I make no secret of the fact that I think T20 is a waste of time at international level, yet recently I have really enjoyed it. And we're not as shit at it as I thought. I stand corrected on my previous post re: getting walloped in the Caribbean. I don't think we will. I imagine part of the reason we are currently less shit is because CA are selecting players who don't play so much internationally but have spent a fair amount of time playing T20 at state level (as opposed to using our ODI and Test players who should, rightfully, have their focus on ODIs and Tests), but I've decided to blame both my increase in enjoyment and our increase in performance on the absence of Ponting. Just because I bloody well can.
Today, it was nice to see Pup step up as captain and I think he did a good job; Nannes and Smith were impressive (how was Smith's catch on the boundary for that 8th wicket?) and what can one say about Wild Thing Tait? Mitchy was his usual disappointing self but in general the bowling was good, the fielding was good and - unlike in the match against Pakistan - the batting was good. Warner, Twatto and Hads kicked some arse.
Nonetheless, having watched England look pretty good yesterday only to lose to the Stanis, I was not content to completely relax until the job was done. Then I realised what a dark day it must be if I am thinking we could be anywhere near as shit as England, so I jammed a sharp knife into my foot for punishment and sat back to enjoy.
One more match to a clean sweep summer and the Aussie in me is battling with the cricket fan in me again.
11 thoughts on this post:
See, I agree, they're taking it seriously! The selectors are actually thinking (we-e-l-l-l-l, as much as they can ever be said to think) about who is good at *this,* rather than just going with their default settings, which is why I think we're going well.
I know this is a bit radical, but I *like* Ponting. I remember the good old days when he was a ratbag Tasmanian kid getting busted outside nightclubs and whatnot... come a long way, really.
Glad to hear you punished yourself in an acceptable manner, saves us sending some chaps around for a little chat.
I actually do like Ponting as a captain, although that is really only since the tour to India last year. His public persona, though, irks me. And he is just so easy to make fun of, he really has no one to blame but himself.
Sid,
You're right about Ponting's public persona and I'm glad it has nothing to do with the fact that you like Clarke (header image ahem).
To be honest, most of the Aussie players have that silly tosser of a public persona except for one man. He's my favourite Aussie player. His name is Clarke but without the 'e' on the end. He's a good man.
Stani, I can't allow you to say negative things re: My Lord, even if it is only implied.
Apologise at once.
:-P
At the risk of sounding dumb, who is my Lord?
Agree not only have we improved but its more entertaining for the fans seeing these new guys especially Smith who adds so much in the field.
If we fix the middle order we may finally add a T20 trophy to our ODI.
I've always liked 20/20, it's fun. The last two finals of the World Championship have been fantastic.
Though some of the really horrible shots that players get out to make the purist in me wince mightily.
Do you know that for the last five games Cam White's record makes Michael Clarke look like a decent pick??? He is concentrating so hard on trying to steal North's test spot that he is losing his zing in this form of the game. He has only had a strike rate of over 102 once in five games. He must stop this nonsense.
By the way, Marcus North's record in the recent state comps has been dismal. Truly dismal. It's been nice seeing him in Aus colours but...
I agree about MJ. Will he ever be able to bat properly and bowl a really quality session again?
Learnt of this match from this post
._.
Obviously missed the chance to not see Punter :/
Although I have such good memories of the first couple of 6:1 matches... Stupid me
I don't know but Mitch does really not look like the crappest of the bowlers this time. What about the skipper, econ 9.5 LOL
Happy to see Davo firing and Smithkid having fun.
"He is concentrating so hard on trying to steal North's test spot"
Lou you just tore my heart out. Awwwwww. I wish him grrreat success! There was something else burning under my nails about North.. hmmm old brain can't remember.
Wes' latest blog:
((( Kiwis have round butts )))
you're quite irreverent - I like it
from a fellow Sid; behindsquare
Take THAT! "Walloped?" says Warner. "It won't be *us* getting walloped!"
Heh heh heh... sorry, Aussie fan well and truly winning at the moment. :)
Stani, I can only hope you are joking.
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