michael Kasprowicz, another legacy of loyalty. It would, however, be nice to think that Shaun Tait might get a run. New blood is needed in Australia's bowling ranks. Surely the best place to learn Test match bowling would be with alongside Glenn McGrath.
Loyalty will no doubt keep Australia's top 6 intact, unless injury forces Michael Clarke out for Brad Hodge's debut. However, how much of a difference could Andrew Symonds have made if he was available for Test selection? Batting at six, and offering a genuine fifth bowler option, who can bowl both medium pace and spin, depending on the conditions? We'll probably never know – but, if the selectors were feeling adventurous...
Thursday, August 11, 2005
... and On the Other Side of the Coin...
The integrity of Test cricket has
been brought back into question this week, following New Zealand's
incredible thrashing of Zimbabwe in their 1st Test clash in Harare.
Early on, you would be forgiven for believing it was going to be a contest. The Kiwi's were 5/114, and must have been gearing themselves up to have a bowl that afternoon.
Enter Brendan McCullum and Daniel Vettori. Both scored centuries, and along with help from the tail, New Zealand were able to declare at their overnight total of 9 for 452. Not a bad recovery, one would think.
Day 2 ended early. Not because of poor light, or wet weather, or even riots. No, it ended early, because Zimbabwe were unable to cope with the 'lethal' New Zealand bowling attack, and lost their entire 20 wickets in less than a day. That's right. TWO innings, not one. All out for 59 and then 99. Not since the days of uncovered wickets and 'The Demon' Spofforth and 'Terror' Turner have Test matches been concluded in under two days. But here we are, the fifth-rated Test nation giving the ninth-rated Test nation a bollocking. And on their home turf, as well.
If history is any guide, the International Cricket Council will do little to find a solution to the apparent decline in the standard of some Test nations. It appears as though it has been posted into the 'too hard' basket. Perhaps moving their headquarters from Lords to Dubai will clear their thinking a little.
No one is denying that exposing fledgling nations to international cricket through the One Day format, via the ICC Trophy and World Cup, is an excellent concept. The more intelligent format for the qualifying rounds of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies will also (hopefully) bring with it more competitive matches, and less blow-outs. The One Day format also, on occasions, provides upset results, such as Bangladesh defeating Australia in England two months ago. For heaven's sake – Zimbabwe have made the Super Six of the past two World Cups, and Kenya made the semi-finals in 2003!
But Test Cricket is a different ball game. You don't get five overs of Michael Clarke to slog at in the middle overs – you get 30 overs of McGrath and 40 of Warne. When 50 overs have been bowled, Ponting will keep pounding at you until you can dismiss him. And when you wake up sore on the third morning, you can't have a replacement – you have to go out there and do it all again.
A properly-convened two-tier system in Test cricket can work. Those deemed to be second-tier nations can still play each other, building up their own rivalries. They would also be scheduled to make tours of the major nations. For example, Bangladesh would tour Australia, playing first-class matches against all the state teams, as well as, say, two five-day clashes against an Australia A team. As a result, Bangladesh are exposed to good, hard first class cricket, in differing conditions, while Australia's first class cricketers have the opportunity to press their own selection claims against International opponents. With first-class matches being squeezed out of International programming in the modern age, due to so much more International cricket being played, it would be a great opportunity for the First Class teams around the world to still get matches against International teams.
Whatever the case, let's hope that this week's result is the last of its kind. The game of cricket doesn't need to have such one-sided results occurring. There are enough of those involving Kiama...
Early on, you would be forgiven for believing it was going to be a contest. The Kiwi's were 5/114, and must have been gearing themselves up to have a bowl that afternoon.
Enter Brendan McCullum and Daniel Vettori. Both scored centuries, and along with help from the tail, New Zealand were able to declare at their overnight total of 9 for 452. Not a bad recovery, one would think.
Day 2 ended early. Not because of poor light, or wet weather, or even riots. No, it ended early, because Zimbabwe were unable to cope with the 'lethal' New Zealand bowling attack, and lost their entire 20 wickets in less than a day. That's right. TWO innings, not one. All out for 59 and then 99. Not since the days of uncovered wickets and 'The Demon' Spofforth and 'Terror' Turner have Test matches been concluded in under two days. But here we are, the fifth-rated Test nation giving the ninth-rated Test nation a bollocking. And on their home turf, as well.
If history is any guide, the International Cricket Council will do little to find a solution to the apparent decline in the standard of some Test nations. It appears as though it has been posted into the 'too hard' basket. Perhaps moving their headquarters from Lords to Dubai will clear their thinking a little.
No one is denying that exposing fledgling nations to international cricket through the One Day format, via the ICC Trophy and World Cup, is an excellent concept. The more intelligent format for the qualifying rounds of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies will also (hopefully) bring with it more competitive matches, and less blow-outs. The One Day format also, on occasions, provides upset results, such as Bangladesh defeating Australia in England two months ago. For heaven's sake – Zimbabwe have made the Super Six of the past two World Cups, and Kenya made the semi-finals in 2003!
But Test Cricket is a different ball game. You don't get five overs of Michael Clarke to slog at in the middle overs – you get 30 overs of McGrath and 40 of Warne. When 50 overs have been bowled, Ponting will keep pounding at you until you can dismiss him. And when you wake up sore on the third morning, you can't have a replacement – you have to go out there and do it all again.
A properly-convened two-tier system in Test cricket can work. Those deemed to be second-tier nations can still play each other, building up their own rivalries. They would also be scheduled to make tours of the major nations. For example, Bangladesh would tour Australia, playing first-class matches against all the state teams, as well as, say, two five-day clashes against an Australia A team. As a result, Bangladesh are exposed to good, hard first class cricket, in differing conditions, while Australia's first class cricketers have the opportunity to press their own selection claims against International opponents. With first-class matches being squeezed out of International programming in the modern age, due to so much more International cricket being played, it would be a great opportunity for the First Class teams around the world to still get matches against International teams.
Whatever the case, let's hope that this week's result is the last of its kind. The game of cricket doesn't need to have such one-sided results occurring. There are enough of those involving Kiama...
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Like most other Australians on Sunday
evening, I sat down in front of the television to watch the last rites
of the 2nd Test from Edgbaston (unlike my father, who had flown out for
Bali that morning for three weeks, no doubt in some annoyance at the
Australians' plight).
Despite the theoretically impossible task that faced Shane Warne, Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz in chasing down the 107 runs required to win the match, there was a faint glimmer of hope in the heart.
My wife, Helen, boldly predicted an Australian victory. Unlike many wives, mine has a sense of what is happening on the cricket field, and is not adverse to coming up with correct predictions. My thoughts, however, were not so confident. I thought I'd be seeing the second half of Star Trek: The Next Generation on TV1.
The overs passed, and the runs required kept shrinking. There was tension – nervous laughter and chatter after each scoring shot. I traded SMS messages with Josh Jones down in Tasmania to keep occupied between deliveries. When Warne trod on his (expletive deleted) stumps, the match surely had to be over. The Poms thought so.
But the runs kept ticking over. And almost before we knew it, the runs required was in single figures. Incredible!! Now, perhaps Australia were a chance. They couldn't fall short again.....could they?....
Sunday December 30, 1982. I sat glued to my television, a faint glimmer of hope in my heart, as Allan Border and Jeff Thomson chased down 37 runs to win the 4th Test against England, and regain the Ashes.
The pair had already put on 37 runs the previous evening, and defied the England attack to fight it out on the final morning. Over 20 000 people took up the offer of free entry to watch what, in all probability, would be a very short session. One ball would finish it.
Border, who had been out of touch all summer, found himself with a single whenever he wanted it early in the over, before being crowded towards the end. He took most of the strike, looking for two's and four's, with singles towards the end of the over. Some came simplistically, others suicidally, but they survived.
As the score crept closer, England began to panic. Fieldsmen collided, misfields appeared, five senior players convening conferences almost every delivery...you almost believed that Australia could win the unwinnable Test...
WIN TV returned from an ad break, for viewers to see a ball from Ian Botham fly from the edge of Thomson's bat to 2nd slip...who dropped it! For a brief second the dream was still alive...until 1st slip came behind him and caught the rebound. Thomson was out, and Australia had lost the Test by a measly (expletive deleted) 3 runs.
As a 13 year old, that was bloody painful. Even when the 5th Test was drawn, and Australia had regained the Ashes that were lost in 1981, the closeness of that defeat still left a bitter after-taste.
Tuesday January 26, 1993. I sat glued to my television, a faint glimmer of hope in my heart, as Justin Langer, Tim May and Craig McDermott chased 84 runs to win the 4th Test against the West Indies, and win a series against them for the first time in 17 years.
Chasing a rather modest target of 186 in the final innings, the Australians had collapsed to 8/102. Langer was on debut, and showing the guts and nerve that has now brought him over 6000 Test runs. Tim May was holding up his end with aplomb. When Langer was finally dismissed for 54, Australia still required 42 more runs to pull off what now looked a most unlikely victory.
Ans yet, the two tail enders fought to the end. May played some immaculate drives, McDermott some nudges and surprising pulls. The score crept closer and closer, and by late afternoon, they had drawn to within one run of the combined West Indian total....you almost believed that Australia could win the unwinnable Test...
WIN TV returned from an ad break, for viewers to see a Courtney Walsh bouncer graze the grill of McDermott's helmet, and fly to the keeper. The West Indians went up, and Darrell Hair (to his eternal damnation) raised his finger. (And YES, it DID hit his grill NOT his glove!!).
The West Indians were ecstatic, Allan Border threw a cricket ball into the ceiling via the floor, and Australia had lost by the narrowest margin in Test history – by a measly (expletive deleted) 1 run.
As a 23 year old, that was bloody painful. The West Indies went on to win inside three days in Perth, and win the series – and the closeness of that defeat still left a bitter after-taste.
Monday January 6, 1994. I sat glued to my seat, a faint glimmer of hope in my heart, as Damien Martyn, Craig McDermott and Glenn McGrath chased 42 runs to win the 2nd Test against South Africa.
As with the previous four days of the Test, I was sitting in the concourse fronting the M.A.Noble Stand at the S.C.G. It was the first time I had watched every ball of a Test match live at the ground.
The previous afternoon, Australia had appeared a shoo-in, before Jonty Rhoads and Allan Donald put together a most unexpected partnership of 36, and left the home team 117 runs to win.
Even that appeared a formality, but a late collapse left the score at 4/63 at stumps. Wickets continued to fall on Day 5, until it appeared left for McDermott and Martyn to finish the job.
McDermott took it upon himself, and began to hit the ball hard through the line. Runs began to come at a flow that hadn't occurred throughout the innings...you almost believed that Australia could win the unwinnable Test...
Martyn saw the winning of the match, played the only forcing shot of his innings, and was caught at cover. The media cried out in anguish and anger. A very dodgy McGrath drove poorly straight back to Fanie DeVilliers, and Australia had lost by a measly (expletive deleted) 5 runs.
As a 24 year old, that was bloody painful. For some reason though, the media and the selectors decreed that Damien Martyn carried the can for the loss, sending his career spiralling. He would not play another Test for almost six years.
And even when Australia won in Adelaide to square the first series between the two countries in 23 years, the closeness of that defeat still left a bitter after-taste.
Australia's victory target had snuck down to 3. I was sitting on the edge of my lounge, feet habitually tapping away, hands clenched together. I hadn't moved from this position since Kasper had come to the crease. It's bad luck to move. You all know this. But we needed just three to seal a magnificent victory against the odds...you almost believed that Australia could win the unwinnable Test...
Bad move. NEVER begin to believe! Surely past history had already proven that!
As Harmison's delivery ballooned to Jones, the thoughts that rushed through my mind were,“It was NOT off the gloves!”
“The ball hasn't carried!”
“Billy (Bowden) won't give it out!”The truth, of course, was obvious, and before the ball was even halfway to the keeper, I exclaimed to Helen, “That's out...”.
And so it was. Kasper was out, the Poms were delirious, and Australia had lost by a measly (expletive deleted) 2 runs.
As a 35 year old, it was bloody painful, and the closeness of that defeat still leaves a bitter after-taste.
Of the narrowest losses in terms of runs in the history of Test cricket, Australia now have four of the top five. Adelaide 1992/93 (1st), Birmingham 2005 (2nd), Melbourne 1982/83 (4th) and Sydney 1993/94 (5th).
The series is wide open again. Both sides are relying on too few players to win matches. To me, it appears that the team that can break this dominance first, by having more than two or three players contributing to the total effort, is likely to be the eventual victor.
Isn't it amazing what a difference (expletive deleted) 2 runs can make?
Despite the theoretically impossible task that faced Shane Warne, Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz in chasing down the 107 runs required to win the match, there was a faint glimmer of hope in the heart.
My wife, Helen, boldly predicted an Australian victory. Unlike many wives, mine has a sense of what is happening on the cricket field, and is not adverse to coming up with correct predictions. My thoughts, however, were not so confident. I thought I'd be seeing the second half of Star Trek: The Next Generation on TV1.
The overs passed, and the runs required kept shrinking. There was tension – nervous laughter and chatter after each scoring shot. I traded SMS messages with Josh Jones down in Tasmania to keep occupied between deliveries. When Warne trod on his (expletive deleted) stumps, the match surely had to be over. The Poms thought so.
But the runs kept ticking over. And almost before we knew it, the runs required was in single figures. Incredible!! Now, perhaps Australia were a chance. They couldn't fall short again.....could they?....
Sunday December 30, 1982. I sat glued to my television, a faint glimmer of hope in my heart, as Allan Border and Jeff Thomson chased down 37 runs to win the 4th Test against England, and regain the Ashes.
The pair had already put on 37 runs the previous evening, and defied the England attack to fight it out on the final morning. Over 20 000 people took up the offer of free entry to watch what, in all probability, would be a very short session. One ball would finish it.
Border, who had been out of touch all summer, found himself with a single whenever he wanted it early in the over, before being crowded towards the end. He took most of the strike, looking for two's and four's, with singles towards the end of the over. Some came simplistically, others suicidally, but they survived.
As the score crept closer, England began to panic. Fieldsmen collided, misfields appeared, five senior players convening conferences almost every delivery...you almost believed that Australia could win the unwinnable Test...
WIN TV returned from an ad break, for viewers to see a ball from Ian Botham fly from the edge of Thomson's bat to 2nd slip...who dropped it! For a brief second the dream was still alive...until 1st slip came behind him and caught the rebound. Thomson was out, and Australia had lost the Test by a measly (expletive deleted) 3 runs.
As a 13 year old, that was bloody painful. Even when the 5th Test was drawn, and Australia had regained the Ashes that were lost in 1981, the closeness of that defeat still left a bitter after-taste.
Tuesday January 26, 1993. I sat glued to my television, a faint glimmer of hope in my heart, as Justin Langer, Tim May and Craig McDermott chased 84 runs to win the 4th Test against the West Indies, and win a series against them for the first time in 17 years.
Chasing a rather modest target of 186 in the final innings, the Australians had collapsed to 8/102. Langer was on debut, and showing the guts and nerve that has now brought him over 6000 Test runs. Tim May was holding up his end with aplomb. When Langer was finally dismissed for 54, Australia still required 42 more runs to pull off what now looked a most unlikely victory.
Ans yet, the two tail enders fought to the end. May played some immaculate drives, McDermott some nudges and surprising pulls. The score crept closer and closer, and by late afternoon, they had drawn to within one run of the combined West Indian total....you almost believed that Australia could win the unwinnable Test...
WIN TV returned from an ad break, for viewers to see a Courtney Walsh bouncer graze the grill of McDermott's helmet, and fly to the keeper. The West Indians went up, and Darrell Hair (to his eternal damnation) raised his finger. (And YES, it DID hit his grill NOT his glove!!).
The West Indians were ecstatic, Allan Border threw a cricket ball into the ceiling via the floor, and Australia had lost by the narrowest margin in Test history – by a measly (expletive deleted) 1 run.
As a 23 year old, that was bloody painful. The West Indies went on to win inside three days in Perth, and win the series – and the closeness of that defeat still left a bitter after-taste.
Monday January 6, 1994. I sat glued to my seat, a faint glimmer of hope in my heart, as Damien Martyn, Craig McDermott and Glenn McGrath chased 42 runs to win the 2nd Test against South Africa.
As with the previous four days of the Test, I was sitting in the concourse fronting the M.A.Noble Stand at the S.C.G. It was the first time I had watched every ball of a Test match live at the ground.
The previous afternoon, Australia had appeared a shoo-in, before Jonty Rhoads and Allan Donald put together a most unexpected partnership of 36, and left the home team 117 runs to win.
Even that appeared a formality, but a late collapse left the score at 4/63 at stumps. Wickets continued to fall on Day 5, until it appeared left for McDermott and Martyn to finish the job.
McDermott took it upon himself, and began to hit the ball hard through the line. Runs began to come at a flow that hadn't occurred throughout the innings...you almost believed that Australia could win the unwinnable Test...
Martyn saw the winning of the match, played the only forcing shot of his innings, and was caught at cover. The media cried out in anguish and anger. A very dodgy McGrath drove poorly straight back to Fanie DeVilliers, and Australia had lost by a measly (expletive deleted) 5 runs.
As a 24 year old, that was bloody painful. For some reason though, the media and the selectors decreed that Damien Martyn carried the can for the loss, sending his career spiralling. He would not play another Test for almost six years.
And even when Australia won in Adelaide to square the first series between the two countries in 23 years, the closeness of that defeat still left a bitter after-taste.
Australia's victory target had snuck down to 3. I was sitting on the edge of my lounge, feet habitually tapping away, hands clenched together. I hadn't moved from this position since Kasper had come to the crease. It's bad luck to move. You all know this. But we needed just three to seal a magnificent victory against the odds...you almost believed that Australia could win the unwinnable Test...
Bad move. NEVER begin to believe! Surely past history had already proven that!
As Harmison's delivery ballooned to Jones, the thoughts that rushed through my mind were,“It was NOT off the gloves!”
“The ball hasn't carried!”
“Billy (Bowden) won't give it out!”The truth, of course, was obvious, and before the ball was even halfway to the keeper, I exclaimed to Helen, “That's out...”.
And so it was. Kasper was out, the Poms were delirious, and Australia had lost by a measly (expletive deleted) 2 runs.
As a 35 year old, it was bloody painful, and the closeness of that defeat still leaves a bitter after-taste.
Of the narrowest losses in terms of runs in the history of Test cricket, Australia now have four of the top five. Adelaide 1992/93 (1st), Birmingham 2005 (2nd), Melbourne 1982/83 (4th) and Sydney 1993/94 (5th).
The series is wide open again. Both sides are relying on too few players to win matches. To me, it appears that the team that can break this dominance first, by having more than two or three players contributing to the total effort, is likely to be the eventual victor.
Isn't it amazing what a difference (expletive deleted) 2 runs can make?
Friday, August 5, 2005
A New Era
The Kiama Cricket Club embarks on a
new era on Sunday, with the first official training session under new
captain/coach Matt Meurant taking place. At least, it is to be hoped
that it is a new era. A successful era. Kiama are due for one.
In recent years, Kiama have had a number of “new era's”. Theoretically we have had five new era's since the Club re-emerged into the 1st Grade competition in 1999-2000. And that is in just 6 seasons! I guess that is just the way the Cavaliers are.
It has not been through a lack of trying, of course. The Club knows exactly how important stability is in regards to success. During Kiama's 'Golden Age' from 1966-1973, the captain remained the same (Les Jones), and the basis of the team remained the same. It is important to have a figurehead, respected by those in the Club, at the helm for a lengthy period of time, in order to gain the maximum benefit for all concerned. Kiama's problem in recent times has been that the change of seasons has invariably brought a change of personnel, and with it a change of tact. What the Club has sought has been stability at the top, and success on the field.
In 1999-2000, the Club returned to 1st Grade after a self-imposed two year absence ("new era!"). Gary Koks, who had been in charge of the 2nd Grade side in 1998/99, retained the job in 1999/2000 in 1st Grade, with Danny Sullivan acting as vice-captain. There was no official Club coach. Although 1st Grade struggled, and finished at the foot of the table, a number of players began their 1st Grade careers. 2nd Grade won the premiership, as did 4th Grade, while 3rd Grade made the semi-finals. 2nd Grade's average age was just 19, 1st Grade's just 21. Most of the premiership winning Under 16's side had played 1st or 2nd Grade all season.
For the following two years, the Club was led by co-captains, Mark Brockman and Danny Sullivan, with Mark taking a serious role in coaching the Club (“new era!”). In both seasons, the Club finished in fifth in 1st Grade, which was a wonderful achievement in itself, but without ever threatening to reach the top four. The team would regularly either bat well, and set good targets, or bowl well, and restrict opposition to gettable targets, without being able to put the two together in the same match. The conclusion of the 2001-02 season saw great hope for what the next season would bring.
Danny Sullivan took over the sole reigns in 2002-03 (“new era!”), and so began a season where few things appeared to go to plan. For six months, the Club was rife with unsettling talking behind people's backs, injuries to key players, including Danny himself, poor attitudes and poorer performances for which people were always looking for excuses, and eventually a season where all but 3rd Grade failed miserably to be competitive on a regular basis. In a season that was supposed to be a new era, it finished as a farce. There was a lack of communication – and understanding – between all facets of the Club.
For season 2003/04, Randall Starr was appointed as captain/coach, with an aim to be involved for many years to come (“new era!”). Along with the arrival of proven wicket-taker Scott Cox, and a whole bunch of young kids coming through the grades, the future looked as bright as it could possibly be. 1st Grade reached the finals for the first time in a decade, as well as making the finals of the statewide Country Cup, while 2nds and 3rds also had strong seasons. More junior players were proving themselves at a higher level, and Club spirit was at record levels.
The only downside occurred when Randall announced that he was moving to the A.C.T, and would be unable to continue with the Club.
2004-05 arrived, with Scott Cox taking over the captaincy reigns of 1sts (“new era!”). Again, as there had been two years earlier, there was a lot of negative talk going on behind people's backs, which was contributing to problems within the Club. 1sts slumped badly, on the back of an inability to put runs on the board, and finished out of the finals. Both 2nds and 3rds made the finals, but should have done better after seasons that finished unfulfilled. By Presentation Night, it was obvious that half a dozen of the Club's best players would be moving on in the off-season, leaving a void that would be difficult to fill in the interim.
And so – this weekend...a new era begins!
It is to the Club's credit that a seasoned captain/coach has been found and appointed. No doubt Matt will imprint his own style on the Club. There is little doubt that the culture of the Club will change because of his appointment. It is important that the style and flamboyance of the Cavaliers can merge within the boundaries that Matt will set in order to bring success to the Club again. Some may baulk at this, as some have done so in the past with other people – but to be successful, you must institute a winning culture. At present, Kiama does not have that, and Matt will be looking to instill it.
The new era begins. May it be a long and successful one!
In recent years, Kiama have had a number of “new era's”. Theoretically we have had five new era's since the Club re-emerged into the 1st Grade competition in 1999-2000. And that is in just 6 seasons! I guess that is just the way the Cavaliers are.
It has not been through a lack of trying, of course. The Club knows exactly how important stability is in regards to success. During Kiama's 'Golden Age' from 1966-1973, the captain remained the same (Les Jones), and the basis of the team remained the same. It is important to have a figurehead, respected by those in the Club, at the helm for a lengthy period of time, in order to gain the maximum benefit for all concerned. Kiama's problem in recent times has been that the change of seasons has invariably brought a change of personnel, and with it a change of tact. What the Club has sought has been stability at the top, and success on the field.
In 1999-2000, the Club returned to 1st Grade after a self-imposed two year absence ("new era!"). Gary Koks, who had been in charge of the 2nd Grade side in 1998/99, retained the job in 1999/2000 in 1st Grade, with Danny Sullivan acting as vice-captain. There was no official Club coach. Although 1st Grade struggled, and finished at the foot of the table, a number of players began their 1st Grade careers. 2nd Grade won the premiership, as did 4th Grade, while 3rd Grade made the semi-finals. 2nd Grade's average age was just 19, 1st Grade's just 21. Most of the premiership winning Under 16's side had played 1st or 2nd Grade all season.
For the following two years, the Club was led by co-captains, Mark Brockman and Danny Sullivan, with Mark taking a serious role in coaching the Club (“new era!”). In both seasons, the Club finished in fifth in 1st Grade, which was a wonderful achievement in itself, but without ever threatening to reach the top four. The team would regularly either bat well, and set good targets, or bowl well, and restrict opposition to gettable targets, without being able to put the two together in the same match. The conclusion of the 2001-02 season saw great hope for what the next season would bring.
Danny Sullivan took over the sole reigns in 2002-03 (“new era!”), and so began a season where few things appeared to go to plan. For six months, the Club was rife with unsettling talking behind people's backs, injuries to key players, including Danny himself, poor attitudes and poorer performances for which people were always looking for excuses, and eventually a season where all but 3rd Grade failed miserably to be competitive on a regular basis. In a season that was supposed to be a new era, it finished as a farce. There was a lack of communication – and understanding – between all facets of the Club.
For season 2003/04, Randall Starr was appointed as captain/coach, with an aim to be involved for many years to come (“new era!”). Along with the arrival of proven wicket-taker Scott Cox, and a whole bunch of young kids coming through the grades, the future looked as bright as it could possibly be. 1st Grade reached the finals for the first time in a decade, as well as making the finals of the statewide Country Cup, while 2nds and 3rds also had strong seasons. More junior players were proving themselves at a higher level, and Club spirit was at record levels.
The only downside occurred when Randall announced that he was moving to the A.C.T, and would be unable to continue with the Club.
2004-05 arrived, with Scott Cox taking over the captaincy reigns of 1sts (“new era!”). Again, as there had been two years earlier, there was a lot of negative talk going on behind people's backs, which was contributing to problems within the Club. 1sts slumped badly, on the back of an inability to put runs on the board, and finished out of the finals. Both 2nds and 3rds made the finals, but should have done better after seasons that finished unfulfilled. By Presentation Night, it was obvious that half a dozen of the Club's best players would be moving on in the off-season, leaving a void that would be difficult to fill in the interim.
And so – this weekend...a new era begins!
It is to the Club's credit that a seasoned captain/coach has been found and appointed. No doubt Matt will imprint his own style on the Club. There is little doubt that the culture of the Club will change because of his appointment. It is important that the style and flamboyance of the Cavaliers can merge within the boundaries that Matt will set in order to bring success to the Club again. Some may baulk at this, as some have done so in the past with other people – but to be successful, you must institute a winning culture. At present, Kiama does not have that, and Matt will be looking to instill it.
The new era begins. May it be a long and successful one!
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Deja-Vu All Over Again
So. The First Test has been run and won.
The media have been whipping up this series as the most “anticipated” clash between these two nations in almost two decades. The England players pledged that they would not be “bullied” by the Australians, and that they would be just as hard and focused as their opponents were. Former England captain, Nasser “Send 'Em In” Hussain, was quoted as saying that Shane Warne was ten years past his prime. English bowler, Matthew Hoggard, was quoted as saying Australia's pace attack was too old. England captain, Michael Vaughan, refused Ricky Ponting's goodwill notion before the start of the Test, in which Ponting suggested that the batsmen take the word of the fieldsman in any disputed catch situation. Vaughan was quoted as saying that over the past eighteen months the umpires had “seemed to get it right on most occasions” - while blatantly ignoring his own refusal to walk when caught by Justin Langer in Adelaide in 2002.
Is it just me, or is anyone else beginning to believe that the Poms got everything they deserved?
It was all and good for the England players, management, commentators, media and supporters to show a united front, take a hard line, and not take a backward step. To be positive. But it appears as though they went just a little too far. Because they seemed to forget that they still had to defeat Australia, because Australia were not going to roll over.
England bowled aggressively on the first day, hitting all of Australia's top 3 with painful blows before dismissing them. England commentators regularly reminded us that the home side had the fastest pace attack of the two sides, and that they would not be afraid to use it - “in the same way Australia has in the past”. No question, and no argument. On a pitch providing some encouragement, they bowled very well. At tea, it was almost inconceivable that they would not hold the upper hand at the conclusion of the first day.
Come the second day, and the second Australian innings, and things didn't seem so simple. Harmison aside, the fastest pace attack found taking wickets a tad more difficult. Suddenly, just bowling the ball was not good enough to take wickets. They had to find a plan of attack. Did they have one?
The Australians took 20 English wickets for less than 350 runs. Each batsman faced a bowling plan that had no doubt been worked out well in advance of the match. McGrath, Warne, Lee and to a lesser extent Gillespie just kept plugging away, making the batsmen play almost every delivery, until they made an error, and were dismissed.
England's batting must be a concern for them. Andrew Strauss gave Damien Martyn a huge send-off in the second innings. One can only wonder what was said to him after the dreadful shot he played to be dismissed by Lee on the third afternoon. Vaughan has been clean bowled twice. Both Andrew Flintoff and Ian Bell have been bowled by McGrath and deceived by Warne.
To some extent, the performance of Australia's elite papered over the cracks of their few concerns – the form of Gillespie number one. He did not bowl poorly, but he also did not appear to trouble those he bowled to. He will play the 2nd Test, and sooner or later will take wickets again. As long as the other three keep dismissing their opponents, Dizzy can continue to be carried.
In the end, it appeared that during all of the huffing and puffing before the contest began, the English forgot to respect the Australian's position as best cricket side in the world. They are rated that for a reason. By taking what appeared to be an antagonistic position, England allowed Australia to quietly and methodically take control of the contest after tea on the first day, and not let go. It is hard to believe that the English bowling line-up, as it currently stands, could ever bowl better than they did in the first two sessions of the 1st Test. The fact that they lost the Test convincingly despite this must be frightening for them.
The doomsayers are out, of course. Can England come back? What do they have to do? For years, their biggest problem has been taking 20 Australian wickets to win matches. They achieved this in the 1st Test, and must believe (rightly or wrongly) that they will do it again. Despite what the media appear to be peddling, it wasn't the dropped catches that cost England the Test. It was their mediocre batting. But how do they strengthen what appears to be the best batting line-up they can put together? (perhaps apart from the now-retired Graham Thorpe).
Most people appear to be favouring the selection of another specialist batsman to play at number six, relegating Flintoff to 7 and Geraint Jones to 8. This appears sound on the surface, although the name being touted to be this replacement is Paul Collingwood, another bits-and-pieces allrounder. Surely if England tread this path, they must find the best English middle-order batsman, and play him A difficult task these days, with so many overseas imports playing County cricket, and taking up the best positions in each team!
If this was to happen, whoever they chose to fill the number 6 batting slot, you would think that it would mean Matthew Hoggard heading back to County cricket, which for England would not be such a bad thing. He still appears to be a non-threatening bowler to the Australians, and his figures flattered his performance in the 1st Test. If the ball is not swinging, Hoggard becomes a medium paced trundler, and there are plenty of those plying their trade in the United Kingdom. He was the least dangerous of England's four pronged pace attack, and none of the other three deserve to lose their spot.
Many are also questioning Ashley Giles' continued inclusion, and have actually earmaked him to be the bowler dropped to make way for an extra batsman. This would be a ludicrous decision. Despite the fact that he appears to have no answers as to how to bowl to the Australian's in Test conditions, he does at least provide some variety. Going into a Test Match without a recognised spinner would be fraught with danger, especially if they got Australia on a fifth day wicket chasing a target for victory. If he is the best spinner in England (and, more's the pity for them, it appears that he is), then he must be retained.
The Australians will know that the job is not yet done. Langer and Hayden will be dissecting their 1st Test performance, looking for ways to break away from the threat Harmison and Flintoff have with the new ball. Michael Clarke, after his sparkling 91, will know he needs to follow it up with more scores to consolidate his place in the side. Adam Gilchrist will be receiving a week of net bowling from around the wicket. Jason Gillespie will know that he must rediscover the art of wicket-taking before Michael Kasprowicz, or even Shaun Tait, starts climbing over him.
Solutions will be thrown around for the next seven days, until we kick off the second round. England have it all to play for. They need to throw everything they have at the Aussies now, rather than waiting until they are 2-0 or 3-0 down. They simply cannot afford to lose.
As an Australian, you can't help but sit back and smile contentedly.
The media have been whipping up this series as the most “anticipated” clash between these two nations in almost two decades. The England players pledged that they would not be “bullied” by the Australians, and that they would be just as hard and focused as their opponents were. Former England captain, Nasser “Send 'Em In” Hussain, was quoted as saying that Shane Warne was ten years past his prime. English bowler, Matthew Hoggard, was quoted as saying Australia's pace attack was too old. England captain, Michael Vaughan, refused Ricky Ponting's goodwill notion before the start of the Test, in which Ponting suggested that the batsmen take the word of the fieldsman in any disputed catch situation. Vaughan was quoted as saying that over the past eighteen months the umpires had “seemed to get it right on most occasions” - while blatantly ignoring his own refusal to walk when caught by Justin Langer in Adelaide in 2002.
Is it just me, or is anyone else beginning to believe that the Poms got everything they deserved?
It was all and good for the England players, management, commentators, media and supporters to show a united front, take a hard line, and not take a backward step. To be positive. But it appears as though they went just a little too far. Because they seemed to forget that they still had to defeat Australia, because Australia were not going to roll over.
England bowled aggressively on the first day, hitting all of Australia's top 3 with painful blows before dismissing them. England commentators regularly reminded us that the home side had the fastest pace attack of the two sides, and that they would not be afraid to use it - “in the same way Australia has in the past”. No question, and no argument. On a pitch providing some encouragement, they bowled very well. At tea, it was almost inconceivable that they would not hold the upper hand at the conclusion of the first day.
Come the second day, and the second Australian innings, and things didn't seem so simple. Harmison aside, the fastest pace attack found taking wickets a tad more difficult. Suddenly, just bowling the ball was not good enough to take wickets. They had to find a plan of attack. Did they have one?
The Australians took 20 English wickets for less than 350 runs. Each batsman faced a bowling plan that had no doubt been worked out well in advance of the match. McGrath, Warne, Lee and to a lesser extent Gillespie just kept plugging away, making the batsmen play almost every delivery, until they made an error, and were dismissed.
England's batting must be a concern for them. Andrew Strauss gave Damien Martyn a huge send-off in the second innings. One can only wonder what was said to him after the dreadful shot he played to be dismissed by Lee on the third afternoon. Vaughan has been clean bowled twice. Both Andrew Flintoff and Ian Bell have been bowled by McGrath and deceived by Warne.
To some extent, the performance of Australia's elite papered over the cracks of their few concerns – the form of Gillespie number one. He did not bowl poorly, but he also did not appear to trouble those he bowled to. He will play the 2nd Test, and sooner or later will take wickets again. As long as the other three keep dismissing their opponents, Dizzy can continue to be carried.
In the end, it appeared that during all of the huffing and puffing before the contest began, the English forgot to respect the Australian's position as best cricket side in the world. They are rated that for a reason. By taking what appeared to be an antagonistic position, England allowed Australia to quietly and methodically take control of the contest after tea on the first day, and not let go. It is hard to believe that the English bowling line-up, as it currently stands, could ever bowl better than they did in the first two sessions of the 1st Test. The fact that they lost the Test convincingly despite this must be frightening for them.
The doomsayers are out, of course. Can England come back? What do they have to do? For years, their biggest problem has been taking 20 Australian wickets to win matches. They achieved this in the 1st Test, and must believe (rightly or wrongly) that they will do it again. Despite what the media appear to be peddling, it wasn't the dropped catches that cost England the Test. It was their mediocre batting. But how do they strengthen what appears to be the best batting line-up they can put together? (perhaps apart from the now-retired Graham Thorpe).
Most people appear to be favouring the selection of another specialist batsman to play at number six, relegating Flintoff to 7 and Geraint Jones to 8. This appears sound on the surface, although the name being touted to be this replacement is Paul Collingwood, another bits-and-pieces allrounder. Surely if England tread this path, they must find the best English middle-order batsman, and play him A difficult task these days, with so many overseas imports playing County cricket, and taking up the best positions in each team!
If this was to happen, whoever they chose to fill the number 6 batting slot, you would think that it would mean Matthew Hoggard heading back to County cricket, which for England would not be such a bad thing. He still appears to be a non-threatening bowler to the Australians, and his figures flattered his performance in the 1st Test. If the ball is not swinging, Hoggard becomes a medium paced trundler, and there are plenty of those plying their trade in the United Kingdom. He was the least dangerous of England's four pronged pace attack, and none of the other three deserve to lose their spot.
Many are also questioning Ashley Giles' continued inclusion, and have actually earmaked him to be the bowler dropped to make way for an extra batsman. This would be a ludicrous decision. Despite the fact that he appears to have no answers as to how to bowl to the Australian's in Test conditions, he does at least provide some variety. Going into a Test Match without a recognised spinner would be fraught with danger, especially if they got Australia on a fifth day wicket chasing a target for victory. If he is the best spinner in England (and, more's the pity for them, it appears that he is), then he must be retained.
The Australians will know that the job is not yet done. Langer and Hayden will be dissecting their 1st Test performance, looking for ways to break away from the threat Harmison and Flintoff have with the new ball. Michael Clarke, after his sparkling 91, will know he needs to follow it up with more scores to consolidate his place in the side. Adam Gilchrist will be receiving a week of net bowling from around the wicket. Jason Gillespie will know that he must rediscover the art of wicket-taking before Michael Kasprowicz, or even Shaun Tait, starts climbing over him.
Solutions will be thrown around for the next seven days, until we kick off the second round. England have it all to play for. They need to throw everything they have at the Aussies now, rather than waiting until they are 2-0 or 3-0 down. They simply cannot afford to lose.
As an Australian, you can't help but sit back and smile contentedly.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
A Vicious Circle
It's still nine weeks until the start
of the SCDCA 1st and 2nd Grade competitions, but all Clubs are already
hard at work getting prepared for the 2005/06 season. It's a difficult
thing, because for the most part, everyone is working in the dark. No
one knows how many players are going to show up, and therefore how many
teams each Club will have, in all Grades.
Four weeks ago, rumours were circulating that not only were Gerringong going to be missing from the 1st Grade competition this season, but that Shellharbour City were also going to forego their position in the top grade. This would have left an extremely volatile position, with seven Clubs in 1st Grade and nine in 2nd Grade - a nightmare for those trying to make a competition draw.Now, those rumours have turned 180 degrees, and apparently both Clubs are now going to nominate 1st Grade sides again. Whilst this will ease the strain on the draw, with all nine Clubs represented in both 1sts and 2nds, it brings to a head that phrase that sends shivers down the spines of Kiama cricketers - "Sunday Play".
When this was brought to a head this time last season, it was passed by a slim majority of 5-4 to have no Sunday play. This decision was appealed by the Albion Park Cricket Club, meaning another meeting and another vote had to take place. Almost by divine intervention, this vote was ceased when Gerringong announced they were pulling out of 1st Grade for 2004/05.While there is no confirmation of anything at this time (Clubs do not have to declare their teams until the end of August), it is possible that this whole debate will raise its ugly head once again - and very close to the start of the new season at that. Unfortunately, it would be a very messy affair.
The proponents of Sunday Play have only one order of business - to ensure there are two full rounds played. This, they say, is the only way that the best team will win the competition. If there are not two full rounds, then unworthy, less talented teams may make the semi-finals, because they didn't play the best teams twice, and the best teams may miss the semi-finals, because they didn't play the lesser quality teams twice and give them an almighty thrashing.
Absolute crap.
John O'Dwyer has made the point that not even the Sydney Grade Competition, the premier cricket competition in this State, does not have two full rounds of home and away matches. Why, then, is it seen as necessary for our competition to have two rounds?
Is it the perfect scenario? No.
Will the best team still win the competition? Of course! That's the definition of being the best team!
Some have been sneering at those Clubs who have supported no Sunday play for our competition, and yet nominate and play in the State Cup, which is held on Sundays until the final 16 in December. This, of course, is nonsense. Firstly, the State Cup is a statewide challenge competition, the opportunity to be called the best Club side in Country New South Wales. It is a privilege to play in, and fun as well. Of course Clubs will nominate and play in this competition, despite it being played on Sundays.What these people can't seem to realise is that, if a Club made it through to the final 16, they would have to play up to four rounds - ie FOUR Sundays - to make it that far. If the SCDCA insisted on Sunday play, that would be a possible additional FIVE Sundays in the season, a total of NINE Sundays where players would spend their entire weekend on the cricket field.
Sunday play makes no thought for players with families who work all week, no thought for players who must take leave weekends to play cricket, no thought of players who also volunteer to look after Junior teams on Saturday mornings, no thought of honorary greenkeepers who have to prepare wickets for these matches, no thought for Clubs who have to put weakened teams on the paddock when players are unwilling to play the Sunday matches.
There are dozens of reasons why Sunday play should be banned, and seemingly only one why it should go ahead. Surely then, it is logical not to play on Sundays in our competition.There may be people out there who want to play on Sundays as well. That's all fine and dandy - but remember that there are those of us out there who have a life outside cricket, and would like some time to enjoy it as well.
Four weeks ago, rumours were circulating that not only were Gerringong going to be missing from the 1st Grade competition this season, but that Shellharbour City were also going to forego their position in the top grade. This would have left an extremely volatile position, with seven Clubs in 1st Grade and nine in 2nd Grade - a nightmare for those trying to make a competition draw.Now, those rumours have turned 180 degrees, and apparently both Clubs are now going to nominate 1st Grade sides again. Whilst this will ease the strain on the draw, with all nine Clubs represented in both 1sts and 2nds, it brings to a head that phrase that sends shivers down the spines of Kiama cricketers - "Sunday Play".
When this was brought to a head this time last season, it was passed by a slim majority of 5-4 to have no Sunday play. This decision was appealed by the Albion Park Cricket Club, meaning another meeting and another vote had to take place. Almost by divine intervention, this vote was ceased when Gerringong announced they were pulling out of 1st Grade for 2004/05.While there is no confirmation of anything at this time (Clubs do not have to declare their teams until the end of August), it is possible that this whole debate will raise its ugly head once again - and very close to the start of the new season at that. Unfortunately, it would be a very messy affair.
The proponents of Sunday Play have only one order of business - to ensure there are two full rounds played. This, they say, is the only way that the best team will win the competition. If there are not two full rounds, then unworthy, less talented teams may make the semi-finals, because they didn't play the best teams twice, and the best teams may miss the semi-finals, because they didn't play the lesser quality teams twice and give them an almighty thrashing.
Absolute crap.
John O'Dwyer has made the point that not even the Sydney Grade Competition, the premier cricket competition in this State, does not have two full rounds of home and away matches. Why, then, is it seen as necessary for our competition to have two rounds?
Is it the perfect scenario? No.
Will the best team still win the competition? Of course! That's the definition of being the best team!
Some have been sneering at those Clubs who have supported no Sunday play for our competition, and yet nominate and play in the State Cup, which is held on Sundays until the final 16 in December. This, of course, is nonsense. Firstly, the State Cup is a statewide challenge competition, the opportunity to be called the best Club side in Country New South Wales. It is a privilege to play in, and fun as well. Of course Clubs will nominate and play in this competition, despite it being played on Sundays.What these people can't seem to realise is that, if a Club made it through to the final 16, they would have to play up to four rounds - ie FOUR Sundays - to make it that far. If the SCDCA insisted on Sunday play, that would be a possible additional FIVE Sundays in the season, a total of NINE Sundays where players would spend their entire weekend on the cricket field.
Sunday play makes no thought for players with families who work all week, no thought for players who must take leave weekends to play cricket, no thought of players who also volunteer to look after Junior teams on Saturday mornings, no thought of honorary greenkeepers who have to prepare wickets for these matches, no thought for Clubs who have to put weakened teams on the paddock when players are unwilling to play the Sunday matches.
There are dozens of reasons why Sunday play should be banned, and seemingly only one why it should go ahead. Surely then, it is logical not to play on Sundays in our competition.There may be people out there who want to play on Sundays as well. That's all fine and dandy - but remember that there are those of us out there who have a life outside cricket, and would like some time to enjoy it as well.
Friday, July 22, 2005
The Ashes Are Here... At Last!
It might be the middle of winter, but
the real cricket starts tonight, as Australia take on England for the
biggest prize in the game - the Ashes.
All of us have talked about it for so long now, and opinions have differed and changed throughout that time period. But what really awaits the viewer as England attempt to wrest back the trophy for the first time in almost two decades?
Most believe England will be a bigger force, a tougher challenge than in previous years. Of course, we've heard the same thing in Australia for the past seven Ashes series since winning back the trophy in 1989. Seldom has that conviction lasted beyond the Second Test of the series. In fact, only in 1997 were Australia under any realistic pressure come the end of the Second Test. By winning the following three Tests, they again wrapped up the Ashes.
England have shown good form in the past two years, which not surprisingly has coincided with the introduction of some new faces, the phasing out of some older worn faces, and a change in skipper which in turn brought a more aggressive approach with it.The First Test will tell a tale. If Australia win (and they have only lost once in a Lords Test in the past hundred-odd years), the pressure on England will be enormous, certainly from their own media. If England win, the confidence they gain from that will stand them in good stead for the remainder of the series.
So many questions wait to be answered :
Bring it on!
All of us have talked about it for so long now, and opinions have differed and changed throughout that time period. But what really awaits the viewer as England attempt to wrest back the trophy for the first time in almost two decades?
Most believe England will be a bigger force, a tougher challenge than in previous years. Of course, we've heard the same thing in Australia for the past seven Ashes series since winning back the trophy in 1989. Seldom has that conviction lasted beyond the Second Test of the series. In fact, only in 1997 were Australia under any realistic pressure come the end of the Second Test. By winning the following three Tests, they again wrapped up the Ashes.
England have shown good form in the past two years, which not surprisingly has coincided with the introduction of some new faces, the phasing out of some older worn faces, and a change in skipper which in turn brought a more aggressive approach with it.The First Test will tell a tale. If Australia win (and they have only lost once in a Lords Test in the past hundred-odd years), the pressure on England will be enormous, certainly from their own media. If England win, the confidence they gain from that will stand them in good stead for the remainder of the series.
So many questions wait to be answered :
- Can Trescothick, Strauss and Vaughan hold back the Australian pace barrage, and protect their middle order from having to deal with the new ball assault? England need good, solid starts, so that the likes of Pietersen, Flintoff and Bell can play their natural games once the ball has become a bit ragged.
- Will Pietersen and Flintoff play in their natural, aggressive style, or be forced to play a more patient game? Although neither flourished overtly in the one-dayers, and Australia will have set bowling plans for them in the five-day games, they both showed an ability to hang around and build an innings if it was necessary. Their success or failure with the bat may hold the key to the series.
- Will Australia's third seamer be a liability? While McGrath and Lee appear ready for battle, none of the options for third seamer have set the world on fire. Both Gillepsie and Kasprowicz have struggled for form so far, and Shaun Tait hasn't bowled on tour, nor for some months competitively. With only four specialist bowlers likely to be chosen, if one were to underperform, the pressure and workload on the other three will increase dramatically.
- Warne vs Giles - pick a winner? Giles has had his most successful 12 months ever, and bowls that nagging, negative line of bowling outside the right-handers leg-stump that Phil Tufnell used to do with success against Australia. Whether that works against this Australian line up will be a key to his Ashes summer. Warne has been captaining Hampshire for three months, taken a few wickets, scored two centuries, has about three different girlfriends, and now an ex-wife. If he takes 25+ wickets, no one will give a toss about anything else.
- Harmison vs Australia's top order. His tour of South Africa was abysmal, his last English summer superb. He will bowl into the Australian's ribs, and hope to hurry them into a false shot. The Australians will most likely take him on, in the hope of hitting him off his line and length, and out of the attack. If he is on song, England have the opening bowler they need to win. If he is off, then it is a problem the English captain does not need.
- England's periphery bowling attack. Can some combination of Hoggard, Simon Jones, Tremlett or any other seamers in County cricket get Australian wickets? Hoggard has been tried before without a lot of success, while Jones, after showing some pace in his debut in Brisbane in 2002, then destroyed his knee and missed more than 12 months of cricket. Like the Australians, England must find solid back-up for Harmison and Flintoff if they are to keep the pressure on their batsmen.
- The art of batting patiently. Have any of the Australians, apart from Katich, really mastered this in recent times? The intent is to attack at almost every opportunity. Hayden charging and mistiming to mid-off, Langer pulling and skying to mid-wicket, Ponting driving and playing the ball onto his stumps, Martyn caressing straight to backward point, Clarke slogging across the line - all have fallen in recent Tests to trying force the pace. Have they lost the ability to play a long, tough, boring innings for the best interest of the team? Supporters will say that, having only lost one Test under his leadership, surely Ponting and his team have nothing to justify to the likes of me. And they would be right. Still, let's just see what occurs, shall we? And how much it might cost us.
- Andrew Flintoff - is his body up to the challenge of 5 consecutive 5-day matches? However unfair it may appear, the fate of the Ashes lays on his broad shoulders. Were he to break down again, there is no one in English cricket to replace him. He bats aggressively, and bowls the same way. Vaughan cannot afford to over-bowl him, simply because if he suffers an injury, then England suffer a massive hemorrhage.
Bring it on!
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