The time is right for Smith to take a break from T20 side
If the IPL has taught us anything meaningful over the years, it’s that you must stay ahead of the competition in T20 cricket, otherwise…
Roar Guru
Joined February 2017
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Cricket and soccer I know a fair bit about, other sports not so much - but that won't stop me commenting!
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If the IPL has taught us anything meaningful over the years, it’s that you must stay ahead of the competition in T20 cricket, otherwise…
Not long after Twenty20 cricket first reared its shiny head to the cricket world back in the noughties, a wise old friend said, “I…
The finalists have been decided in this year's domestic four-day competition, with Queensland and New South Wales set to play each other again from…
How different things could have been. Australia’s men’s team should be one week away from starting their home T20 World Cup campaign right now.…
Nearly a year after managing a miracle against Australia at Headingly, Ben Stokes once again showed his full array of skills in Manchester this…
The announcement that NSW’s and Queensland’s second-tier rugby league competitions were to be cancelled this year due to coronavirus came earlier than expected. Way…
At a time of mind-numbing headlines around the world, it’s no surprise the first-class retirement of Steve O’Keefe happened without much fanfare this last…
New Zealand’s aggressive left-arm bowler Neil Wagner has had a memorable 2019. At the time of writing, he’s taken 40 wickets this year inside…
If Australia want to win an Ashes series on English soil again, it's high time they selected Mitchell Starc for the fourth Test. Despite…
Cricket is planning a run at the Olympics again. But is it just wishful thinking from administrators or could it actually happen this time?…
This week’s demolition by the old enemy in the World Cup semi-final will surely pain Australian cricket fans for some time. Despite a promising…
I did a double take when I saw Alexander Baumjohann being unveiled as Sydney FC's new signing in front of the city's famous Opera…
They’ve been stars of their respective teams for over a decade in 50-over cricket, but Chris Gayle and MS Dhoni should call time on…
Was it just an illusion or has this European football season had more upstart teams and closer league ladders? Perhaps, in a sport where…
Australia’s female tennis players have a historic opportunity when they take on Belarus in the semi-finals of the Fed Cup this weekend. But you’d…
Mention the name 'Lindsey Vonn' to most Aussie sports fans and you’ll often get an uncertain first reaction. “Wasn’t she Tiger Woods’s girlfriend for…
With the end of the series against Sri Lanka, most of Australia’s Test players plan on re-joining their Big Bash franchises, but they would…
In the PR-savvy landscape of commercial sport, the modern tennis press conference remains a last surviving bastion of emotion, honesty and downright awkwardness. At…
Justin Langer was fast-tracked into the Australian coaching role over seven months ago now, so in the professional world of modern-day cricket, a job…
Australian soccer fans would have cracked a wry smile on Monday morning upon hearing the news of Aaron Mooy’s double strike in the Premier…
Do you think Zampa could step up into Test spin duties if Lyon were to be injured? I am quietly impressed with his cool head these days, probably after all that T20 play.
Nudie balls and inswingers: A tribute to Steve O’Keefe
I had thought for a while that Smith should not get the captaincy back… because he had been strong as a batsman, after just having that gig to focus on. But, I think that I could be turning…
If one of the captain selection criteria is stability, I’m not certain any other batsman is a long-term fixture (aside from Head, if he can cement his spot) and I don’t think strike bowlers make great skippers (sorry, Pat!). So that really leaves Smith as the best option – however, let’s not rush Paine out of the job just yet. He’s doing a pretty solid job.
Why Steve Smith should be the next Australian captain
Thanks for your feedback Paul.
I notice that young off-spinner Arjun Nair wasn’t offered a NSW contract last summer, but did play for a NSW XI against the England Lions in Feb & March …and he got a bowl. They could be considering giving SOK’s place to him, but I’m not sure.
Nudie balls and inswingers: A tribute to Steve O’Keefe
His bag of wickets in that 2017 Indian Test would suggest that he had what it takes at the very top level. His unwavering accuracy certainly made him a more than competent first class player.
Nudie balls and inswingers: A tribute to Steve O’Keefe
Agree that there is an art to playing short-pitched bowling – but our Aussie batters are still working on their skills at facing swinging deliveries and quality spin. One thing at a time please!
Neil Wagner on song, but needs policing on short-pitched bowling
Thanks all for the comments… keep ’em coming. Have tried to respond to a few. It seems Mr Wagner is as polarising as I thought he was.
Neil Wagner on song, but needs policing on short-pitched bowling
I often use this test too… what if everyone did it? In this day and age of fitter, stronger and taller athletes who can devote all day, every day to weights and gym work…. it’s possible that we could see bowlers being picked for their ability to do this and then employing this tactic way more often. That’s why cricket needs to stay vigilant on this issue.
Neil Wagner on song, but needs policing on short-pitched bowling
All very valid points.. although the boundaries at the MCG are still substantial even when they bring in the rope!
Neil Wagner on song, but needs policing on short-pitched bowling
Fair enough David… I was really wanting to just point out both sides of this debate. It’s not as easy as “ban the guy” and I really can see that his skill and fitness levels are impressive. I just feel that people aren’t talking about the limits he’s pushing almost every over.
Neil Wagner on song, but needs policing on short-pitched bowling
I think Australia has been close to doing it a few times over the last 6 months. But I think that’s your point.
Neil Wagner on song, but needs policing on short-pitched bowling
Yep.. a lot of this is very true. So many ex-players just get there on the basis of their reputations…. but are nowhere near as good as the best technical coaches. Then the argument comes up “well, you can’t do this job unless you have played at this level yourself”. I call bulldust.
It’s funny… because so many ex-pros are always saying how important “the process” is in coaching and playing sport. If it’s all process driven, then surely it doesn’t matter whether the coach is a super-experienced player himself or herself … or not, right?
Does being a club legend make you a good manager?
I also think the biggest moment was winning the 2015 Asian Cup – nothing like a bit of silverware to get everyone excited.
Australian football highlights of the decade
All of the batsmen had to deal with Wagner’s short-pitched bowling – it’s his MO against basically everyone in Test cricket, as the format allows him a fair bit of room to move on bowling short.
Steve Smith solves New Zealand short ball riddle
Yep..that looks like a shepherd to me.
Marika Koroibete scores tremendous individual try against Samoa
I missed this… but that sounds pretty awesome. He will have to put that moment out of his mind.
It feels like his whole career has been about proving someone wrong – so I think he’ll manage to.
Lampooning Lyon: The folkoric charm of crowd banter
Let’s see how he goes over the remainder of the Test – but I think both of our sets of comments have held true already. He’s shown a bit of X-factor at times already (with ball and bat) and at the same time, he’s given more runs away than he should have.
I did notice that he got the wicket of Ben Stokes though. I’m sure you didn’t miss that either, being such an astute cricket observer.
Mitchell Starc should play in the fourth Test
Yep.. pretty good stuff from Tim Tszyu.. But how about that Tayla Harris? Top effort!
WATCH: Tim Tszyu claims big win in Sydney
I reckon this article needs a comment… just for the headline alone. Great SEO too, by the way.
Pretty awesome sentiment and well backed up above. Bravo Subrasub!
Hazard was the closest thing to Messi the EPL will ever see
Eden Park will be tough to crack.. but I’m backing the Wallabies!
Why Australia's Bledisloe Game 1 wonders are unlikely to be repeated in Auckland
I reckon if any of those derelict Athens 2004 stadiums had had a cricket pitch inside them, they would still be being used. Just a gut feel…
Why cricket should go Olympic - this time for real
I take your point with T20 cricket developing in up-and-coming nations, to the exclusion of other formats. But, having played a long time in an Associate cricket nation myself, I know that T20 is easier to market locally and gets people interested. It is a major way to grow the sport… or it just won’t get a foothold. The teams themselves still play One Day format too, in most cases, because they know T20 isn’t the full monty.
As for the creation of cricket grounds in non-cricketing nations… if I know expat cricketers as I do, these facilities will be greeted with open arms, no matter how remote they are positioned. This has been the case across Germany at least, after departing British troops left cricket grounds behind for the locals. In my experience, South Asian cricketers’ enthusiasm and willingness to travel to play cricket matches in far-flung places literally knows no limits. Especially if they’re guaranteed a good playing surface.
Why cricket should go Olympic - this time for real
Love this move by ICC and Comm Games organisers. Hopefully the start of something bigger!.. Hang on, that gives me an idea.
Women's T20 confirmed for 2022 Commonwealth Games
Historic points well made. I’m hopeful that the extra experience of S Waugh and RT Ponting over the last few months has made the Aussie team are more stable unit. Let’s see what happens!
Australia must shed overseas yips to win the Ashes
Two greats, who both showed plenty of respect to each other, despite a hard-fought encounter. What a showpiece for the sport.
Djokovic saves two match points to beat Federer in epic Wimbledon final
Great analysis Denis. Very thorough. After watching the Revierderby last night, it does seem that the league have put in a number of matchday safety measures. What the players are doing behind the scenes is another matter though, I guess.
I really felt that the match was lacking a bit of its usual bite too, but I suppose that’s expected.
The Bundesliga’s back with a bang, but at what cost?