Cricket Squads Feel the Winds of Change

The squads for Australia's short-form games against Pakistan in the U.A.E. have been named, and some changes have been made after th ethrashing that took place in England

One-Day Internationals
Michael Clarke (c) (NSW)
David Warner (vc) (NSW)
George Bailey (TAS)
Dan Christian (SA)
Xavier Doherty (TAS)
Callum Ferguson (SA)
David Hussey (VIC)
Michael Hussey (WA
Mitchell Johnson (WA)
Glenn Maxwell (VIC)
Clint McKay (VIC)
James Pattinson (VIC)
Steven Smith (NSW)
Mitchell Starc (NSW)
Matthew Wade (VIC) 

After a 4-0 whitewash in England it was obvious that changes had to be made.

All three injured players from the England tour - Pat Cummins, Shane Watson and the newly retired Brett Lee have been omitted. Peter Forrest's international career is now on an indefinite hiatus after his failure in English conditions, while Ben Hilfenhaus has also been relieved of ODI duties.

Returning to the side are Mitchell Starc and Dan Christian, both of whom arguably should have been in the squad from the beginning. In the long run they will have been happy to have missed the carnage of the previous tour, and can now cement themselves in as permanent fixtures of the ODI team. Michael Hussey also returns to the team after sitting out the English tour for family reasons. He was sorely missed in those matches. Callum Ferguson, who finished 4th in aggregate in the domestic Ryobi Cup in 2011/12 has earned a recall as well, and given the dearth of candidates has a great opportunity to cement himself in the team for some time. Also added for the first time is Victorian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. On ability he looks like he could be a terrific asset, he just needs to transform that ability into results.

T20 Internationals

George Bailey (c) (TAS)

Shane Watson (vc) (NSW)

Dan Christian (SA)

Pat Cummins (NSW)

Xavier Doherty (TAS)

Ben Hilfenhaus (TAS)

Brad Hogg (WA)

David Hussey (VIC)

Michael Hussey (WA)

Glenn Maxwell (VIC)

Clint McKay (VIC)

Mitchell Starc (NSW)

Matthew Wade (VIC)

David Warner (NSW)

Cameron White (VIC)

Probably the biggest surprise of this squad is the recalling of former skipper Cameron White on the basis of no form whatsoever from the previous Australian summer. However, some recent good form with the bat for Northamptonshire in the English domestic T20 competition, and the real lack of any batting power in the current Australian middle order, has elevated him to a position where he could possibly resurrect his international career in time for the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. Brad Hogg continues his revival after three years of retirement, which is probably a sign of the new world of T20 cricket. It is hard to see whether this squad can pull together to be a chance of winning the upcoming World T20 Championship - but also it is hard to care too much.

Australia Struggling With English Transition

Corkhead Ian Bell keeps making runs

Two losses in two games of the England sojourn is a fair indication of the series so far. England have found ways to get out of trouble with bat and ball, while Australia has been unable to dictate any part of the two completed matches.

When Ricky Ponting was finally given the tap on the shoulder to signal the end of his ODI playing days, it was the point where Australia started to look forward to the 2015 World Cup. The line had been drawn in the sand. Peter Forrest was given his chance, and despite some solid knocks was not chosen for this tour to England, no doubt because it had been decided that the one day format is not his strength. Mike Hussey's last minute drop out meant that Forrest was given a reprieve, but the story hasn't changed.

Steve Smith was afforded the opportunity to bat at six in the first game, but was not given a bowl. After one game he was sacrificed for Forrest. On the surface it seems a tad unfair, and slightly strange that Wade should be batting behind him in that line up. Smith and Forrest probably aren't the answer the team is looking for, but it is no fault of either player that they played. Tight and terrific England bowling in the second ODI kept Forrest almost scoreless until his dismissal. Perhaps the bowling should be receiving more of the credit for stifling his innings than immediately attacking the batsman's performance. Certainly Warner was all at sea against Finn in the second ODI, and George Bailey was very slow in the first half of his innings before blossoming towards the end.

England have been playing constant cricket for two months in all forms of the game against the West Indies. They are playing at home on their pitches, and playing much better in the conditions. Australia has had a break since its tour of the West Indies, and has had a couple of almost pointless warm up games against inadequate opposition. England has their best team on the paddock and is keen to exert its dominance. Australia has injury concerns and is still trying to come up with a new combination that fits. The 2-2 result for the ODI team in the West Indies was a similar situation, where the Australians were up against home opposition familiar with their conditions, and a team that was in flux. The story remains the same.

The Australians came on tour a batsman short and have been shown up because of it. That won't change in the last three games of this series. Batting Wade at six and Smith at seven would alleviate it the best they can with the squad available. Smith will make more runs that Doherty, and he along with Clarke and Hussey can share the ten overs required of the fifth bowler. Doherty has been ineffective with the ball and should be sacrificed to help strengthen the batting.

Historically Australia like to attack with pace men, despite the (regular) chance of them going for plenty of runs. Lee and McKay appear the first choice seamers. No doubt all of those taken on tour will get a run in at least one match, to at least justify taking them. In that case, it will be just as harsh to judge efforts from guys like Hilfenhaus and Pattinson in one-off games as it is to guys like Forrest and Smith in their one off appearances.

Johnson in front of Pattinson? Why?!

Mitchell Johnson played his first International match in nine months in the second ODI, and carried on from where he left off, with twenty runs from his first two overs, including boundaries off 'free hit' balls brought on by no-balls. It was revealed that when the new contracts for Cricket Australia were being offered that Mitch Johnson was assured of getting one, as he had signed a two year agreement the previous season. this begs the question - was Johnson picked for this tour purely because he had been given a contract, and it needed to be justified with selection? This would be denied by both the NSP and CA, but it probably isn't very far from fact.

Australia's squad is under strength because Australian cricket is under strength. Despite the pleasing results of the past twelve months under Michael Clarke, there is still a big gap to transcend. Whatever the result of the final three games here, the stage has been set for the home summer. Australian spots are open for any batsmen who can show they can score consistent big runs, and bowlers who can get wickets while maintaining line and length.

Australia's line will be that, no matter the result of this series, the introduction of the players to English conditions will be invaluable in the lead up to next year's Ashes. If England win 4-1 or 5-0 they will say they are the dominant force of the two teams and be dining out on it for twelve months.

Discards Deserting the Blues Ship

It's been a busy 24 hours in New South Wales Cricket, with three of its recent Australian cast-offs deciding to test the waters in different states in the 2012/13 domestic season.

Phil Hughes, the much maligned former opening batsman, has decided to throw his lot in with South Australia for the next three seasons.

On the face of it, it isn't a bad decision. He has a good record at the Adelaide Oval, which possesses a flat batting track and narrow square boundaries that will accommodate his penchant for playing square of the wicket. He will play all forms of the game, and will no doubt be groomed for a role as a senior player along the way. He will join other former New South Welshmen like Daniel Christian, Tom Cooper and Aaron O'Brien. No doubt he will feel some of the pressure will be relieved by leaving his home state, given the number of players pushing for top order positions in the New South Wales squad, that even despite the retirements of Simon Katich and Phil Jaques. The Redbacks have been looking for an opening batsman for a couple of years with minimal success. All in all it looks to be a good decision for both sides.

Another of those top order batsmen and former Test player, Usman Khawaja, has apparently agreed to terms to move north to play with Queensland. On the surface this appears more unusual than the Hughes decision. Khawaja has enormous support still, despite failing to nail down his Test position, and his move can only come down to one motivating factor. Queensland no doubt was looking for another top order batsman, as much in the same way as South Australia they have searched without success for a long term solution there. Again, Khawaja is assured of playing all forms of the game in his adopted state, and follows the path of Peter Forrest from last season, a decision that has led to forcing his way into the Australian ODI team.

Nathan Hauritz is a native Queenslander who travelled to New South Wales to revitalise his career, a move that saw him return to Australian colours for a couple of years. Selectors indecision and injury helped to cost him his place in the team, and since his return he has had plenty of competition to get game time for New South Wales, even despite his improved batting. Last season he played for the Brisbane Heat in the KFC Big Bash, and with Queensland still not able to confirm a regular spinner (though to me Cameron Boyce is one of the best prospects around) he obviously feels a return to Queensland will give him the game time he needs. No doubt he will be the number one spinner in the 50 over format, but will he be able to play in front of Boyce in the four day variety?

All of this has been brought to the forefront by the fact that Australian contracts have been cut from 25 to just 17 this season. That means players like Hughes, Khawaja, Steve Smith and Brett Lee, just to name a few, suddenly are back on State contracts as their main income, which means that New South Wales have something like 16 current or former national players in their squad. That means the dollars have to be squeezed out to everyone. These three players have obviously decided that not only will their career get a boost by changing states, that their back pockets will as well.

Black Caviar Tames the Poms... Just...

Luke Nolan Almost Mis-Judges History

Luke Nolan almost made the gravest mistake of his career this morning as he rode Black Caviar towards yet another victory, this time at Royal Ascot in England in front of the Queen and 80,000 Poms who had come out to watch her.

Despite drawing barrier 15 of 15 and a very damp track, the champion jumped out of the barrier and by halfway down the straight had taken the lead, and looked the winner. With just under a hundred metres to go, Nolan visibly allowed Black Caviar to pull up, believing her to be home. However, the other horses hadn't given up, and at the last minute you could see Nolan give her a sudden sharp pull to get her going again. In the end, the victory was narrow (see photo to attest to this), but a victory it was, and realistically it was easier than it appears.

Nolan was visibly chastened at the press conference afterwards, but claimed full responsibility. Peter Moody was visibly... well... pissed off would be the way to put it, but he didn't actually put that into words.

No doubt that will be the girl's only race in Britain. As Luke Nolan said, it is a shame that it will probably be remembered more for his error in judgement than for the magnificent acheievment of Black Caviar winning her 22nd consecutive race from as many starts.

Rain Ends Hopes of Irish Demolition

Rain washed out tonight's ODI against Ireland after just 10.4 overs, which would have been a disappointment and a relief for the Irish team given the state of the match at the abandonment.

Brett Lee could have had 3/0 off the first three balls of the match, had an almost-plumb LBW decision been awarded in his favour from the second ball of the match. he was fast, straight, and with enough movement in the air to make him close to unplayable. It was one of those days when he was on song, and when he is, he is great to watch.

Better news was the return of Pat Cummins for his first match for Australia since his match winning effort in the second Test against South Africa in September. He bowled up hill and into the wind, and bowled at speeds over 150kph. Scary. he took a wicket to a superb catch from skipper Michael Clarke at slip that just raced to hand. An impressive return.

Australia's five match ODI series against England starts on Friday. That is where the real test will begin on this tour.

Cricket Australia Contracted List

Witht the release today of the new Memorandum of Understanding between Cricket Australia (CA) and the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA), and the new contracted list for season 2012-13, there has been a great deal of discussion on those who have been deemed worthy of inclusion.

The toughest part of the process was the fact that the list has been pared back from the 25 contracts that has been the case for a number of years to just 17 - basically an Ashes squad number from the days when the one squad toured England for four or five months.

The list as named was as follows:
Michael Clarke
Pat Cummins
Xavier Doherty
Brad Haddin
Ryan Harris
Ben Hilfenhaus
David Hussey
Michael Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Nathan Lyon
James Pattinson
Ricky Ponting
Peter Siddle
Mitchell Starc
Matthew Wade
Shane Watson
David Warner

Of the 17 players named, nine are bowlers, two are wicket-keepers and six are batsmen.
What can we take from this?

1. There are plenty of bowlers in the list, and given that all are fit you would expect that there will be rotation and resting of all of them to ensure their workload is managed properly.
2. The selectors obviously are not sure who the Test keeper should be. To be honest, it seems superfluous to have two keepers on the list. One would suggest that apart from indecision the selectors have on who should be the keeper, the reason both are contracted is the lack of batsmen in Australia pushing themselves to the front of the queue.
3. The selectors have no idea where our next batsmen are coming from. They have named only six specialist batsmen in their list - Clarke, Ponting, Michael and David Hussey, Watson and Warner. Neither Ed Cowan nor Peter Forrest were considered to be certainties to be in any of the Australian teams in twelve months time, and thus have missed out. So too players such as George Bailey, Phil Hughes or Usman Khawaja. In effect, the selectors are saying "We need someone to step up and answer the call". To every batsman in the country, it is a clear message - make runs and you will get a chance.

Only time will tell if this new system works. It has at least created a debate in the sports community about cricket during the off-season, keeping it to the forefront of discussion.

The Eels Win a Game!!!

Unbelieveable!! Just when you thought they could possibly go the entire season and only have the victory over Manly to show for it, a (and let's be honest) stunning second half reversal saw Parramatta overturn a 20-6 deficit to win 29-20 against the season surprise packets, Cronulla.

As they have done all season, the Eels showed that they are capable of playing some fantastic attacking football, but starved of possession in the first half it looked as though it was going to be yet another disappointing evening. However, they again laid on some great plays in the second half, and were able to maintain their intent to come away with the win.

Amazingly, they are still only four games out of the top eight, and only five games away from third place. If they can get their act together over the coming weeks, they could still be a chance to play finals football.

Hayne Magic Inspires Eels Comeback

Magpies Climb Back to the Top, Despite Ablett Heroics

Collingwood played according to the script this afternoon, laying it on to the hapless second year Gold Coast Suns, taking them down by 97 points in their match at the M.C.G. despite still missing a host of first team regulars, the Magpies played havoc with their opponents.
The match was probably closer than expected up untilthe first ten minutes of the second quarter, with the Suns within three kicks due to some sloppy play by the Collingwood defensive half. However, they clicked soon after, and piled on the points to soon lead by 50, and they never looked back.

Despite the pummeling, Gary Ablett was superb. His 53 possessions equalled the record set by Greg Williams back in 1989. He was brilliant, but Dale Thomas played on him for most of the match, and had 32 possessions of his own. Fantastic to watch.
It is amazing to watch Ablett, trying so hard in a team that is being beaten all over the paddock each week. While I will always hope Collingwood win at all times, I do hope that the Suns can get themselves together and become competitive in the next couple of years. Though he is being well piad, and has sacrificed success in the interim to be a part of the AFL expansion push, it must be a difficult thing for him to turn up every week and suffer through these tough moments.

Pies Run Rampant in Suns Blowout

Medowie - Day 3 - Lincoln's Birthday

Sunday brought forth plenty of rain for Lincoln's 3rd birthday. This failed to dampened the kids' spirits, as they all helped to unwrap the multitude of presents he received.

Josh, Zander and Phil all help Lincoln with his presents

Before the party started, there was more fun and games on the Wii, especially for the kids - big and small - with Just Dance. The big kids, Helen, Leaf and Phil were very prevalent, as was Maddi, who just loves to dance. Josh showed mild interest, while Jessie refused to participate.

"Dancers! Start your engines!"

I was even able to drag out Guitar Hero for a bit of extended metal, which was good, given that the only other time I had played it was in the same lounge room.

Leaf's sister Mel and her husband Dave and family came over to help celebrate Lincoln's birthday, with party food and cake on offer, before we packed up and headed for home just after 1.00pm. The trip home was even more prestigious, as we did it in a record time of three hours and fifteen minutes. Great driving was the star of the day.  :)
All in all we had a great weekend with the Wade's. It is a shame that it is so far away, and that we are all so busy and can't do it more often.

Medowie - Day 2

Awoke to the sounds of crazy kids enjoying playing with their cousins and their toys. It was to good to hear and see them having a good time together.

After breakfast and the kids playing some Wii Sports, we headed down to Williamtown air base to see Fighter World, with their excellent display of restored fighter aircraft and other memorabilia.

Maddi at Williamtown. Check out the amazing mushrooms at her feet!!

Thumbs up Josh! Another plane shot down!

We moved on to Nelson's Bay for lunch, where the weather at least treated us kindly enough not to open up above us, as the forecast had predicted. We had lunch down at the marina, before heading off to walk to the summit of Tomaree Head at Shoal Bay. The kids actually did amazingly well, as it isn't an easy walk, certainly not for the old codger with the dodgy left knee. The view at the top was spectacular, and almost worth the grief. Almost.  :)

Helen and Josh head for the summit

Leaf and Helen survey their domain

The view looking south-east from Tomaree Head

Jess and Maddi, looking north-west from Tomaree Head

All of this exhausted our kids, who basically crashed at 7.00pm. Mind you, their parents weren't far behind, hitting the hay just before 9.00pm themselves.

A Trip to Medowie

We headed off this afternoon for a weekend in Medowie, just north of Newcastle, in essence to celebrate Lincoln's third birthday.
I left work early, and picked up the girls from school and Josh from pre-school. All of them thought it was very exciting being picked up by their father early from school, just a mere few hours after I had dropped them there as well.

We had a pretty good trip, avoiding most of the Sydney traffic chaos. Leaving at 2.45pm, we stopped for dinner at the McDnald's on the Newcastle expressway just up from Terrigal at 5.15pm. We were back in the car at 6.00pm and pulled up at Medowie on 7.00pm, meaning just three and a half hours in the car. Faster than going to Bega.

Nahn immediately had a beer in hand, and after we had sorted out the kids for the evening, he and Leaf and Helen and I sat down, consumed a number of drinks and caught up on the news in each other's life. Great evening. Into bed at 11.30pm after a day that had started at 5.00am, and asleep about two minutes afterwards.

"Ripper" Owens Rips it Up!!

Had an awesome time at the "Ripper" Owens gig tonight at The Patch.

I must say I like the venue. It's small and intimate, with chairs and tables for those that want to sit and watch, and the bar at the side, so you can still sink schooners while enjoying the show.

Let's get more acts here!

Funniest part of the night was the obvious joke on the levels during the opening number, "Painkiller". At the end of the song Ripper said "We did do a sound check, right?". Then when he was still unhappy in the first 30 seconds of the second song. he just said, "OK, let's stop there - let's get this fixed", and off he went, while the band performed an impromptu sound check. Five minutes later, and off we went again, this time better, but still being adjusted during that second song.

Anthony was the only other person who chose to come, suck eggs to those that didn't! He also kindly drove, which meant I got about ten schooners into me during the three hours we were there.

The set list was awesome:

1. Painkiller (Judas Priest)
2. Burn in Hell (Judas Priest)
3. The Ripper (Judas Priest)
4. Victim of Changes (Judas Priest)
5. Scream machine (Beyond Fear)
6. When the Eagle Cries (acoustic) (Iced Earth)
7. Diamonds and Rust (acoustic) (Judas Priest)
8. Heart of a Killer (Winter's Bane)
9. Stand Up and Shout (Dio)
10. Starting Over (solo album)
11. Blood Stained (Judas Priest)
12. Rising Force (intro of I Am A Viking) (Yngwie Malmsteen)
13. Breaking the Law (Judas Priest)
14. Grinder (Judas Priest)
15. Play My Game (solo album)
16. One on One (Judas Priest)
17. Living After Midnight (Judas Priest)
18. Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath)

Kids Fest Disco

Today was the end of Kid's Fest, a week long event for kids in the Shellharbour and Albion Park area's. This afternoon's event was a kids disco at Albion Park Public School. Maddi, who loves to dance, made the most of it.

Face painting was also the go. The girls looked beautiful as always.

Referees Star for Maroons in Origin 1

No matter how many games, and series, New South Wales have lost since we all really started taking notice of interstate battles back in 1980, few games have had the almost complete disappointment that last night's match did. How do you reconcile the fact that all of the opposition's points came almost directly from refereeing decisions that were, at the least blantantly incorrect, and at the most completely incompetant.

New South Wales had once again given up a home game to have the match played in Melbourne, something Queensland have NEVER done. NEVER! To pile on the misery, the NRL had scheduled the Melbourne vs Brisbane match to be played this Friday in Melbourne. This meant that Brisbane and Queensland supporters could all travel to Melbourne for the State of Origin match, and stay a couple of extra days and see their team play Melbourne on the Friday night. Combine this with the fact that Melbourne's powerbase of Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk was also the Queensland powerbase, it meant that majority of support at the game was obviously going to be biased to the Maroons. I'm not knocking the NRL for the scheduling of the game. It just made good sense. However, the question I and others continue to ask is - why must NSW always have to make these sacrifices for the "good of the game"?

The Blues led early at 4-0, before a brawl erupted, at which point Jennings ran from about five kilometres out to throw a Superman punch. He was sin-binned for ten minutes, something that rarely happens in club footy these days, but was fair enough. However, no one from the Queensland side joined him, despite the fact that the brawl was started by Queensland, and (once again) Sam Thaiday came in throwing punches as the third or fourth man, and (once again) avoided any repercussions.
With a man down, Queensland exploited the penalty and the overlap to score in the corner, and moved into the lead.

Then there was the superb one-on-one tackle made by Greg Bird, for which, unbelieveably, Queensland was awarded a penalty. It was a driving tackle, but not a spear tackle, and there was no suspicion that hands had slipped between the legs to gain an advantage. It was a terrible penalty. From this penalty, Queensland scored their second try from the next set of six tackles.

Thirdly, and most disturbingly, Greg Inglis was awarded a try when the third referee in the box decreed that Robbie farah had played at the ball with his foot in attempting to stop the try being scored. The ball went forward from Inglis off the boot, before he reached out and placed his hand on the loose ball. This was probably the most controversial moment of the match. After the game, the coaches and the referee's boss claimed it was a fair try. They were probably the only people watching the game who thought that was the case. I couldn't - still can't - believe it was awarded as a try. It was a knock on. Inglis lost the ball, it went forward, no try. But no. It was awarded, and Queensland won the game 18-10.

I'm not trying to suggest the result of the game should or would have been different. Queensland did not play well, certainly not as well as they have in previous years, and NSW played well in patches. If those decisions had in fact gone the other way, I think Queensland may still have won. And I'm sure they would preferred to have won without the "help" of the referees.

It was more deflating because the State of Origin is the showpiece event of rugby league. This game was destroyed by these incidents, and if the showpiece cannot hold its own in this marketplace, then the game itself is in trouble.

Game 2, which NSW must win to stay alive, will be interesting in the lead up, to see what changes take place in both camps. One wonders if Civenoceva will play given his lacklustre display up front for the Maroons, while surely Watmough at least, and Learoyd-Lahrs possibly will come into contention for the Blues.

Helloween to Reform "Keepers" Lineup?

I don't believe for a second this will happen, but it makes a nice story for the day. :)

HELLOWEEN To Reform Keeper Of The Seven Keys Line-Up?; Current Band Working On Next Album

May 22nd, 2012

by EvilG

Classic Helloween

According to Metaltalk.net, HELLOWEEN are in talks about reforming the band’s classic Keeper Of The Seven Keys-era line-up of Michael Kiske on vocals, Kai Hansen on guitar along with long-time band members guitarist Michael Weikath and bassist Marcus Grosskopf. Drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg took his own life in 1995 so current Helloween drummer Daniel Löble will likely retain his position in the band. The possible reunion is not planned to take place until 2015 and the current line-up of Helloween are in the studio recording an as yet untitled new album.
In a recent update Michael Weikath stated: “Right now we are busy with finalizing the songwriting process and are getting ready to take the accumulated ideas into a final selection for the new record. Everybody in the band is excited and eager to take what we have worked on so far to the next level.”
According to a press release, “The new production will again be helmed by long-time producer Charlie Bauerfeind and will of course contain all the trademarks. Already in this early stage the new effort promises to be much more than a fine follow-up to the highly acclaimed Gambling With The Devil and 7 Sinners albums. Bombastic epic pieces have been worked on as well as ultrafast heavy songs and mid-tempo anthems.”

A Case of Consistent Inconsistency

On the day that my father turns 70, I can only (once again) marvel at how the New South Wales league selectors can hand Queensland a massive advantage before a ball is kicked in anger in the State of Origin series, simply by making baffling decisions at the selection table.
Of course, this is only my view here, but it seems to be one generally regarded as correct to all of the fellow NSW supporters I have spoken to and communicated with via Facebook and forums.

I simply cannot believe that we have to pick a guy from reserve grade, as they have done with Michael Jennings. Here they have tried to show some loyalty to an out-of-form player (as they have also done with Jarryd Hayne), but surely you do not pick someone who isn't even chosen in the top Grade by their own club. Ridiculous. In doing so, they have left out Brett Morris, whose form surely was deserving of a place on the wing. A case of not being forgiven for his mistake last year that allowed a Queensland try that changed the course of the match? No loyalty.

Anthony Watmough has been excluded, even though he was one of our best impact players last season, and yet Ben Creagh and Trent Merrin have been chosen AGAIN, despite Merrin showing little at State or club level, and Creagh still trying to live down the 'dog' tag he picked up a couple of years ago when faced with stand up fight with Justin Hodges. Divided loyalty.

Jamie Buhrer from Manly will debut, but does he deserves his spot more than Leoroyd-Lahrs or Tariq Sims? It seems unlikely. Robbie Farah comes in for Michael Ennis - perhaps they've decided that Ennis has had his chance.

This team reeks of missed opportunities to me, but why should that be surprising. NSW cannot seem to break the domination of the northern state, and I seriously wonder whether this chosen team will do any better.

The team announced is:

Greg Bird, Jamie Buhrer, Todd Carney, Ben Creagh, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (capt), Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Trent Merrin, Josh Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, James Tamou, Tony Williams, Akuila Uate.

Mothers Day & Dad Turns 70

Up early (7.00am after the night before - ugh) to get the mother her mother's day breakfast. The kids brought in her presents, she had breakfast in bed... tough gig.

Morning tea was at the Wade's for Christine's Mothers Day celebration.

Helen, Anne & Chris

Anne & Chris

The Mum and two of her girls

The Wade's on Mothers Day

Afterwards we headed down to Minnamurra to Mum and Dad's, not only to celebrate Mothers Day with Mum, but to studiously avoid any mention that Dad turned 70 the following day. Dad has never been one for birthday celebrations, and was making sure that was the case here. We had a 'happy birthday' singalong for the kids, but that was the extent of it.
What mattered most was that both Mum and Dad were surrounded by their entire family on this day. Not everyone can say they are that lucky.

Mum & Dad at the front of the Minnamurra mansion

Mum and her kids

Dad and his cake

"Yes! Made it to 70!"

Dad and me

Trivia Winners Party On In Style

We spent a pleasant evening tonight with our fellow winners of the Kiama Cricket Club Trivia Night.
Our big prize from winning the trivia two months ago was a $400 voucher at Chachi's Restaurant in Kiama, so we finally got a date that suited everyone, and away we went. Joining Helen and myself were Anthony & Karen, Angela & Tony, Kade & Lisa, Anne and Louise.

Pretty sure we all did well, under the watchful eye of Trent and Cameron Archer, and the excellent culinary skills of Matt Scobie. Everyone barring myself had an entree (yeah, it was in the vain hope that I could save some calories...) and we all had mains. I can vouch for the lamb shanks (thanks Trent), they were absolutely superb, in an amazing sauce with mash, fabulously crisp beans and caramelised carrot. Just terrific. Our bill came to $37 over our $400 voucher, and we all had a great time.

Afterwards we all adjourned to the Kiama Leagues Club to see The Villains, a talented five piece who dress up as movie villains (The Riddler, Jack Sparrow, Darth Vader, Hannibal Lecter and Beetlejuice) and play mainly 80's rock hits. We've seen them before, and although they still play terrifically well (Hannibal's keyboards and second guitar, but especially his support vocals, were particularly awesome), the setlist was not as good as it had been in the past. Still, a number of beverages along the way helped precedings.

State of Origin Blues

State of Origin selections take place this Sunday afternoon, so it's time to put my selectors cap on again, as we try to beat the Cane Toads for the first time in seven years.

1 Brett Stewart
2 Aquila Uate
3 Josh Morris
4 Jarryd Hayne
5 Brett Morris
6 Todd Carney
7 James Maloney
8 Paul Gallen
9 Dean Young
10 James Tamou
11 Anthony Watmough
12 Glenn Stewart
13 Greg Bird

14 Luke Lewis
15 Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
16 Tony Williams
17 Tariq Sims

Thoughts.

• Brett Stewart has shown himself to be the best attacking and defensive fullback of those who are available for Blues selection. Minichello and Dugan are both good players, but Stewart does appear to be in the best form overall, and he's going to be busy in both departments.
• Uate and Brett Morris are the best two wingers running around at the moment.
• Josh Morris has proven he is ready for another chance, while I think Hayne must be picked, as he has the spark that can win a game on his own.
• Todd Carney has again shown how good a player he is when in the right environment. Let's hope he does us proud.
• NSW will pick Mitchell Pearce, but I really think he just kicks the ball too much. Okay, that's probably the Roosters game plan, but to me we need a tough player who can distribute and kick. It's still too early for Daly Cherry-Evans at Origin level. Maloney has shown for the Warriors that he is a class player, and although he plays at five-eighth for them, I think he can adapt to the halfback role.
• We need big, tough, mobile forwards. All 8 chosen here are that, as well as being the form forwards running around for NSW.
• Despite no one thinking of him (mainly I think because of his knees and inability to train) Dean Young is my hooker. Tough, hard, and can play anywhere, I think he will be better value than Ennis or Farah or Hinchcliffe, which are the three nominees for the position.
• Luke Lewis is the utility, can play everywhere, and should play the majority of the match.

There is no chance of this team being chosen, but this is who I would go with in order to break the Queensland domination. We need to beat them in the forwards and take their halves out of the match, starving their backs of possession. Do this and we can win. If we can't, well, it's another year of sorrow.

Tour Squads for England Announced

The Australian ODI squad for the short tour of England next month was announced today, and with some surprises.
The NSP have brought in previously injured duo of Pat Cummins and Mitch Johnson, as well as ostracised all-rounder Steve Smith. On the outer are Peter Forrest, who played most of the ODI season in Australia and the West Indies, Dan Christian, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

What to make of this squad? It's interesting to see what the panel are trying to achieve. Forrest scored a century in Australia, and although he would generally be looked at as a batsman in the longer form of the game rather than the 50 over game, it appears somewhat harsh to leave him out here. His replacement as such is Steve Smith, who rediscovered some touch in the domestic summer in ODI and T20 forms of the game. Whether he has done enough to regain his place is questionable, but the fact that he is an excellent fielder and bowls passable leg spin would have been looked upon favourably. Mitch Johnson looks to be a swap for Dan Christian, whose hard hitting and medium bowling (taking a hat-trick in the Australian summer) look to be not enough to hold out the panel's desire to inject Johnson back into the mix as soon as possible. Again, it's a questionable decision, and it appears that loyalty only stretches so far with some and an eternity with others. Johnson will have to bat at seven and score runs if he is to prove this decision to be the right one. Time will tell, but on the surface is looks a little flaky.
Mitchell Starc has been deposed by the rising juggernaut of Pat Cummins, and again, surely there would be a better method to bring about his return. Starc has shown good pace and the ability to move the ball into the right handers from a great height. Given the choice between him and Mitch Johnson, most Australian followers would choose Starc every time. No doubt the selectors have not only decided they don't want two left arm pacemen, but they must have Cummins back as well.

Obviously the tour is being used to have a look at these players. Those that have missed out as a result would feel hard done by, and with good reason. If changes are to be made, surely Brett Lee should be pensioned off? If not, then of the younger crew, James Pattinson does not need the ODI route. In the ODI arena I can see where Peter Forrest would be left behind. Surely though Christian and Starc should be persisted with.

ODI Tour Squad to England 

Michael Clarke (c)
Shane Watson (vc)
George Bailey
Patrick Cummins
Xavier Doherty
Ben Hilfenhaus
Mike Hussey
David Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Brett Lee
Clint McKay
James Pattinson
Steve Smith
Matthew Wade (WK)
David Warner

The Australia A tour, where there will be two three day games against county teams and two four day games against the England Lions, has thrown up its own share of interesting selections.
Certainly, there is no doubt that the selectors want some of our inexperienced guys to have a game or two in England in preparation for next season's Ashes tour. Guys like Ed Cowan, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson and Mitch Starc will benefit from this immensely. Then there is the youngsters in form, who have earned the trip in order to advance themselves in the future, guys like Jackson Bird and Ben Cutting and Liam Davis and Tom Cooper and Joe Burns, who all excelled last season. George Bailey and Peter Forrest are probably the next in line with the bat at the moment, and have their chance to impress. Michael Klinger deserves his spot on form, but is a little perplexing, given it would be almost a miracle if he were to progress to the next level at this stage of his career. Jon Holland is obviously being pushed as another spin alternative. Johnson and Smith are again getting the magic carpet ride back into Australian colours.
Perhaps the brightest selection here is that of Tim Paine, who 12 months ago was the heir apparent to Brad Haddin's keeping throne. Injuries and Matthew Wade's appearance and success has thrown all of that out the window, but if he can return here without problems, it will be a great thing to see, not only for himself but for Australian cricket.

The success of this team, and the individuals concerned, will be interesting to follow, as will the progress of the Australians playing in County cricket that have not been selected here, in particular guys like Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja. Our ability to regain the Ashes over the next 18 months may well depend on it.

Australia A Tour Squad to England 

Ed Cowan (c)
Peter Forrest (vc)
George Bailey
Jackson Bird
Joe Burns
Tom Cooper
Patrick Cummins
Ben Cutting
Liam Davis
Jon Holland
Mitchell Johnson
Michael Klinger
Nathan Lyon
Tim Paine
James Pattinson
Steve Smith
Mitchell Starc