I am really looking forward to the upcoming Ashes series which commences in a few weeks time in Perth.
Although I am not a fan of the Australian team for reasons given in the past as to their carry on I do like watching cricket for the game itself and the skill of the players. I played grade cricket in earlier years and although it was mainly lower grades, you could meet test and shield players, some former, some present, either at practice, in matches or at social functions. They all seemed to have this modest, friendly disposition. Several of the teams I played against had a former player who probably ten years or more in the past had played some form of representative cricket and now was captain of a lower grade side, helping to bring on younger players and reminisce with the older ones. They were always up for a chat and a laugh with the opposition and played the game in the sporting spirit. I think it was probably because they all had careers and cricket was what you did on Saturday in the summer that made them more than one dimensional.
Anyway, back to the Ashes. I think these Poms are going to give us one hell of a fright, might even do us. They can bat, have some really good bowlers and are shrewdly coached and led. It is no accident that the Lions cricket team is also touring at the same time. We all hear about Archer and Wood but I think the back up bowlers are the ones who will also cause damage. There is a guy in the Lions called Mitchell Foster from Lancashire who can bowl in mid 90mph range. He is as quick as anyone else in the world at present. Atkinson, Tongue and Stokes (when fit) also are in the 90mph range. We have seen what just one quick bowler has done to our top order in recent series, try four or five.
I think if the Poms win it will finally cause a good clean out of some of the entitled "old mates" club.
Interesting topic. I find the game fascinating. As a 13 year old lad I played in the school eleven as a "batsman?" yep I was pretty mediocre but, when I did get the leather in the middle of the bat, I did get a few boundaries. I quite enjoyed the experience until I got a mighty hit in the nuts.
Hopping around clutching at my nether regions was very embarassing, and the laughter from the field and the onlookers did nothing to help the situation! There are those who say that the game is boring, to them I say that the cat and mouse moves between the bowler and batsman are far from boring to me but, I agree that, if your tastes run to constant and frenzied action then stay away from Cricket.
Regards the Ashes I have to agree that we are not favourites to win. I note that Cummins has back problems and is doubtful to take part in the first test. This will not help the cause but, I think we still have enough talent to give them a run for their money. I reckon our fielding is somewhat better than theirs so anticipating some great catching in the slips.(and elsewhere).
Like you Dmaxer I am looking forward to the battle.
I think its the only game played that can go for five days and still get a draw. Sounds boring.
But its not. It can be riveting viewing right down to the last ball.
I think it takes a great deal of courage for a batsman to face some incredibly fast bowlers.
I played junior cricket and enjoyed it..until I got a golden duck in a final.
As a kid, I lived on Woolaware Rd in Cronulla and Arthur Maily lived in a waterfront shack
Also worked with Arthur Morris at Wormald in the eighties.
His job was to arrive at work, have a cuppa then read the SMH and head off to lunch.
I guess youd call him an influencer.
He opened with Bradman.
Arthur Morris was a guest speaker at one of our presentation nights. A really pleasant and interesting person. Stayed behind and chatted with anyone who cared to approach him.
He didnt open with Bradman. He opened with Sid Barnes and later Bill Brown.
He was up the other end in Bradmans last innings when Bradman was bowled by Hollies for a duck.
Arthur Morris went on to make 196 in that innings in a then record run chase of about 404. All most people remember is The Dons duck. That was one of the stories he told that night.
Funny how you go on as an expert on everything only to be proven wrong again.
Arthur Morris and Don Bradman batted together in several matches, most notably during the 1948 "Invincibles" tour of England. A famous example is their 301-run partnership at Headingley, which helped Australia chase a record target to win the Test against England. They were part of the same formidable Australian batting lineup, with Morris often batting alongside Bradman and being a key player on the tour.
Read what I wrote. They played in the same team but Bradman batted at number 3. He did not open. They would bat together if the other opener was dismissed.
Sir Donald Bradman and Arthur Morris opened the batting together for Australia 12 times. They formed a formidable partnership during the 1948 "Invincibles" tour of England, where they played 10 matches together as opening partners.
It wasn't why I stopped playing, I got the boot!! The sports master did not approve of my "have a swing and hope" approach having gone to great lengths to teach me the basics.
PS. But I was bloody good with Marbles in the gutter on the way home.
