Boxing Day forecast

Well gentlemen, for the 2nd year running it looks like Melbourne is going to serve up another turd weather wise on this most venerable day.

with temps predicted to be in the low to mid 20's and thunderstorms the ball could arc around all over the place... or not!

I was at the G on Saturday and a week out the pitch to be used was still greener than the tops worn by victorious Sydney Thunder.






talking of which, watching the back to back 100's from Warner in the polar opposite forms of the game it must be said he has a rare talent. Sure his Hobart knock wasn't perfect, but he kept his head and control when all those around him failed.

Watching him belt everybody to all parts on Saturday all i could think was that if he then showed in 9 days time that he could settle back into a Test cricket frame of mind, the cricket world is his oyster!

I'm not going to go into the big step back and swing shots- we know what they are and represent, but many of his orthodox shots looked like he had half an hour to play them. He just looks to have either a great ability to see it out of the hand and project the balls pitch, length, trajectory, or great self belief that he can still get his bat on it if he guesses wrong!
make up your own minds on that one.

that tat aside- 7 days to go, C'MON Huey! clean up ya act!

Instant swamp?

Here we go for instalment number 2 of this seasons T20 fixture.
What an interesting first match; interesting in that the star was un-capped at first class level. Had i had the opportunity to post just prior to that game i would have questioned the value of such a move; Warner's results would have seen mud on my face.

What i do question is whether it is right for players to jump from grade to national cricket.
I'm happy for player to find fast success, but how is it fair to those players that have diligently worked their way through the system, "paying their dues" so to speak... everyone hates a queue jumper!
Now this criticism is not directed at Warner- who wouldn't take such an opportunity (and well done to him for capitalising on his chance). It is more a question of whether we still believe in a "fair go" in this country?

With this precedent, are players going to get the depth of experience considered vital for a longer international career? Are they going to aim only to bash their way into international contention and IPL dollar glory? Will the domestic competition been seen as the backwater of Australian cricket; a place for the "almost good enoughs", as players endeavour to emulate Warner and bypass representing their states? Do people think I'm making something out of nothing?


stoph verismo
downthewicket