Apologies to Alistair Cooke – Boadicea's Chariot

Oh Lord!

The former President cannot have been alone in seeking divine intervention yesterday, but only Auntie managed to read his mind. Some say it was unintentional, others are not so sure.

So you thought you were going to win at last?

Second ODI between England and Australia.

The ninth wicket fell at 244, leaving James Faulkner and Clint McKay to face the music for the last six overs, 57 runs behind the target of 301. Now James is a recognised bowling all-rounder, but Clint is, let’s face it, a nice guy, a good fielder and a talented bowler, but he’s not quite sure what a bat is for. His batting average is about 10.

Everyone – on-field spectators (35,000 or so), media commentators, yours truly and the entire England squad – was convinced that England were just a few balls away from their first win of the tour (no, the game against the Prime Minister’s XI doesn’t count). The Barmy Army all had beautific anticipatory smiles on their faces.

Five and a half overs later, after the most enthralling demonstration of how to avoid being out by facing as few balls as possible, from Clint, and an incredible master-class on how to hit effortless fours and sixes when the chips are down, from Faulkie, we had won, with three balls to spare.

The most exciting and mind-blowing one-day-er I’ve ever watched. 😀

Letter from Australia

As some members here might know I quite like cricket. I support Australia – until the ‘Ashes’. Bearsy changed his allegiance to Australia a few years ago – I didn’t, I support England. So it really doesn’t matter who wins – one person in this household will be happy!

A few days ago, one of the News Channels posed the question of what does Australia Cricket do when it faces its Ancient Rival – it sacks the coach!

Yesterday, the ruling Labor Party, about to face an election, sacked the PM. The situations were pretty similar. The Australian Cricket Team seemed set for defeat – the Labor Party appeared to be destined for annihilation. The Polls indicated that the Labor Party could retain more seats if Kevin Rudd, deposed by Julia Gillard and Union factions three years (and three days) ago led the Labor Party. Continue reading “Letter from Australia”