1. The great Shane Warne is dead. A jolt of electricity into every 50+ year old and terribly sad for his family and friends. A timely reminder for many that health trumps all other vices, interests, work and passions. Greater in legend than ever before. Some amazing press coverage of someone who was truly great at his craft.
Very few bowlers would empty the bar at the SCG so you could just watch his art. Warne did that. He had his opponents, but he truly was a world force whose teflon coating was invincible. When on the brink of a test victory at the SCG all those moons ago, he would escort the esky in from the team minibus and summons the team to hurry up and win so they could drink the Crownies sooner.
In 2011, we had this story in The Wrap from Damien Fleming:
"Warnie. Is it true that no matter what Warnie does he is forgiven by the Australian public? Pete tells a yarn from Damien Fleming who was summonsed by Steve Waugh to have a chat to a quiet Warnie in the dressing sheds before a Test when he'd just broken up with the wife.
Fleming approached him and looked to console him when Warnie said "Do you reckon when I flick the ball from the fourth finger, it spins more vigorously? I've been trying to work it out". Zero distractions".
I recall seeing him at his car inside the SCG behind the MA Noble as he was looking through his boot. "Looking for your whites Shane?". He stopped turned around and looked at me. Pause. He shook his head and laughed, but I reckon he wished he was. A great Australian sportsman.
Absolutely loved how the fans put pizza and cans of VB at his statue outside the MCG.
One of those moments where you may just recall where you were when you first heard it.
2. Deadly Art. There have been a few cricketers pass recently from Australia... Ashley Mallett, Sam Gannon, Alan Davidson, Rod Marsh and Shane Warne. Dangerous craft this cricket. Up there with UFC.
3. Australia v Pakistan. A dreadful flat pitch. The only hope for Australia (outside of a reverse sweep for your ton) is the bookmakers getting hold of their team in a horrific last inning collapse. They know how to bat these guys and do it in style. A strong batting order indeed.
4. NRL. Kicks off this week and Trent Barrett is under immense pressure. Apparently his off season is like a picnic and he lacks ideas. He could be making way for someone much bigger soon. Michael Maguire is also on the precipice. Kevin Walters is standing next to him. Nathan Brown and The North QLD coach both need a lively start of they are cooked too. Dreadfully negative to mention without a ball kicked, but the truth!
5. Ravi Jadeja. What a test for India v Sri Lanka. 175no and 9 wickets. Dominant and the best all rounder in world cricket.
6. AFL kicks off soon too. An exciting time of the year. Looking forward to seeing the next generation shine.
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