Melbourne Boxing Day Test Trip - Day 4

On Mum's birthday - the first of Mum's birthdays that I haven't seen her in living memory - it was time to head to the MCG to see if Australia could finish what they had started yesterday.
While the other three still have another night in Melbourne to celebrate Australia's (probable) victory in the cricket today, I was flying out this evening for Newcastle, to meet up with my long-lost family to begin our Queensland expedition. As a result, I walked up to the bus station this morning to put my luggage in a locker, so that if I had to come straight from the cricket or pub to the bus, my bag would be waiting for me, and I wouldn't have to carry it around all day, which had been my first option. From here I walked down to the Yarra's Southbank to meet up with my fellow tourists for breakfast. 

And yes - our shirts had been laundered after yesterday's play, so we all smelled apple fresh.
Rocket proved to be the target for the day, given his comment to Sam and myself in the taxi home last night (rather, this morning) from the casino. It was an off-the-cuff comment, which basically went "If Australia win the Test tomorrow before tea, I'll get a tattoo". Well done Daniel. Once this was passed on to Jason, both he and Sam expressed their pleasure at being able to watch the pain that would occur later that evening.

We arrived at the M.C.G to find the Australian squad all in a huddle in the nets, discussing the likely outcomes for Day 4. Given that in Sydney you can't see the nets unless you area Member, this was a fascinating insight, and a welcome one to all of the fans gathered around to hear a little bit of what was being said.

Me and Dennis Lillee. And a couple of photo bombers.

Sam was a little worse for wear after last night's shenanigans.

Today's seats were further around to the right of yesterday's, and right on the fence in Row 1. Good job Jase.

Like our first day, the temperature was back to freezing again - only in Melbourne. What warmed us up was the first half hour of cricket. Chris Rogers edged between keeper and 1st slip, with Bairstow not moving an inch towards the ball, while Warner was dropped by Cook not long after. During this the score was ticking over at 5 an over, and the day appeared ours. By lunch Australia was only one wicket down, and requiring only 90-odd to win the match. The Milo cricketers during the lunch break looked more capable of taking wickets than the Poms by this stage.

After lunch Rogers kept punching, and brought up his second Test century. Though he fell soon after, Watson and Clarke held firm, until the final runs were score just after 2pm, and the crowd went wild. And Rocket had to get a tattoo.

We headed back to our room after all of the post-match awards were done. Just before 5pm I took my leave to head up for the bus station. It was disappointing to leave. The four of us had had such a great time together. Not a harsh word was said between us, we all stuck together for the greater majority of the time, and enjoyed each other's company. It was easily the best trip away I have ever been on, and I really hope the four of us can do it again on a regular basis.

I caught the bus to Tullamarine, and the plane left bang on 8pm, and arrived about 10 minutes early in Newcastle. Helen picked me up and drove me to Phil and Leaf's home, where she and the kids had been for a couple of days.
One holiday was over, and the next one was about to begin.