Four Australians – Shane Watson, Daniel Ricciardo, Will Power, and Minjee Lee – saw out May in spectacular fashion on the international circuit.
Watson carried his bat for a blazing 117 off 57 deliveries to take man of the match honours in the final of the IPL in Mumbai.
Ricciardo became the third Australian, after Jack Brabham (1959) and Mark Webber (2010 and 2012) to win the Monaco Grand Prix.
Power became the first Australian to win the famous Indianapolis 500 and the $3.3 million payday that followed, while Minjee Lee celebrated her 22nd birthday by capturing her fourth title on the tough and demanding USLPGA tour.
What a stunning way to catapult into June.
My bucket list for the month kicks off with the Socceroos playing France on June 16, Denmark on June 21, and Peru on June 27 in the FIFA World Cup in Russia, aiming to make the round of 16. Tim Cahill, at 38 years young, should score more corner-flag-punching goals to join legends like Pele, Bobby Charlton, Diego Maradona, Cafu, and Thierry Henri to name a few who have played in four World Cups.
Tim Cahill (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Brad Fittler’s baby Blues to win the first two games of the Origin rugby league series at the MCG on June 6, and ANZ on June 24, by running Queensland off their feet, thanks to blinders from halves Nathan Cleary and James Maloney.
On the proviso Will Genia, in particular, as well as Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, David Pocock, Adam Coleman, and Sekope Kepu play all three Tests against the Six-Nations-conquering Ireland, the Wallabies can win their series.
There’s a further proviso: Bernard Foley must have his trusty kicking boots in flag-raising form as the three referees are South African Marius van der Westhuizen, Kiwi Paul Williams, and Frenchman Pascal Gauzere – all penalty merchants.
Australia to win the ODI series in England, despite no Steve Smith nor David Warner, two of the world’s leading limited-over strokemakers. It will be interesting to see how the Australians behave on the field under the captaincy of Tim Paine in the light of the Cape Town fiasco.
Jason Day to win the US Open from June 14 to 17 at Shinnecock, with compatriots Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith in the elite field. Adam Scott has just two tournaments – the Memorial this week, and the St Jude Classic next week – to be in the world’s top 60 to qualify for his 17th US Open; currently he’s ranked 65th.
If an Australian can’t win it, let it be Phil Mickelson, who needs a US Open for a career Slam. He’s given it a big shot in the past with six second-placings.
Interestingly, this will be Tiger Woods’ last automatic US Open qualification, as his ten years from winning the 2008 tournament runs its course. The US Masters and PGA Championship hold lifetime qualifications, while The Open carries automatic qualification until 60 years of age.
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The refreshingly free spirit of Ricciardo has two formula ones – in Montreal on June 10, and Le Castellet in France on June 24. There are 11 more this season as he sets out to bridge the gap on Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. The Monaco success was his 29th podium, and he turns 29 on July 1.
His contract with Red Bull ends this year, and it begs the question how much better he can become with a faster and more reliable car?
Power has cracked the really big time. the 37-year-old’s willpower will take to many more successes, and hopefully he’ll receive much more media attention at home he richly deserves.
So there’s plenty to look forward to in June – bring it on.
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