sidelined

It was the last day of the season. The mighty Terrigal-Matcham Bellbirds eighth grade team knew the mission. If we were to have any chance of making the finals (after inclement weather robbed us off some valuable competition points) we had to win outright.
8 overs in the day we had first innings points and [...]

Some of you may have noticed that cricket has dominated the news for the past few days. The aftermath of the Sydney test has released a wave of recriminations, hyperbole and effigy burning not seen for many a year.
First off, cricket will survive this brouhaha as it survived Bodyline, Ray Illingworth taking his players [...]

The action moves to Sydney as Australia attempt a record equalling 16th win in a row.
Australia’s pace attack did well in Melbourne and Sydney should give them just a little more assistance. Which will not be to India’s liking but Sachin has a liking for the SCG so don’t be surprised if he gives [...]

Found an interesting post on selecting a club cricket batting line up.
As a club cricket captain (of the mighty Terrigal/Matcham 8th grade side), I have found positions 3 to 11 are usually very easy to fill. Finding openers (apart from a few occasions) can be a bugger and some persuasion is needed. Occasionally I [...]

It has been a bit quiet, what with new job then being a bit ill plus a dearth of meaningful cricket. But Boxing Day is here and finally some real cricket action. The talk is about how many quicks Australia will take into the test. The smart money is on Shaun Tait being 12th man [...]

As expected, Australia romped home against the Sri Lankans in the first test. Scott over at the The Corridor has a good review of what went wrong with the Muppet show.
The dominance of Australia has lead to the invetiable question of is this harming the game? It is a ridiculous question as it directs [...]

The long gap (I think it is just over a month) between the footy and cricket seasons is over. Tomorrow Australia leave the pyjamas behind to take on Sri Lanka in the First test at the Gabba.
For the Aussies, it is the start of a new era. No Warnie, McGrath or Langer. The replacements [...]

The home battlefield for the coming cricket season.

With the first sighting of Peter Roebuck in the SMH, bemoaning the lack of substance that is Twenty20 cricket.

Four hundred runs were scored between 6pm and 9.30pm, a tight match unfolded and a good night was had by almost everyone. It all sounds exhilarating but it felt oddly banal.
And in the latest from the Twenty20 [...]

Have a look in the garage for the old kit bag. Check that all is in working order and no mildew or beer stains from past glories. Head to the practice grounds. Say g’day to mates from the seasons past. Pray that the first delivery is not (a) going to cause an injury to oneself [...]