Matthew Maguire's Contributions

Best thing that could ever happen. Seems home series losses to India & South Africa plus consecutive away Ashes losses wasnt enough to force change but a HOME ashes series loss may just finally be the catalyst for sackings, especially with innings losses in ADEL and another likely one in MELB. Its not that Ponting couldnt play on for another couple of years, likewise Katich, Hussey, North etc. They are quality (generally) and have given plenty over the years but what benefit is their continuation to Aussie cricket? After March/April, the Ashes wont be contested for another 3 years and no World Cup for 4 years. Perfect time to rebuild with youth. Remove the contracts of every bloke over 30, regardless of form and seniority. They are not the future. There's probably 8 spots available to be filled on that basis alone (Voges, Hopes, Lee, Hussey, Ponting, Haddin, Harris, Katich) let alone blokes like Tait still having contracts but only playing T20. Sign up Khawaja, Hazlewood, Maddinson, Mitch Marsh, Peter George, Mitch Starc etc and play the blokes who have contracts but dont get picked - Tim Paine, Shaun Marsh, Callum Ferguson... Shield cricket is still the best domestic comp in the world - why are we now ignoring the talent it continues to produce? Cant imagine it if we have held Ponting back til 28 before giving him a crack at Test level or played McGrath not at 23 but instead waited until he hit 30. Hopefully, this entirely predictable Ashes outcome (draw or loss) will do the trick. It makes me sick to say it but I hope the humiliation continues...then again, with no confidence in the selectors, will they actually have the guts to wield the axe? Thankfully, Andrew Hilditch's contract is up in April. I am hoping only sheer embarrassment at hefty losses will force them into change because it is not even close to doom and gloom if they just give the fresh blood opportunity to prove themselves. There will be 25+ Tests before we travel to ENG in 2013 - plenty of time for a core group of 6-8 to have cemented themselves in the team and with a decent shot at regaining the Ashes. The talent is there, just play them.

Boxing Day Test brings all the big questions

26 Dec 2010

These same journos and supposed experts said the same about the Athens Olympics, South Africa re the recent World Cup, Delhi re the upcoming Cth Games. Doomsday predictions of unfinished or even unbuilt facilities, tourists to be attacked given high crime rates etc. Never happens. And with Brazil due to host the WC and the Olympics within 2 yrs of each other (racking my brain as i type...has any nation ever done that?) , I have no doubt they will put on fantastic editions of both events. I agree with the sentiment of the article - many complaining and passing judgement appear to believe Brazil to be some sort of 3rd world nation. An unsophisticated outpost beset by the stereotypical corruption and governance issues in some parts of South & Central America. Very wrong. Strong economy, growing stature in world affairs, incredible history and culture... at this stage im not entirely convinced Aus will qualify but regardless, I will be in Brazil in 2014 to experience what I'm sure will be a cracking WC with all the colour and vibrancy that Brazil has to offer. And, hopefully, samba instead of vuvuzela's! Nice piece Simon. Look forward to further articles as these four years roll on.

World Cup 2014: what’s going on in Brazil?

1 Aug 2010

why the high defensive line? it was the exact antithesis of what was needed and more to the point, polar opposite to every bloody match under Pim for 2 years now. got stretched wide through the middle and gave Ger acres of space behind the line to run at Schwarzer (and thank christ we had him – thought he butchered the Klose header but also saved it from being 7-0). just strange of a manager to be so insistent, to the point of being stubborn, about his formations and defensive play, to then, on the bloody day of the world cup (!), start experimenting. crazy. with all that said, 1-0 or 4-0, the Ger game was always going to be a loss so the equation remains the same – win two remaining games to progress or beat Ghana and draw with Serbia and hope Ger win against both. not all lost but Pim will need to get his head right and more to the point, rescue Aus confidence after such a hiding (and now without Cahill).

An unmitigated disaster for the Socceroos

14 Jun 2010