akd545
NormSorry Who Retired? My Mind Was Elsewhere
November 22nd 2006 12:21
I will just say this comment, because like most of you sports fans you can see a media blitz on the horizon when the ‘Thorpedo’ announced his retirement. But he was a true sporting legend, and that is one phrase I don’t throw around lightly.
Records broken left right and centre. More Olympic, Commonwealth and World Champioships medal than most athletes dream in their lifetime, and a true icon in getting a younger generation into the pool. Thorpe was a true sportsman, and if you ignore the fashion, the identity he tried to create, and most importantly that horrible show on channel seven he was associated with, then you will remember cheering down the pool to yet another gold from the US. Thanks for the memories Thorpey, you will be missed at Beijing.
Now lets focus on the real issue, in less than 24 hours (even sooner depending on when you read this) the first Test of the Ashes will be underway in Brisbane. But even before the first ball there is already a challenge around an injury, and this time it’s not about McGrath and slipping on a cricket ball.
The real news to come out in the last day is the injury cloud over the batting order for England. First it was Captain Vaughn, who has been out for a number of months, then Trescothick had to fly home to battle his own demons, now fellow top order batsman Ian Bell has been hit on the wrist and might have to miss the first Test.
This was not the start that the Poms wanted. It is known that it wasn’t their bowling that lost us the Ashes last time, but rather the quality of batting that gave them the victory. Now that Vaughn, Trescothick, and now possibly Bell is out for the match their seems to be some worry in the ranks.
From their point of view, the Gabba was where they could make a stand. Their main opponent last time, Shane Warne, is not able to cause as much destruction this time simply due to how the pitch is, and it depended on the pace bowlers to cause the wickets to fall.
Do not get me wrong, we have the talent in the quick to deal with it quickly. But the English side would always prefer Lee bowling at breakneck speed rather than the mystery ball that Warney can always create. This was their time where they could prove that the last Ashes victory was not a simple fluke.
But now they have a problem. If Bell is out, then I can guarantee you that the first few wickets for England will fall with no real effort, as the green players will not be able to accomondate to Australia’s style of play. So a huge mind game can fail the Poms in the first day alone, as they will see that if a short few fall quickly, more often than not the rest will follow.
However, if Bell does play, then he won’t be as effective as they want him to be. It is the Shane Watson affair all over again, as they have to consider playing a semi-fit player due to his ability to stake a place for his team.
It could all end up as a final minute affair, but come tomorrow all this worry will be for nothing, as the players take the ground and focus on one thing alone, to reclaim the Ashes for their nation.
And what is my prediction, first Test Australia should win quite easily. I expect a four day affair, and we will coast it in with a 150 run margin. Let’s see how close I can get.
Until next time, sports minds.
Records broken left right and centre. More Olympic, Commonwealth and World Champioships medal than most athletes dream in their lifetime, and a true icon in getting a younger generation into the pool. Thorpe was a true sportsman, and if you ignore the fashion, the identity he tried to create, and most importantly that horrible show on channel seven he was associated with, then you will remember cheering down the pool to yet another gold from the US. Thanks for the memories Thorpey, you will be missed at Beijing.
Now lets focus on the real issue, in less than 24 hours (even sooner depending on when you read this) the first Test of the Ashes will be underway in Brisbane. But even before the first ball there is already a challenge around an injury, and this time it’s not about McGrath and slipping on a cricket ball.
The real news to come out in the last day is the injury cloud over the batting order for England. First it was Captain Vaughn, who has been out for a number of months, then Trescothick had to fly home to battle his own demons, now fellow top order batsman Ian Bell has been hit on the wrist and might have to miss the first Test.
This was not the start that the Poms wanted. It is known that it wasn’t their bowling that lost us the Ashes last time, but rather the quality of batting that gave them the victory. Now that Vaughn, Trescothick, and now possibly Bell is out for the match their seems to be some worry in the ranks.
From their point of view, the Gabba was where they could make a stand. Their main opponent last time, Shane Warne, is not able to cause as much destruction this time simply due to how the pitch is, and it depended on the pace bowlers to cause the wickets to fall.
Do not get me wrong, we have the talent in the quick to deal with it quickly. But the English side would always prefer Lee bowling at breakneck speed rather than the mystery ball that Warney can always create. This was their time where they could prove that the last Ashes victory was not a simple fluke.
But now they have a problem. If Bell is out, then I can guarantee you that the first few wickets for England will fall with no real effort, as the green players will not be able to accomondate to Australia’s style of play. So a huge mind game can fail the Poms in the first day alone, as they will see that if a short few fall quickly, more often than not the rest will follow.
However, if Bell does play, then he won’t be as effective as they want him to be. It is the Shane Watson affair all over again, as they have to consider playing a semi-fit player due to his ability to stake a place for his team.
It could all end up as a final minute affair, but come tomorrow all this worry will be for nothing, as the players take the ground and focus on one thing alone, to reclaim the Ashes for their nation.
And what is my prediction, first Test Australia should win quite easily. I expect a four day affair, and we will coast it in with a 150 run margin. Let’s see how close I can get.
Until next time, sports minds.
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