In trying to get some experience broadcasting football, I have decided to call a game live off television each weekend. For the most part it will be the sunday twilight fixture. I have enlisted a friend Nick Partridge to provide expert comments. The links below will send you to a file share site. There is no need to download the mp3 files. Just press play. Feel free to send feedback to my email which is on my profile.
Pre-game preview
1st quarter
2nd quarter
3rd quarter
4th quarter
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The triumph and tragedy of opening night
Nearly the biggest opening night crowd in the history of AFL football turned out to watch the much anticipated clash between two sides expected to feature prominently towards September, and two players who once climbed the September Mountain together but now opposed each other for the first time.
But in the end the 86,971 fans in attendance left the MCG short-changed after Carlton mauled Richmond 23.12 (150) to 9.13 (67).
To make matters worse for the Tigers, if 83 points wasn’t bad enough, their messiah, the returning star Ben Cousins, limped off with what appeared to be a nasty hamstring injury that may keep him out for an extended period.
The former Eagle was the night’s star attraction and it took him all of 12 seconds to have an impact getting an early touch that resulted in a shot for goal for Matthew Richardson. But Richardson’s attempted conversion typically punched the post and hope vanished as quickly as it had been harboured.
Richmond were plagued by skill errors in the back half and in Terry Wallace’s fifth and most important year in charge it seems little progress has been made. Wallace and his medical staff may also come under fire after Cousins complained of a niggle behind the knee at three quarter-time, only to return in the final stanza to damage his hamstring properly.
The Tigers night resembled a Shakespearean tragedy. Tim Lane rephrased it a “Richardsonian” tragedy.
But for as bad as Richmond was, the Blues stamped themselves as the real deal with a polished display. Richmond led briefly after two early goals to Mitch Morton, the lowest profile former Eagle on the ground. Morton finished the night with four goals and, along with Jack Riewoldt and Nathan Foley, he was among the few Tigers who could hold their heads high.
The momentum swung with Jarrad Waite who ignited the Blues early. Lining up on the dangerous Richardson he pushed forward twice to kick early goals and help guide Carlton to an eight-goal opening term to lead by 30 points at the first change. They extended that lead to 40 at half-time before exploding in the second half.
All their young stars got involved. While Waite owned the first half, Marc Murphy was probably the Blues best in the second, showing leadership and class by bringing teammates into the game. A sublime 30 metre handball in the third term set up one of Eddie Betts’ five goals, while Murphy himself jailed a Betts-like check-side on the run in the last to finish with two goals of his own.
Chris Judd was hardly dominant but his fingerprints were all over Carlton’s victory with important and efficient touches, plus a brace of goals to boot. But the biggest indicator of Carlton’s improvement was the fact that their spearhead Brendan Fevola bagged just two of their 23 goals. While his impact did not feature heavily on the scoreboard he was brilliant throughout the night consistently doing the unselfish one-per centers that his game has lacked in the past. He chased hard, used his physicality, and laid important shepherds, all of which aided Carlton’s dominance.
Brett Ratten and his match committee can feel particularly proud tonight after the gamble of playing four debutants well and truly paid off. Mitch Robinson, a young Tasmanian who has been likened to Anthony Koutoufides, was outstanding in booting three goals. Jeff Garlett, the lightweight Western Australian at just 74 kilos was possibly the biggest gamble but he showed tenacity and liveliness up forward. Aaron Joseph had the unenviable task of running with Cousins on his first day in senior football and did it with aplomb while Sam Jacobs held his own the ruck.
Terry Wallace and the Tigers have plenty to ponder with the prospect of facing Geelong and the Western Bulldogs in the coming fortnight without Cousins and perhaps also Andrew Raines who limped off with a knee problem.
Brett Ratten meanwhile can look forward to Nick Stevens returning for next week’s encounter with Brisbane. The only concern for the Blues is a sore heel for Fevola, who no doubt will be nursed through the week.
But in the end the 86,971 fans in attendance left the MCG short-changed after Carlton mauled Richmond 23.12 (150) to 9.13 (67).
To make matters worse for the Tigers, if 83 points wasn’t bad enough, their messiah, the returning star Ben Cousins, limped off with what appeared to be a nasty hamstring injury that may keep him out for an extended period.
The former Eagle was the night’s star attraction and it took him all of 12 seconds to have an impact getting an early touch that resulted in a shot for goal for Matthew Richardson. But Richardson’s attempted conversion typically punched the post and hope vanished as quickly as it had been harboured.
Richmond were plagued by skill errors in the back half and in Terry Wallace’s fifth and most important year in charge it seems little progress has been made. Wallace and his medical staff may also come under fire after Cousins complained of a niggle behind the knee at three quarter-time, only to return in the final stanza to damage his hamstring properly.
The Tigers night resembled a Shakespearean tragedy. Tim Lane rephrased it a “Richardsonian” tragedy.
But for as bad as Richmond was, the Blues stamped themselves as the real deal with a polished display. Richmond led briefly after two early goals to Mitch Morton, the lowest profile former Eagle on the ground. Morton finished the night with four goals and, along with Jack Riewoldt and Nathan Foley, he was among the few Tigers who could hold their heads high.
The momentum swung with Jarrad Waite who ignited the Blues early. Lining up on the dangerous Richardson he pushed forward twice to kick early goals and help guide Carlton to an eight-goal opening term to lead by 30 points at the first change. They extended that lead to 40 at half-time before exploding in the second half.
All their young stars got involved. While Waite owned the first half, Marc Murphy was probably the Blues best in the second, showing leadership and class by bringing teammates into the game. A sublime 30 metre handball in the third term set up one of Eddie Betts’ five goals, while Murphy himself jailed a Betts-like check-side on the run in the last to finish with two goals of his own.
Chris Judd was hardly dominant but his fingerprints were all over Carlton’s victory with important and efficient touches, plus a brace of goals to boot. But the biggest indicator of Carlton’s improvement was the fact that their spearhead Brendan Fevola bagged just two of their 23 goals. While his impact did not feature heavily on the scoreboard he was brilliant throughout the night consistently doing the unselfish one-per centers that his game has lacked in the past. He chased hard, used his physicality, and laid important shepherds, all of which aided Carlton’s dominance.
Brett Ratten and his match committee can feel particularly proud tonight after the gamble of playing four debutants well and truly paid off. Mitch Robinson, a young Tasmanian who has been likened to Anthony Koutoufides, was outstanding in booting three goals. Jeff Garlett, the lightweight Western Australian at just 74 kilos was possibly the biggest gamble but he showed tenacity and liveliness up forward. Aaron Joseph had the unenviable task of running with Cousins on his first day in senior football and did it with aplomb while Sam Jacobs held his own the ruck.
Terry Wallace and the Tigers have plenty to ponder with the prospect of facing Geelong and the Western Bulldogs in the coming fortnight without Cousins and perhaps also Andrew Raines who limped off with a knee problem.
Brett Ratten meanwhile can look forward to Nick Stevens returning for next week’s encounter with Brisbane. The only concern for the Blues is a sore heel for Fevola, who no doubt will be nursed through the week.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Dream turns to nightmare
Day 3. 3rd Test from Newlands in Cape Town. Australia 209 & 2 for 102 (Katich 44no, Hughes 32) v South Africa 651 (de Villiers 163, Prince 150, Johnson 4-148)
Did we just awake from a dream? Did we dream that normal service had resumed? That Australia had restored status quo by winning an away series against the world’s form side two-nil?
Today reality sunk in. Australia was dominated by South Africa. So much so they were toyed with to the point of embarrassment. They have conceded a trio of Test centuries in an innings for the first time since 2001, when New Zealand somehow managed four. And the visitors are now staring down the barrel of their first innings defeat since Kolkata in 1998.
The figures from that match are eerily similar to this. After Australia was removed for 233 first time up, India’s top six each passed 65. Captain Mohammad Azharuddin was the only to reach three figures with 163 but that was hardly the point. Australia’s attack on that occasion comprised of one draft-horse, Michael Kasprowicz, one debutant, Paul Wilson, spinners Shane Warne and Gavin Robertson, and part-timers Greg Blewett and Mark Waugh.
At times during this afternoon, the current Australian bowlers, so instrumental in Australia’s series victory, looked equally as feeble.
Although it didn’t begin that way. Australia’s three quicks, despite being clearly jaded from a month’s hard toil, threw everything they had into the first hour. Peter Siddle was once again phenomenal all day, but he went wicket-less.
Ben Hilfenhaus was rewarded with a simple caught and bowled as Jacques Kallis made an awful mess of a ball banged in back of a length. JP Duminy then got a working over. The Australians feel he is vulnerably to the rising ball. They have succeeded with their plans so far this series. And succeeded again here albeit in a round-a-bout way. Duminy elegantly placed a short ball from Mitchell Johnson through point for four. Next ball, a similar delivery, Duminy tried to pull on-side, off balance. He dragged it onto his stumps for 7.
Mitchell Johnson lifted a cog with Mark Boucher’s arrival. The South African glove-man never settled as Johnson pushed him further and further back in the crease. The first ball in his half Boucher drove, seemingly edged, and was given out. He immediately referred Steve Bucknor’s decision to Billy Bowden. There was daylight between bat and ball. Bucknor standing in his 128th and last Test later gave another false positive against Paul Harris taking his tally of decisions overturned in this match to three.
It mattered little in the context of Boucher’s day. Johnson found the edge shortly after. No doubt was left once Ponting pouched it in-front of his eyes at second slip.
As with Ashwell Prince the day before, the momentum shifted with two shots off Johnson. This time, Albie Morkel, whose power hitting tormented Australia in one-day cricket this summer, pulled twice with vigour. He raced to 27 in as many balls, showing that his first-class average of 41 is not an anomaly.
It allowed AB de Villiers the freedom to expand and then explode. The previous evening de Villiers posted the easiest 39 runs of his Test career to date. The first hour this morning was a battle, but after that he toyed with the bowling. There was no mercy shown during de Villiers 196-ball stay. He knows how to cash in when oppositions are down and out. This was his ninth century in Test cricket; eight have come when teammates have also saluted. The exception being his fine hundred during the first Test in Johannesburg.
Bryce McGain was hammered again. De Villers picked him apart. His utter dominance was summed up in four consecutive sixes off Andrew McDonald. Despite the Victorian all-rounder claiming Morkel’s wicket for 58 in the same over, he was largely ineffective and hardly economical. It is the first time a trio of Victorians had featured in a Test side for a decade and barring a miraculous, but not inconceivable recall of both Chris Rogers and Brad Hodge it is unlikely to happen again for some time.
McGain’s third day’s toil in Test cricket was every bit as bad as his second. If his 18 overs, 0 for 149 weren’t humiliating enough, matters were made worse when Simon Katich was thrown the ball in the 151st over of the innings. Katich promptly took 2 for 9 in three overs including de Villiers for 163. He would have claimed three without the referral system in place, Harris getting a leg-before judgement overturned.
McGain’s fans will argue that de Villiers fell to a long hop and then Katich bowled at the hapless tail. But the reality is that in three overs Katich caused more trouble with variety and accuracy than McGain had in 18. Which begs the question why hadn’t Katich bowled earlier? He claimed three wickets in the fourth innings in Durban, and now has 18 Test scalps at 29.61. The four specialist spinners Australia has used in last 12 months have combined for 25 wickets at a cost of 47.56.
Admittedly you don’t want your opening batsman bowling too many overs for fear of robbing Peter to pay Paul, but if he is your best spinner what choice do you have?
Late in the day Harris proved a nightmare for Australia’s three left-handers, removing Phillip Hughes and troubling Katich and Hussey by exploiting the developed footmarks outside their off-stump. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and the footmarks were far more benign on day two, but if Ponting had his time again Michael Clarke would surely have been tried against the prancing Prince.
Australia finished the day still needing 340 to make South Africa pad up again. Hughes began his innings as if he was trying to post a fourth innings target. Two crisp drives sent Steyn’s first two deliveries to the rope. But Steyn adjusted quickly peppering Hughes’ ribs. It was a clear example of the blueprint all teams should follow when opposing the boy from Macksville. He fell to Harris prodding at one that spat from a footmark. But Steyn got his reward when he removed the Australian skipper for 12.
Katich, who has been Australia’s best in this match by a distance, looked in complete control for 44, Hussey was unsettled by Harris but survived. The former Western Australian teammates need to produce their greatest ever partnership to steer Australia to safety. Otherwise the two-part summer drama will surely end, perhaps fittingly, three-all.
Did we just awake from a dream? Did we dream that normal service had resumed? That Australia had restored status quo by winning an away series against the world’s form side two-nil?
Today reality sunk in. Australia was dominated by South Africa. So much so they were toyed with to the point of embarrassment. They have conceded a trio of Test centuries in an innings for the first time since 2001, when New Zealand somehow managed four. And the visitors are now staring down the barrel of their first innings defeat since Kolkata in 1998.
The figures from that match are eerily similar to this. After Australia was removed for 233 first time up, India’s top six each passed 65. Captain Mohammad Azharuddin was the only to reach three figures with 163 but that was hardly the point. Australia’s attack on that occasion comprised of one draft-horse, Michael Kasprowicz, one debutant, Paul Wilson, spinners Shane Warne and Gavin Robertson, and part-timers Greg Blewett and Mark Waugh.
At times during this afternoon, the current Australian bowlers, so instrumental in Australia’s series victory, looked equally as feeble.
Although it didn’t begin that way. Australia’s three quicks, despite being clearly jaded from a month’s hard toil, threw everything they had into the first hour. Peter Siddle was once again phenomenal all day, but he went wicket-less.
Ben Hilfenhaus was rewarded with a simple caught and bowled as Jacques Kallis made an awful mess of a ball banged in back of a length. JP Duminy then got a working over. The Australians feel he is vulnerably to the rising ball. They have succeeded with their plans so far this series. And succeeded again here albeit in a round-a-bout way. Duminy elegantly placed a short ball from Mitchell Johnson through point for four. Next ball, a similar delivery, Duminy tried to pull on-side, off balance. He dragged it onto his stumps for 7.
Mitchell Johnson lifted a cog with Mark Boucher’s arrival. The South African glove-man never settled as Johnson pushed him further and further back in the crease. The first ball in his half Boucher drove, seemingly edged, and was given out. He immediately referred Steve Bucknor’s decision to Billy Bowden. There was daylight between bat and ball. Bucknor standing in his 128th and last Test later gave another false positive against Paul Harris taking his tally of decisions overturned in this match to three.
It mattered little in the context of Boucher’s day. Johnson found the edge shortly after. No doubt was left once Ponting pouched it in-front of his eyes at second slip.
As with Ashwell Prince the day before, the momentum shifted with two shots off Johnson. This time, Albie Morkel, whose power hitting tormented Australia in one-day cricket this summer, pulled twice with vigour. He raced to 27 in as many balls, showing that his first-class average of 41 is not an anomaly.
It allowed AB de Villiers the freedom to expand and then explode. The previous evening de Villiers posted the easiest 39 runs of his Test career to date. The first hour this morning was a battle, but after that he toyed with the bowling. There was no mercy shown during de Villiers 196-ball stay. He knows how to cash in when oppositions are down and out. This was his ninth century in Test cricket; eight have come when teammates have also saluted. The exception being his fine hundred during the first Test in Johannesburg.
Bryce McGain was hammered again. De Villers picked him apart. His utter dominance was summed up in four consecutive sixes off Andrew McDonald. Despite the Victorian all-rounder claiming Morkel’s wicket for 58 in the same over, he was largely ineffective and hardly economical. It is the first time a trio of Victorians had featured in a Test side for a decade and barring a miraculous, but not inconceivable recall of both Chris Rogers and Brad Hodge it is unlikely to happen again for some time.
McGain’s third day’s toil in Test cricket was every bit as bad as his second. If his 18 overs, 0 for 149 weren’t humiliating enough, matters were made worse when Simon Katich was thrown the ball in the 151st over of the innings. Katich promptly took 2 for 9 in three overs including de Villiers for 163. He would have claimed three without the referral system in place, Harris getting a leg-before judgement overturned.
McGain’s fans will argue that de Villiers fell to a long hop and then Katich bowled at the hapless tail. But the reality is that in three overs Katich caused more trouble with variety and accuracy than McGain had in 18. Which begs the question why hadn’t Katich bowled earlier? He claimed three wickets in the fourth innings in Durban, and now has 18 Test scalps at 29.61. The four specialist spinners Australia has used in last 12 months have combined for 25 wickets at a cost of 47.56.
Admittedly you don’t want your opening batsman bowling too many overs for fear of robbing Peter to pay Paul, but if he is your best spinner what choice do you have?
Late in the day Harris proved a nightmare for Australia’s three left-handers, removing Phillip Hughes and troubling Katich and Hussey by exploiting the developed footmarks outside their off-stump. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and the footmarks were far more benign on day two, but if Ponting had his time again Michael Clarke would surely have been tried against the prancing Prince.
Australia finished the day still needing 340 to make South Africa pad up again. Hughes began his innings as if he was trying to post a fourth innings target. Two crisp drives sent Steyn’s first two deliveries to the rope. But Steyn adjusted quickly peppering Hughes’ ribs. It was a clear example of the blueprint all teams should follow when opposing the boy from Macksville. He fell to Harris prodding at one that spat from a footmark. But Steyn got his reward when he removed the Australian skipper for 12.
Katich, who has been Australia’s best in this match by a distance, looked in complete control for 44, Hussey was unsettled by Harris but survived. The former Western Australian teammates need to produce their greatest ever partnership to steer Australia to safety. Otherwise the two-part summer drama will surely end, perhaps fittingly, three-all.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Prince charms in one-sided affair
Day 2, 3rd Test from Newlands in Cape Town. Australia 209 (Katich 55, Steyn 4-56, Harris 3-34) v South Africa 3 for 404 (Prince 150, Kallis 102no, Siddle 1-35)
If looks could kill, Ashwell Prince may have murdered a few spectators with his eyes during his triumphant innings of 150.
There are several types of celebrations you see for cricket’s batting milestones. There are those who exude pure elation, happiness beyond words. There are those who simply acknowledge, only because it’s their duty but also aware that the adulation is rightly deserved. And then there are the rare occasions when the celebration is a release of anger. The exclamation mark on a point proved emphatically.
Prince’s display upon reaching three figures was not as obvious as others in the past - Nasser Hussain showing the number three on his back to the press box after his first one-day international century being a case in point – but there was no doubt about Prince’s expression as he removed his helmet. Nor was there any doubt about the unrest in the South African dressing rooms, as his teammates’ acknowledgement of a fine century could best be described as restrained jubilation.
But a winning team is a happy team and all may be forgotten come the start of a new week as Prince’s charming performance has put South Africa firmly in the box seat.
Despite the week from hell, there is no doubt about Prince’s class as a player. Remarkably his last Test innings prior to this yielded 162 not out. Even more remarkably he had not been dismissed in Test cricket since August 2008 and in the last twelve months he has posted four Test centuries with an average just under 70.
Prince was a victim of circumstance. A broken thumb in the nets in Perth opened the door for JP Duminy whose performances in Australia along with the rest of the middle order meant the incumbent vice-captain could not win his spot back. Worse still he was informed of this fact by a journalist rather than a selector.
Since then he was reinstated as captain and a reluctant opener, stripped of the captaincy, painted as a pariah by the press and scored 254 in a provincial game where he clashed with national teammates. Hardly an ideal build up, but he matched his determination with a steely resolve.
He is a street fighter and he plays that way. He hates being called coloured, and he hates the inference that his initial elevation to Test ranks was racially based. He has fought hard to deter his doubters. So hard that he rose to the vice-captaincy, eventually becoming South Africa’s first black captain in Graeme Smith’s absence in 2006.
His innings here at Newlands personified Prince the character. Last night, despite the unfamiliar surroundings of a blank scoreboard and a new ball he counter-punched from the outset. Stumps arguably came at a poor time given he had raced to 37 with five fours and a six.
This morning he was far more circumspect, initially troubled by an Australian attack that had clearly had a rethink. Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle were preferred to the summer’s main man Mitchell Johnson. Ricky Ponting’s instinct proved correct. Prince was unsettled by Hilfenhaus’ early morning shape, while Siddle’s aggression removed his opening partner – a superb return catch off balance – and nearly ended Prince’s day before it began. A huge LBW shout had Asad Rauf thinking hard but eventually shaking his head. The Australian’s referred on the basis that it looked to be knocking all three over but like Ntini the previous day Siddle’s wide approach saw the ball pitch just outside leg stump.
Siddle was easily the pick of the Australian bowlers throughout the day. His energy, pace, and sustained verve reminds you of a young Jason Gillespie. If he can claim more than 250 Test scalps Australia will be well served over the next decade. Today however he was unlucky to collect just the one.
Prince’s day kick started with Johnson’s introduction and one shot. A ball fractionally short and wide off stump was thrashed to the midwicket fence. It was a signal of intent, if not a sign of the sluggish wicket and a tired Johnson. Johnson threw up an effort bouncer, a yard quicker, Prince hooked it flat and hard behind square for four more.
It was to be Prince’s day. He dominated from there preying on Johnson who struggled to find his length and line on a wicket that didn’t suit him. The pace was slow, the bounce even, and he barely moved it off the straight. He looks a tired man after a staggering 518 overs this summer.
Hashim Amla looked equally as comfortable as Prince during their 97-run stand before he prodded at Johnson on 46. This seemed to spark the left-armer. He bowled a quick spell at Jacques Kallis. Memories of drawing blood from Kallis’ jaw in Durban were fresh when he pinned him once more here in Cape Town. This time a bruise on the back would be Johnson’s final mark on the day's play as he succumbed to cramp late in the last session. Hilfenhaus cracked Kallis’ helmet in the following over and the stand-in captain was left to wonder whether he might break more helmets than score runs.
His fears were allayed with the introduction of Bryce McGain. Prince feasted on the leg-spinner’s first three deliveries. The first was a streaky carve over point. The next disappeared one bounce over the long-off fence. It was this stroke that brought up Prince’s 11th Test century. He now sits third all-time in Test cricket history behind Don Bradman and George Headley as the best converters from 50 to 100. Prince continues to break boundaries.
McGain’s introduction and Ponting’s persistence with him proved a blessing for Jacques Kallis. Released from barrage of short pitched bowling he belted the hapless McGain to all corners and hit himself into form. He raced from 4 to 36 in three McGain overs. The 36-year-old Victorian could be playing his first and last Test match as he conceded 102 in 11 innocuous and wicket-less overs.
Prince and Kallis established a lead before Prince fell caught down the leg-side off Hilfenhaus. The initial appeal was turned down by umpire Steve Bucknor before Ponting referred it upstairs. Prince’s guilty body language and no other explanation for the sound were the only conclusive evidence but after 12 exhausting minutes Prince was eventually sent to the sheds for an even 150.
Kallis then punished a tired attack, reaching his 31st test century, his first in 11 months late, in the day. Again it was farcical scenes as Kallis celebrated whilst Asad Rauf signaled leg-bye. Hotspot’s prompt analysis showed a large inside edge. The information was relayed swiftly to the Pakistani adjudicator and he changed his decision, much to Ponting’s bemusement. It was a commonsense ruling but seemingly an obvious breach of normal protocol.
South Africa’s lead of 195 with seven wickets in hand leaves Australia with plenty to ponder overnight. The Test match seems lost barring a miracle but there are bigger questions to examine. The lack of back-up batsman in the squad to replace Marcus North has left the selectors with egg on their face. The first innings total of 209 was clearly below par. McGain’s inclusion has been wanted since September but it was hardly justified. He may be Australia’s best spinner but he is not in Australia best ten first-class bowlers which begs the question of his inclusion.
Australia’s balance looks as lopsided as the current scoreline. A tired trio of quicks has not helped the cause but this large oversight must be addressed before the Ashes squad is announced.
If looks could kill, Ashwell Prince may have murdered a few spectators with his eyes during his triumphant innings of 150.
There are several types of celebrations you see for cricket’s batting milestones. There are those who exude pure elation, happiness beyond words. There are those who simply acknowledge, only because it’s their duty but also aware that the adulation is rightly deserved. And then there are the rare occasions when the celebration is a release of anger. The exclamation mark on a point proved emphatically.
Prince’s display upon reaching three figures was not as obvious as others in the past - Nasser Hussain showing the number three on his back to the press box after his first one-day international century being a case in point – but there was no doubt about Prince’s expression as he removed his helmet. Nor was there any doubt about the unrest in the South African dressing rooms, as his teammates’ acknowledgement of a fine century could best be described as restrained jubilation.
But a winning team is a happy team and all may be forgotten come the start of a new week as Prince’s charming performance has put South Africa firmly in the box seat.
Despite the week from hell, there is no doubt about Prince’s class as a player. Remarkably his last Test innings prior to this yielded 162 not out. Even more remarkably he had not been dismissed in Test cricket since August 2008 and in the last twelve months he has posted four Test centuries with an average just under 70.
Prince was a victim of circumstance. A broken thumb in the nets in Perth opened the door for JP Duminy whose performances in Australia along with the rest of the middle order meant the incumbent vice-captain could not win his spot back. Worse still he was informed of this fact by a journalist rather than a selector.
Since then he was reinstated as captain and a reluctant opener, stripped of the captaincy, painted as a pariah by the press and scored 254 in a provincial game where he clashed with national teammates. Hardly an ideal build up, but he matched his determination with a steely resolve.
He is a street fighter and he plays that way. He hates being called coloured, and he hates the inference that his initial elevation to Test ranks was racially based. He has fought hard to deter his doubters. So hard that he rose to the vice-captaincy, eventually becoming South Africa’s first black captain in Graeme Smith’s absence in 2006.
His innings here at Newlands personified Prince the character. Last night, despite the unfamiliar surroundings of a blank scoreboard and a new ball he counter-punched from the outset. Stumps arguably came at a poor time given he had raced to 37 with five fours and a six.
This morning he was far more circumspect, initially troubled by an Australian attack that had clearly had a rethink. Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle were preferred to the summer’s main man Mitchell Johnson. Ricky Ponting’s instinct proved correct. Prince was unsettled by Hilfenhaus’ early morning shape, while Siddle’s aggression removed his opening partner – a superb return catch off balance – and nearly ended Prince’s day before it began. A huge LBW shout had Asad Rauf thinking hard but eventually shaking his head. The Australian’s referred on the basis that it looked to be knocking all three over but like Ntini the previous day Siddle’s wide approach saw the ball pitch just outside leg stump.
Siddle was easily the pick of the Australian bowlers throughout the day. His energy, pace, and sustained verve reminds you of a young Jason Gillespie. If he can claim more than 250 Test scalps Australia will be well served over the next decade. Today however he was unlucky to collect just the one.
Prince’s day kick started with Johnson’s introduction and one shot. A ball fractionally short and wide off stump was thrashed to the midwicket fence. It was a signal of intent, if not a sign of the sluggish wicket and a tired Johnson. Johnson threw up an effort bouncer, a yard quicker, Prince hooked it flat and hard behind square for four more.
It was to be Prince’s day. He dominated from there preying on Johnson who struggled to find his length and line on a wicket that didn’t suit him. The pace was slow, the bounce even, and he barely moved it off the straight. He looks a tired man after a staggering 518 overs this summer.
Hashim Amla looked equally as comfortable as Prince during their 97-run stand before he prodded at Johnson on 46. This seemed to spark the left-armer. He bowled a quick spell at Jacques Kallis. Memories of drawing blood from Kallis’ jaw in Durban were fresh when he pinned him once more here in Cape Town. This time a bruise on the back would be Johnson’s final mark on the day's play as he succumbed to cramp late in the last session. Hilfenhaus cracked Kallis’ helmet in the following over and the stand-in captain was left to wonder whether he might break more helmets than score runs.
His fears were allayed with the introduction of Bryce McGain. Prince feasted on the leg-spinner’s first three deliveries. The first was a streaky carve over point. The next disappeared one bounce over the long-off fence. It was this stroke that brought up Prince’s 11th Test century. He now sits third all-time in Test cricket history behind Don Bradman and George Headley as the best converters from 50 to 100. Prince continues to break boundaries.
McGain’s introduction and Ponting’s persistence with him proved a blessing for Jacques Kallis. Released from barrage of short pitched bowling he belted the hapless McGain to all corners and hit himself into form. He raced from 4 to 36 in three McGain overs. The 36-year-old Victorian could be playing his first and last Test match as he conceded 102 in 11 innocuous and wicket-less overs.
Prince and Kallis established a lead before Prince fell caught down the leg-side off Hilfenhaus. The initial appeal was turned down by umpire Steve Bucknor before Ponting referred it upstairs. Prince’s guilty body language and no other explanation for the sound were the only conclusive evidence but after 12 exhausting minutes Prince was eventually sent to the sheds for an even 150.
Kallis then punished a tired attack, reaching his 31st test century, his first in 11 months late, in the day. Again it was farcical scenes as Kallis celebrated whilst Asad Rauf signaled leg-bye. Hotspot’s prompt analysis showed a large inside edge. The information was relayed swiftly to the Pakistani adjudicator and he changed his decision, much to Ponting’s bemusement. It was a commonsense ruling but seemingly an obvious breach of normal protocol.
South Africa’s lead of 195 with seven wickets in hand leaves Australia with plenty to ponder overnight. The Test match seems lost barring a miracle but there are bigger questions to examine. The lack of back-up batsman in the squad to replace Marcus North has left the selectors with egg on their face. The first innings total of 209 was clearly below par. McGain’s inclusion has been wanted since September but it was hardly justified. He may be Australia’s best spinner but he is not in Australia best ten first-class bowlers which begs the question of his inclusion.
Australia’s balance looks as lopsided as the current scoreline. A tired trio of quicks has not helped the cause but this large oversight must be addressed before the Ashes squad is announced.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
SA bowlers dictate terms
Day 1, 3rd Test from Newlands in Cape Town. Aus 209 (Katich 55, Steyn 4-56, Harris 3-34) v South Africa 0 for 57 (Prince 37no, Khan 15no)
It only took three weeks, but finally South Africa’s bowlers woke from their slumber to stamp their authority on the opening day of the third test from Newlands in Cape Town.
Having been the difference during their historic win in Australia, the Proteas attack had been nothing short of disappointing during this series but today they were exceptional.
For the sixth time this summer the coin fell Ricky Ponting’s way and yet again he had no hesitation in electing to bat. But rather than wallow in Jacques Kallis’ disappointment they took to their task of bowling first with vigour. Undoubtedly shaken by the whoosh of the selector’s axe that claimed their mate Morne Morkel, each set about the task of proving their worth.
It began with Makhaya Ntini who’s first spell set the tone. He bowled with tremendous rhythm, found an ability to bring the odd ball back to the left-handers, which made his angles even more awkward from either over or around the wicket.
He was unlucky not to have Simon Katich twice. In Ntini’s first over Katich was struck in line by a ball that straightened. Ntini’s natural angle means that to hit the stumps he must pitch outside the line of leg. Jacques Kallis elected not to challenge the not out decision but technology proved this instinct incorrect.
The world’s second best side it seems are as bad at challenging decisions as the world’s number two tennis player Roger Federer. So often they refer decisions on emotion rather than logic. By mid-morning they had lost both challenges. Ntini struck Katich again and the frustration of the first miss prompted a look at the second, except this time it had obviously pitched outside leg stump, and looked very high. They later made another attempt to claim Katich’s scalp by challenging another not out decision. On this occasion Katich and Steve Bucknor were the only people on the ground to have noticed a thick inside edge. Like or lump the referral system it has most certainly curbed any dissent.
Ntini’s ill-fortune continued when Katich was dropped by debutant Imraan Khan on nine. It was a simple chance at backward point that haunted Khan throughout every run of Katich’s hard-fought half-century.
Despite the lack of inroads made by the quicks’ they reined in their line and length significantly from Durban. Phillip Hughes was never allowed to settle. He seldom got the width he yearned for and rode his luck as balls repeatedly danced around his stumps via his inside edge.
The tighter opening spell meant Paul Harris was called upon to bowl at two players who were hardly set despite a fifty-run stand. It made a major difference to Harris’ mindset, as he immediately placed two close catchers and insisted on an aggressive line. This quickly paid dividends. Hughes gifted a simple chance to JP Duminy at short cover who promptly grassed it. One feared for the South African’s at this point as the moment again seemed to pass them by. Both catches were spilt in identical fashion. Both players doing their best to impersonate an orchestral percussionist signifying the close of a major crescendo with a loud crash of the symbols.
Duminy’s pain, unlike Khan’s, lasted just one delivery. Hughes attempted an ill-advised sweep and was adjudicated leg-before. Had he not been a 20-year-old junior member of the side he may have referred the decision, which did look adjacent at first glance. If he had, he’d have been reprieved as he was struck outside line. The day could have been very different.
Instead the complexion of the match changed. Albie Morkel, who had cruelly replaced his brother in the side, was in the midst of a brilliant first spell in Test cricket. He summed up the conditions well and was not afraid to pitch the ball up. Late swerve left a scratch on Ricky Ponting’s outside edge and there are few better first test wickets than the Australian captain for a duck.
Australia spent lunch nervously placed at 2 for 66, Katich grafting hard and Mike Hussey feeling his way. Hussey fearlessly pulled Dale Steyn after lunch. His first attempt would’ve sent shudders through the dressing rooms as it ballooned out through a vacant square leg. But he would not be perturbed, crushing two throat ticklers into the backward square fence shortly after.
Hussey’s dismissal personified his tour. Australia’s new golden boy Hughes could not parry the ball onto his stumps even if he tried during his innings of 33. Hussey had hardly made a mistake a run-a-ball 20, but in rising to a sharp lifter from Steyn he defended from the middle of the bat only for it to bounce back towards the stumps. Similar strokes from Hughes had taken coats of varnish from the woodwork without dislodging the bails. This ball from Hussey’s blade breathed on the off bail and it duly fell to the ground.
Steyn’s spell was rapid. He blew Michael Clarke away to leave Australia reeling at 4 for 81.
But South Africa momentarily let Australia off the hook as Brad Haddin entered at six in absence of an ill Marcus North. Katich continued to fight his way to fifty as Haddin played with amazing fluency. He began by swatting a short ball from Morkel who’s second spell was pedestrian compared to his first. Haddin then repeatedly crunched straight drives back past the bowler at frightening speed.
Katich tossed his wicket away to Harris with a half-hearted slog sweep. Imraan Khan had his heart in his mouth as he stood under the towering skyer but with a nervous smile he clung to the chance.
Katich’s mistake forced Haddin back into his shell either side of tea. Harris then continued his terrific day deceiving the wicketkeeper-bat through the air and skipping one through his defence. Haddin was trapped leg-before on the crease for 42 and Australia had exhausted all six recognised batsman for just 158. Mitchell Johnson came in and continued his outstanding series with a brisk 35, but the fact that he thoroughly out played Andrew McDonald leaves question marks over the Victorian’s role.
Steyn and Ntini cleaned up the tail, Steyn leading the way with 4 for 56. Ntini bowled far better than his two wickets suggests but the pick was Harris with 3 for 34.
South Africa have a great chance to stamp their authority on this contest on day two when they begin at 0 for 57. A brand new opening combination they might be but Imraan Khan and Ashwell Prince proved the old adage of picking players in form. Both are coming off massive provincial hundreds and played crisply on a wicket that will only get better. Australia’s hopes of a clean sweep look dashed even at this early stage. Much hinges on the opening spells of Johnson of Peter Siddle tomorrow morning.
It only took three weeks, but finally South Africa’s bowlers woke from their slumber to stamp their authority on the opening day of the third test from Newlands in Cape Town.
Having been the difference during their historic win in Australia, the Proteas attack had been nothing short of disappointing during this series but today they were exceptional.
For the sixth time this summer the coin fell Ricky Ponting’s way and yet again he had no hesitation in electing to bat. But rather than wallow in Jacques Kallis’ disappointment they took to their task of bowling first with vigour. Undoubtedly shaken by the whoosh of the selector’s axe that claimed their mate Morne Morkel, each set about the task of proving their worth.
It began with Makhaya Ntini who’s first spell set the tone. He bowled with tremendous rhythm, found an ability to bring the odd ball back to the left-handers, which made his angles even more awkward from either over or around the wicket.
He was unlucky not to have Simon Katich twice. In Ntini’s first over Katich was struck in line by a ball that straightened. Ntini’s natural angle means that to hit the stumps he must pitch outside the line of leg. Jacques Kallis elected not to challenge the not out decision but technology proved this instinct incorrect.
The world’s second best side it seems are as bad at challenging decisions as the world’s number two tennis player Roger Federer. So often they refer decisions on emotion rather than logic. By mid-morning they had lost both challenges. Ntini struck Katich again and the frustration of the first miss prompted a look at the second, except this time it had obviously pitched outside leg stump, and looked very high. They later made another attempt to claim Katich’s scalp by challenging another not out decision. On this occasion Katich and Steve Bucknor were the only people on the ground to have noticed a thick inside edge. Like or lump the referral system it has most certainly curbed any dissent.
Ntini’s ill-fortune continued when Katich was dropped by debutant Imraan Khan on nine. It was a simple chance at backward point that haunted Khan throughout every run of Katich’s hard-fought half-century.
Despite the lack of inroads made by the quicks’ they reined in their line and length significantly from Durban. Phillip Hughes was never allowed to settle. He seldom got the width he yearned for and rode his luck as balls repeatedly danced around his stumps via his inside edge.
The tighter opening spell meant Paul Harris was called upon to bowl at two players who were hardly set despite a fifty-run stand. It made a major difference to Harris’ mindset, as he immediately placed two close catchers and insisted on an aggressive line. This quickly paid dividends. Hughes gifted a simple chance to JP Duminy at short cover who promptly grassed it. One feared for the South African’s at this point as the moment again seemed to pass them by. Both catches were spilt in identical fashion. Both players doing their best to impersonate an orchestral percussionist signifying the close of a major crescendo with a loud crash of the symbols.
Duminy’s pain, unlike Khan’s, lasted just one delivery. Hughes attempted an ill-advised sweep and was adjudicated leg-before. Had he not been a 20-year-old junior member of the side he may have referred the decision, which did look adjacent at first glance. If he had, he’d have been reprieved as he was struck outside line. The day could have been very different.
Instead the complexion of the match changed. Albie Morkel, who had cruelly replaced his brother in the side, was in the midst of a brilliant first spell in Test cricket. He summed up the conditions well and was not afraid to pitch the ball up. Late swerve left a scratch on Ricky Ponting’s outside edge and there are few better first test wickets than the Australian captain for a duck.
Australia spent lunch nervously placed at 2 for 66, Katich grafting hard and Mike Hussey feeling his way. Hussey fearlessly pulled Dale Steyn after lunch. His first attempt would’ve sent shudders through the dressing rooms as it ballooned out through a vacant square leg. But he would not be perturbed, crushing two throat ticklers into the backward square fence shortly after.
Hussey’s dismissal personified his tour. Australia’s new golden boy Hughes could not parry the ball onto his stumps even if he tried during his innings of 33. Hussey had hardly made a mistake a run-a-ball 20, but in rising to a sharp lifter from Steyn he defended from the middle of the bat only for it to bounce back towards the stumps. Similar strokes from Hughes had taken coats of varnish from the woodwork without dislodging the bails. This ball from Hussey’s blade breathed on the off bail and it duly fell to the ground.
Steyn’s spell was rapid. He blew Michael Clarke away to leave Australia reeling at 4 for 81.
But South Africa momentarily let Australia off the hook as Brad Haddin entered at six in absence of an ill Marcus North. Katich continued to fight his way to fifty as Haddin played with amazing fluency. He began by swatting a short ball from Morkel who’s second spell was pedestrian compared to his first. Haddin then repeatedly crunched straight drives back past the bowler at frightening speed.
Katich tossed his wicket away to Harris with a half-hearted slog sweep. Imraan Khan had his heart in his mouth as he stood under the towering skyer but with a nervous smile he clung to the chance.
Katich’s mistake forced Haddin back into his shell either side of tea. Harris then continued his terrific day deceiving the wicketkeeper-bat through the air and skipping one through his defence. Haddin was trapped leg-before on the crease for 42 and Australia had exhausted all six recognised batsman for just 158. Mitchell Johnson came in and continued his outstanding series with a brisk 35, but the fact that he thoroughly out played Andrew McDonald leaves question marks over the Victorian’s role.
Steyn and Ntini cleaned up the tail, Steyn leading the way with 4 for 56. Ntini bowled far better than his two wickets suggests but the pick was Harris with 3 for 34.
South Africa have a great chance to stamp their authority on this contest on day two when they begin at 0 for 57. A brand new opening combination they might be but Imraan Khan and Ashwell Prince proved the old adage of picking players in form. Both are coming off massive provincial hundreds and played crisply on a wicket that will only get better. Australia’s hopes of a clean sweep look dashed even at this early stage. Much hinges on the opening spells of Johnson of Peter Siddle tomorrow morning.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Martyn the maligned matador
So much has been written and said about ‘the Bullring’. The Wanderers in Johannesburg is to South Africans what the MCG is to Australians: a fortress of intimidation. A stronghold where visitors quiver upon mention and suffocate on arrival. Australia’s ice man Steve Waugh said even he was intimidated by the venue. The fans sit on top of the players, baying for blood. Merv Hughes was angered to the point of violent backlash. Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn were doused in a mixture of saliva and beer. Ian Healy said that South African fans are so similar to Australia’s, which is what makes it so scary.
Yet, like England’s home of cricket Lord’s, the Wanderers has laid down arms for Australia in recent times. Three out of the last three test matches played there have gone the way of the baggy greens, two by an innings. A World Cup was won there. And although the record run chase in ODI history was conceded there, a test match victory of the highest order was achieved no less than a month later.
Some of Australia’s finest individual performances have taken place there. In 1997, Greg Blewett and Steve Waugh batted through an entire day together to set up an innings victory. Blewett posted his highest test score of 214 in a stand of 385 with his vice-captain, the second highest fifth wicket partnership in test history.
In 2002, haunted by personal troubles and an unforgiving crowd, Adam Gilchrist bludgeoned what was then the fastest double century in test history. Again it laid the platform for a frightful innings hiding of the hosts.
When the whites are swapped for the pyjamas at the Wanderers Ricky Ponting becomes unstoppable. His 140no in the 2003 World Cup final saw his turbaned-tormentor Harbhajan Singh get torched by the Ponting blade. Such was the incredible power of his hitting Ian Harvey was prompted get a bag of ice ready for the middle of Ponting’s bat upon its return to the rooms.
In the 2006 one-day classic at the Wanderers it was Ponting again setting a new standard for excellence. His 164 off 105 deliveries was outrageous, but unfortunately eclipsed later by Herschelle Gibbs’ masterful 175.
But of all the Australian conquerors of ‘the Bullring’, few have had the success of the much maligned matador Damien Martyn.
South Africa was supposed to haunt Martyn. The demons of 1994 could well have done irreparable damage. Martyn was a Darwin born, West Australian raised prodigy. A first grade hundred arrived aged 15, his first-class debut came at 19, and he received his first baggy green a month after his 21st birthday. Martyn showed enough against the West Indian pace-battery in the summer of 1992-93 to gain invites to tour New Zealand and England during the autumn and winter, but he played just one test in Auckland.
The following summer would haunt him for years to come. In his seventh test match he posted 59 in the first dig, his third half century in 11 test innings. But his 12th in the same game would be a nail in his cricketing coffin. A feeble pushed catch to cover for 6 saw him become the scapegoat for one of Australia’s worst ever test collapses. On his tombstone they would write ‘too flashy, too soft’, and he was cast to state ranks for the rest of the decade.
He was burdened with the WA captaincy, an office he could hardly have been less suited for. Martyn was a mysterious, mercurial character. He shunned the spotlight, and hated being centre of attention. His game suffered in the centric role. He was best suited to being left alone. To being the man in the dressing room who quietly went about his own game, undisturbed by outside influence, in order to produce match winning brilliance that could not be articulated but was much appreciated.
When Tom Moody replaced him, Martyn’s appetite for runs returned. He formed the backbone of WA’s back-to-back-to-back four-day domestic titles. He was Man of the Match in the last. Chicken pox and glandular fever felled his equally prolific WA teammate Simon Katich during the 1999 tour of Sri Lanka, setting back Katich’s national promotion 24 months. Katich’s ill-fortune gave Martyn a rebirth. When Ponting damaged an ankle in January 2000, Martyn returned to test cricket in New Zealand. He was no longer a soft, flashy stroke-maker, but a reliable, classy accumulator. Martyn made exceptional contributions in Wellington and Hamilton, but with Ponting’s rightful return imminent he knew he had to bide his time.
His opportunity came once more with an injury to Steve Waugh in December 2000. This time he ensured that his cricketing tombstone was crushed emphatically. He followed a composed 46no in the first innings with 34no in the second after he’d entered to flashes of déjà vu, with Australia 4 for 48 chasing 130 for its 13th consecutive test victory.
Waugh’s return saw Martyn miss out again as they went with their tried and trusted in India. The theory that Martyn was vulnerable to world-class spin would have to be dispelled on the next sub-continental tour as the incumbent number six Ponting averaged less than a meagre boundary per innings and was Harbhajan-ed five times out of five.
Amazingly the Tasmanian was promoted to three for the first test of the 2001 Ashes, mainly due to limited overs form, at the expense of Justin Langer which allowed Martyn a full-time role. He celebrated with his first two test hundreds in Birmingham and Leeds.
Although his game had changed his ego and maturity was still vulnerable. Stephen Fleming and the New Zealand side toyed with him in the summer of 2001-02. Rather than target a weakness they banked on his strength, bowling short and wide and stacking the point and gully region waiting for a mistake. Time after time it came. Such was the success of the ploy it eventually became humiliatingly humorous for not only the fans but Martyn himself. It is an apt description for the often-worn smirk after the West Australian was dismissed to either a great catch or an unjust adjudication.
But Martyn redeemed himself at the Wanderers in 2002. His first visit provided his third test century in four test innings, all against South Africa. But it was ‘the Bullring’ where Martyn and Gilchrist stood shoulder to shoulder for 317 runs, defying the Proteas' attack, a feral crowd, and a barrage of abuse against his partner, the vice-captain.
Gilchrist was forever grateful for Martyn’s support. Despite his aloofness with the press he was much loved in the dressing rooms.
His love affair with the Wanderers continued in the 2003 World Cup. Despite a badly broken index finger he shunned the pain and the perception of his marsh-mellow interior to make 88no in the final. He was the silent partner in the 234-run stand with his captain but his innings was no less valuable in setting up a second successive World Cup win. Martyn’s finger was so bad he had to forego the subsequent tour of the Caribbean.
Martyn’s crowning glory came on the sub-continent in 2004. Having destroyed attacks on the fast and bouncy WACA tracks of his early first-class career he was perceived as a pace specialist. He was extraordinary in Sri Lanka. Each Australian batsman was left to their own devices to formulate a plan for Muttiah Muralitharan. The two most successful were Darren Lehmann and Martyn, with two plans that could not have been more contrasting. Lehmann never stayed still, whilst Martyn played back to everything. Two centuries apiece ensured Australia won three-nil after trailing in the first innings of each test match.
In India, arguably Australia’s greatest triumph of their golden era, Martyn was Man of the Series. He went within three runs of scoring three consecutive centuries, and he was the only Australian bat to tame the monstrosity of a surface in Mumbai. For twelve months he was Australia’s best player but with so many successes coming abroad he never received the recognition he so richly deserved. Michael Clarke won the Allan Border medal that year, voters blinded to Martyn’s brilliance by the young star.
The Ashes 2005 would be his darkest hour, as it was for so many of his teammates. Rumours were abound that Martyn was sick of cricket. He was plagued by ill-fortune throughout the series, copping some very rough umpiring adjudications. Running out his captain at Trent Bridge, combined with a horrendous shot at the Oval, as well as whispers of discontent amongst the unit at Martyn’s failure to appear at rostered sponsors’ functions, and his general attitude, rightly or wrongly cost him his test place.
For the summer of 2005-06 he plied his trade in state and grade cricket, all the while wrestling with his relationship with the game. He struggled for the most part bar a one-day hundred against Victoria. His replacement Brad Hodge produced a test double-century and it seemed his days were numbered.
But ironically, Hodge was mystifyingly left out of the touring party to South Africa in early 2006. Just as with Dean Jones 14 years earlier, Martyn was the replacement. There was hardly an explanation as to Martyn’s return. The cynic would say Martyn’s popularity with the captain could well have been the only reason. But again he confounded his critics. He made an important half-century in Durban to help seal the two-nil result.
But his finest hour, arguably in test cricket, came once more at the Wanderers. Australia, a man down after Langer was badly concussed in the first innings was asked to chase 292 in the fourth innings on a very difficult surface at ‘the Bullring’. Dead rubber or not, it was a chance at redemption for Ponting’s side, who had failed at a similar number at Edgbaston in 2005 where the same batsman minus Clarke and Katich had faltered and the bowlers had got them within 2 runs.
Here the task was more difficult given Matthew Hayden fell for a duck, and Ponting after four hundreds in six hits departed with the total at 33. Martyn and stand-in opener Hussey combined for 165 in just over three hours. Martyn’s innings could best be described as controlled beauty. He timed the ball superbly and placed it exceptionally. Despite four majestic hundreds against high quality spin bowling in sub-continental cauldrons, his matador-like effort against one of the most experienced South African pace attacks ever assembled was to be his best in international cricket. Australia went to stumps on day four with just three wickets in hand, presuming Langer would not bat, Martyn seven short of his 13th test hundred, still 44 short of an incredible victory.
Day five saw the magnificence and frustration of Damien Martyn personified in one over. He glided Shaun Pollock sublimely to the third man fence for his hundred, but fell in the same over trapped on the crease, Australia still requiring 34.
But take out Martyn’s hundred and they lose easily. Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz exorcised some demons of their own and Australia won their fifth straight test match laying the foundation for a record equalling 16 straight.
Remarkably Martyn would only play seven more innings in test cricket, each as carefree as the next. He walked away two tests into the Ashes whitewash, without so much as telling his teammates. He was present at the SCG for the five-nil triumph and the exit of three compatriots, but the only proof is a photo in the privacy of the dressing rooms.
Whatever one thinks of Damien Martyn the character, you can never question the player.
He was master of the Wanderers, ‘the Bullring’s’ finest matador.
Yet, like England’s home of cricket Lord’s, the Wanderers has laid down arms for Australia in recent times. Three out of the last three test matches played there have gone the way of the baggy greens, two by an innings. A World Cup was won there. And although the record run chase in ODI history was conceded there, a test match victory of the highest order was achieved no less than a month later.
Some of Australia’s finest individual performances have taken place there. In 1997, Greg Blewett and Steve Waugh batted through an entire day together to set up an innings victory. Blewett posted his highest test score of 214 in a stand of 385 with his vice-captain, the second highest fifth wicket partnership in test history.
In 2002, haunted by personal troubles and an unforgiving crowd, Adam Gilchrist bludgeoned what was then the fastest double century in test history. Again it laid the platform for a frightful innings hiding of the hosts.
When the whites are swapped for the pyjamas at the Wanderers Ricky Ponting becomes unstoppable. His 140no in the 2003 World Cup final saw his turbaned-tormentor Harbhajan Singh get torched by the Ponting blade. Such was the incredible power of his hitting Ian Harvey was prompted get a bag of ice ready for the middle of Ponting’s bat upon its return to the rooms.
In the 2006 one-day classic at the Wanderers it was Ponting again setting a new standard for excellence. His 164 off 105 deliveries was outrageous, but unfortunately eclipsed later by Herschelle Gibbs’ masterful 175.
But of all the Australian conquerors of ‘the Bullring’, few have had the success of the much maligned matador Damien Martyn.
South Africa was supposed to haunt Martyn. The demons of 1994 could well have done irreparable damage. Martyn was a Darwin born, West Australian raised prodigy. A first grade hundred arrived aged 15, his first-class debut came at 19, and he received his first baggy green a month after his 21st birthday. Martyn showed enough against the West Indian pace-battery in the summer of 1992-93 to gain invites to tour New Zealand and England during the autumn and winter, but he played just one test in Auckland.
The following summer would haunt him for years to come. In his seventh test match he posted 59 in the first dig, his third half century in 11 test innings. But his 12th in the same game would be a nail in his cricketing coffin. A feeble pushed catch to cover for 6 saw him become the scapegoat for one of Australia’s worst ever test collapses. On his tombstone they would write ‘too flashy, too soft’, and he was cast to state ranks for the rest of the decade.
He was burdened with the WA captaincy, an office he could hardly have been less suited for. Martyn was a mysterious, mercurial character. He shunned the spotlight, and hated being centre of attention. His game suffered in the centric role. He was best suited to being left alone. To being the man in the dressing room who quietly went about his own game, undisturbed by outside influence, in order to produce match winning brilliance that could not be articulated but was much appreciated.
When Tom Moody replaced him, Martyn’s appetite for runs returned. He formed the backbone of WA’s back-to-back-to-back four-day domestic titles. He was Man of the Match in the last. Chicken pox and glandular fever felled his equally prolific WA teammate Simon Katich during the 1999 tour of Sri Lanka, setting back Katich’s national promotion 24 months. Katich’s ill-fortune gave Martyn a rebirth. When Ponting damaged an ankle in January 2000, Martyn returned to test cricket in New Zealand. He was no longer a soft, flashy stroke-maker, but a reliable, classy accumulator. Martyn made exceptional contributions in Wellington and Hamilton, but with Ponting’s rightful return imminent he knew he had to bide his time.
His opportunity came once more with an injury to Steve Waugh in December 2000. This time he ensured that his cricketing tombstone was crushed emphatically. He followed a composed 46no in the first innings with 34no in the second after he’d entered to flashes of déjà vu, with Australia 4 for 48 chasing 130 for its 13th consecutive test victory.
Waugh’s return saw Martyn miss out again as they went with their tried and trusted in India. The theory that Martyn was vulnerable to world-class spin would have to be dispelled on the next sub-continental tour as the incumbent number six Ponting averaged less than a meagre boundary per innings and was Harbhajan-ed five times out of five.
Amazingly the Tasmanian was promoted to three for the first test of the 2001 Ashes, mainly due to limited overs form, at the expense of Justin Langer which allowed Martyn a full-time role. He celebrated with his first two test hundreds in Birmingham and Leeds.
Although his game had changed his ego and maturity was still vulnerable. Stephen Fleming and the New Zealand side toyed with him in the summer of 2001-02. Rather than target a weakness they banked on his strength, bowling short and wide and stacking the point and gully region waiting for a mistake. Time after time it came. Such was the success of the ploy it eventually became humiliatingly humorous for not only the fans but Martyn himself. It is an apt description for the often-worn smirk after the West Australian was dismissed to either a great catch or an unjust adjudication.
But Martyn redeemed himself at the Wanderers in 2002. His first visit provided his third test century in four test innings, all against South Africa. But it was ‘the Bullring’ where Martyn and Gilchrist stood shoulder to shoulder for 317 runs, defying the Proteas' attack, a feral crowd, and a barrage of abuse against his partner, the vice-captain.
Gilchrist was forever grateful for Martyn’s support. Despite his aloofness with the press he was much loved in the dressing rooms.
His love affair with the Wanderers continued in the 2003 World Cup. Despite a badly broken index finger he shunned the pain and the perception of his marsh-mellow interior to make 88no in the final. He was the silent partner in the 234-run stand with his captain but his innings was no less valuable in setting up a second successive World Cup win. Martyn’s finger was so bad he had to forego the subsequent tour of the Caribbean.
Martyn’s crowning glory came on the sub-continent in 2004. Having destroyed attacks on the fast and bouncy WACA tracks of his early first-class career he was perceived as a pace specialist. He was extraordinary in Sri Lanka. Each Australian batsman was left to their own devices to formulate a plan for Muttiah Muralitharan. The two most successful were Darren Lehmann and Martyn, with two plans that could not have been more contrasting. Lehmann never stayed still, whilst Martyn played back to everything. Two centuries apiece ensured Australia won three-nil after trailing in the first innings of each test match.
In India, arguably Australia’s greatest triumph of their golden era, Martyn was Man of the Series. He went within three runs of scoring three consecutive centuries, and he was the only Australian bat to tame the monstrosity of a surface in Mumbai. For twelve months he was Australia’s best player but with so many successes coming abroad he never received the recognition he so richly deserved. Michael Clarke won the Allan Border medal that year, voters blinded to Martyn’s brilliance by the young star.
The Ashes 2005 would be his darkest hour, as it was for so many of his teammates. Rumours were abound that Martyn was sick of cricket. He was plagued by ill-fortune throughout the series, copping some very rough umpiring adjudications. Running out his captain at Trent Bridge, combined with a horrendous shot at the Oval, as well as whispers of discontent amongst the unit at Martyn’s failure to appear at rostered sponsors’ functions, and his general attitude, rightly or wrongly cost him his test place.
For the summer of 2005-06 he plied his trade in state and grade cricket, all the while wrestling with his relationship with the game. He struggled for the most part bar a one-day hundred against Victoria. His replacement Brad Hodge produced a test double-century and it seemed his days were numbered.
But ironically, Hodge was mystifyingly left out of the touring party to South Africa in early 2006. Just as with Dean Jones 14 years earlier, Martyn was the replacement. There was hardly an explanation as to Martyn’s return. The cynic would say Martyn’s popularity with the captain could well have been the only reason. But again he confounded his critics. He made an important half-century in Durban to help seal the two-nil result.
But his finest hour, arguably in test cricket, came once more at the Wanderers. Australia, a man down after Langer was badly concussed in the first innings was asked to chase 292 in the fourth innings on a very difficult surface at ‘the Bullring’. Dead rubber or not, it was a chance at redemption for Ponting’s side, who had failed at a similar number at Edgbaston in 2005 where the same batsman minus Clarke and Katich had faltered and the bowlers had got them within 2 runs.
Here the task was more difficult given Matthew Hayden fell for a duck, and Ponting after four hundreds in six hits departed with the total at 33. Martyn and stand-in opener Hussey combined for 165 in just over three hours. Martyn’s innings could best be described as controlled beauty. He timed the ball superbly and placed it exceptionally. Despite four majestic hundreds against high quality spin bowling in sub-continental cauldrons, his matador-like effort against one of the most experienced South African pace attacks ever assembled was to be his best in international cricket. Australia went to stumps on day four with just three wickets in hand, presuming Langer would not bat, Martyn seven short of his 13th test hundred, still 44 short of an incredible victory.
Day five saw the magnificence and frustration of Damien Martyn personified in one over. He glided Shaun Pollock sublimely to the third man fence for his hundred, but fell in the same over trapped on the crease, Australia still requiring 34.
But take out Martyn’s hundred and they lose easily. Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz exorcised some demons of their own and Australia won their fifth straight test match laying the foundation for a record equalling 16 straight.
Remarkably Martyn would only play seven more innings in test cricket, each as carefree as the next. He walked away two tests into the Ashes whitewash, without so much as telling his teammates. He was present at the SCG for the five-nil triumph and the exit of three compatriots, but the only proof is a photo in the privacy of the dressing rooms.
Whatever one thinks of Damien Martyn the character, you can never question the player.
He was master of the Wanderers, ‘the Bullring’s’ finest matador.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Roger Federer: The best ever or the best never
Due to unforseen events I was unable to witness one of the great Australian Open finals of the modern era. But upon reflection having seen many highlights, and many reports, the themes seem very similar to the Wimbledon final of 2008. Nadal and Federer have now forged a rivalry to match any in the history of tennis, yet the results are lopsided. Does this undermine claims of Federer being the best of all-time? This was a piece i wrote after the Wimbledon final last year.
I felt privileged to have witnessed such an extraordinary Wimbledon final. Rafael Nadal is such a natural foe for Roger Federer that he may indeed be haunted for a great while yet. Federer made 52 unforced errors to Nadal's 27. But unlike every other opponent Federer plays he feels inferred pressure against the Majorcan. He feels he needs to make more of the half openings and the short balls offered because Nadal retrieves more balls than anyone else, in a similar vein to the way Hewitt used to succeed against a young Swiss maestro. Except Nadal returns with interest, and the pressure to put him away grows with every fizzing forehand that climbs steeply off the baseline. Nadal is almost tennis' version of the anti-Christ. Everything about him is the complete opposite to the messiah, Roger Federer. Federer floats across the court as if he is playing on velvet. Nadal digs in, churning up the court like a plough. Federer's racquet is like a wand. He uses it elegantly to produce one remarkable shot after another. Nadal wields his like an Excalibur, biceps bulging as he strikes with power and vigour, wearing down his opponent with every blow. Even in appearance they differ. Federer dressed impeccably like a king in gold trim - he barely raises a sweat - whilst Nadal sweats profusely, his muscle shirt clings to his bronzed, built body whilst his white shoes turn grey following two weeks of digging with his feet. As it stands now Nadal has Federer's measure. As little as 12 months ago it seemed Federer was destined be crowned the greatest of all time. He needed to simply surpass Sampras' Grand-Slam tally of 14, a mere formality, and claim a French Open title, a difficult yet still feasible proposition.
Now, at 26, he may not even be crowned the best of 2008. Illness struck him down in Melbourne when a pretender to the crown, Novak Djokovic, claimed his scalp in his 16th consecutive Grand-Slam semi-final. At the 2006 and 2007 French Open’s he was plagued by missed opportunities, losing both finals in four tough sets to Nadal. In 2008 he was crushed in straight sets which led to doubts over his place in tennis history.
Federer claimed these doubts were unfounded. Given his record it is hard to argue with him. Perhaps we had been hasty. But now having relinquished his crown at Wimbledon he may well be dethroned as the world’s number one player. At 26, seemingly in his prime, if he is not number one in 2008, how can he be the greatest of all time?
It is also hard to see him reclaiming his mantle as the world’s best. An ambitious claim I know, but there are elements to Roger Federer that set him apart from those sportsmen in this generation who are creating history that may never be eclipsed. There is an ego to Roger Federer. When you compare to the likes of Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, and Michael Phelps this is not an anomaly. By all accounts Federer is a lovely man. Quiet and humble. But by ego I mean he is stubborn in his ways. He was a prodigy. A natural precocious talent so far better than his rivals that he needed only believe in his abilities to become a world beater. He did this the day he beat Sampras at Wimbledon in 2002. But since then he has played the same way against every opponent. He toys with opponents from the baseline. He plays every shot with flair and class and he plays on his terms. He is concerned not about winning so much as the manner in which he wins. He needs to look effortless. His pre-match entry and garb is fit for a king. He is a fashion icon and enjoys the finer things in life.
This is far from a criticism. He is well within his rights to conduct himself in this manner. However his stubbornness is his weakness. It has cost him the chance to succeed at Roland Garros. He refuses to change his game to compete with the bullishness of Nadal. He has always been better than his opponents from the baseline. But he is not better than Nadal on clay. Federer’s refusal to shelve his single-handed backhand that concedes so many unforced errors on clay lost him two French Open finals. He is a superior serve and volleyer to Nadal but refused to mix it up on clay. He for so long competed without a coach claiming he didn’t need one. It seemed like he didn’t. Then when he employed Tony Roche to try and overcome his only hurdle to immortality, it seems he did not heed Roche’s advice.
Federer’s physique poses another question mark. Nadal has changed the boundaries. Federer was never fitter than Lleyton Hewitt but he didn’t need to be. He was just better. Now Nadal is not only as fit as Hewitt he is stronger and more powerful. He has taken the game to another level. The likes of Djokovic and Murray have focussed their attention to strength and conditioning to compete with Nadal. Federer looks like he has never seen the inside of a gym. This is undoubtedly not the case. But he has never had to. Things change.
And Federer will have to adapt to climb to the next echelon. The question will be whether his ego allows it. His friend Tiger Woods did it. At 24 he systematically reshaped the world of golf. He achieved a feat which may never be emulated again. He won four consecutive Major championships, the first two in a manner that seemed unfathomable, winning the US Open by 15 strokes and the British Open by eight.
By the middle of 2002, Woods had claimed eight major championships at the age of just 26. At the same age, his lure, Jack Nicklaus had claimed six major titles. Woods then went 24 months without winning a major. In that time he remodelled his swing and changed his physique in order avoid injury curtailing his long term quest. It seemed an unusual thing to do. Now, despite his current injury, he stands on the verge of becoming the greatest of all time. At 32 Woods has 14 majors, whilst Nicklaus at the same age had 11. But more than that he has changed his approach to the game. As a young man dominating golf he overpowered golf courses to bring fields to their knees. He had one way of playing and one way only. In 2006, in his British Open victory at Hoylake, he did not use his driver for the entire tournament. Such is Tiger’s will, it is no longer a case of playing to entertain he simply plays to win.
Likewise, Lance Armstrong went from a bullish prodigy who stubbornly won a World Championship at 21 in his own “un-coached style”, to a meticulous calculator who went to the enth degree in his preparations to beat his rivals on seven consecutive occasions to win, arguably the world’s most gruelling sporting event, the Tour de France.
Federer’s record on pure ability alone is extraordinary, but if he wishes to exorcise the demons of Roland Garros and eclipse Sampras’ mark without the same asterisk that haunts Pistol Pete, he will need to check his ego at the door and adapt to changes required to beat his anti-Christ Nadal. Otherwise rather than be known as the best ever, he will remain the best never.
I felt privileged to have witnessed such an extraordinary Wimbledon final. Rafael Nadal is such a natural foe for Roger Federer that he may indeed be haunted for a great while yet. Federer made 52 unforced errors to Nadal's 27. But unlike every other opponent Federer plays he feels inferred pressure against the Majorcan. He feels he needs to make more of the half openings and the short balls offered because Nadal retrieves more balls than anyone else, in a similar vein to the way Hewitt used to succeed against a young Swiss maestro. Except Nadal returns with interest, and the pressure to put him away grows with every fizzing forehand that climbs steeply off the baseline. Nadal is almost tennis' version of the anti-Christ. Everything about him is the complete opposite to the messiah, Roger Federer. Federer floats across the court as if he is playing on velvet. Nadal digs in, churning up the court like a plough. Federer's racquet is like a wand. He uses it elegantly to produce one remarkable shot after another. Nadal wields his like an Excalibur, biceps bulging as he strikes with power and vigour, wearing down his opponent with every blow. Even in appearance they differ. Federer dressed impeccably like a king in gold trim - he barely raises a sweat - whilst Nadal sweats profusely, his muscle shirt clings to his bronzed, built body whilst his white shoes turn grey following two weeks of digging with his feet. As it stands now Nadal has Federer's measure. As little as 12 months ago it seemed Federer was destined be crowned the greatest of all time. He needed to simply surpass Sampras' Grand-Slam tally of 14, a mere formality, and claim a French Open title, a difficult yet still feasible proposition.
Now, at 26, he may not even be crowned the best of 2008. Illness struck him down in Melbourne when a pretender to the crown, Novak Djokovic, claimed his scalp in his 16th consecutive Grand-Slam semi-final. At the 2006 and 2007 French Open’s he was plagued by missed opportunities, losing both finals in four tough sets to Nadal. In 2008 he was crushed in straight sets which led to doubts over his place in tennis history.
Federer claimed these doubts were unfounded. Given his record it is hard to argue with him. Perhaps we had been hasty. But now having relinquished his crown at Wimbledon he may well be dethroned as the world’s number one player. At 26, seemingly in his prime, if he is not number one in 2008, how can he be the greatest of all time?
It is also hard to see him reclaiming his mantle as the world’s best. An ambitious claim I know, but there are elements to Roger Federer that set him apart from those sportsmen in this generation who are creating history that may never be eclipsed. There is an ego to Roger Federer. When you compare to the likes of Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, and Michael Phelps this is not an anomaly. By all accounts Federer is a lovely man. Quiet and humble. But by ego I mean he is stubborn in his ways. He was a prodigy. A natural precocious talent so far better than his rivals that he needed only believe in his abilities to become a world beater. He did this the day he beat Sampras at Wimbledon in 2002. But since then he has played the same way against every opponent. He toys with opponents from the baseline. He plays every shot with flair and class and he plays on his terms. He is concerned not about winning so much as the manner in which he wins. He needs to look effortless. His pre-match entry and garb is fit for a king. He is a fashion icon and enjoys the finer things in life.
This is far from a criticism. He is well within his rights to conduct himself in this manner. However his stubbornness is his weakness. It has cost him the chance to succeed at Roland Garros. He refuses to change his game to compete with the bullishness of Nadal. He has always been better than his opponents from the baseline. But he is not better than Nadal on clay. Federer’s refusal to shelve his single-handed backhand that concedes so many unforced errors on clay lost him two French Open finals. He is a superior serve and volleyer to Nadal but refused to mix it up on clay. He for so long competed without a coach claiming he didn’t need one. It seemed like he didn’t. Then when he employed Tony Roche to try and overcome his only hurdle to immortality, it seems he did not heed Roche’s advice.
Federer’s physique poses another question mark. Nadal has changed the boundaries. Federer was never fitter than Lleyton Hewitt but he didn’t need to be. He was just better. Now Nadal is not only as fit as Hewitt he is stronger and more powerful. He has taken the game to another level. The likes of Djokovic and Murray have focussed their attention to strength and conditioning to compete with Nadal. Federer looks like he has never seen the inside of a gym. This is undoubtedly not the case. But he has never had to. Things change.
And Federer will have to adapt to climb to the next echelon. The question will be whether his ego allows it. His friend Tiger Woods did it. At 24 he systematically reshaped the world of golf. He achieved a feat which may never be emulated again. He won four consecutive Major championships, the first two in a manner that seemed unfathomable, winning the US Open by 15 strokes and the British Open by eight.
By the middle of 2002, Woods had claimed eight major championships at the age of just 26. At the same age, his lure, Jack Nicklaus had claimed six major titles. Woods then went 24 months without winning a major. In that time he remodelled his swing and changed his physique in order avoid injury curtailing his long term quest. It seemed an unusual thing to do. Now, despite his current injury, he stands on the verge of becoming the greatest of all time. At 32 Woods has 14 majors, whilst Nicklaus at the same age had 11. But more than that he has changed his approach to the game. As a young man dominating golf he overpowered golf courses to bring fields to their knees. He had one way of playing and one way only. In 2006, in his British Open victory at Hoylake, he did not use his driver for the entire tournament. Such is Tiger’s will, it is no longer a case of playing to entertain he simply plays to win.
Likewise, Lance Armstrong went from a bullish prodigy who stubbornly won a World Championship at 21 in his own “un-coached style”, to a meticulous calculator who went to the enth degree in his preparations to beat his rivals on seven consecutive occasions to win, arguably the world’s most gruelling sporting event, the Tour de France.
Federer’s record on pure ability alone is extraordinary, but if he wishes to exorcise the demons of Roland Garros and eclipse Sampras’ mark without the same asterisk that haunts Pistol Pete, he will need to check his ego at the door and adapt to changes required to beat his anti-Christ Nadal. Otherwise rather than be known as the best ever, he will remain the best never.
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