The Wrap - Finch and Ducks and Drakes

1. Australian Womens' Cricket. They have delivered once again. World Cup champions. Amazing batting from Alyssa Healy after really struggling for some form leading into the tournament. 170 is handy in any form of the game, let alone a World Cup Final. A classy innings

2. Aaron Finch. He of all the advice for the selection of a new Australian coach. Well, well well, it looks increasingly like he should have shut up and listened because he is about to be dropped. And in good time. His form in the BBL has been absolutely woeful for a few seasons. Two consecutive ducks v Pakistan in the ODIs has sealed it. He needs retirement. One of our most inspiring captains? Langer lives on.

3. Pakistani Pride. The skill of the Pakistani batsmen on their own turf is outstanding. Babar Azam is in scintillating form. He is peeling off tons like stickers off apples. Easy and frequent! Amazing with the series in the line how certain players rise up. Others go quiet and disappear. Top series by McDermott. Abbott and Ellis… not the answer. 

The Shield Final is intriguing. This Aaron Hardie is a phenomenal player for WA. Three wickets and a second innings ton under pressure and suddenly Victoria need 400 to win. A game changer.

4. NRL Coach Sackings. The Broncos started with a couple of lucky wins and it is showing. They were terrible and we now have a race to the end for a few coaches…Walters, Barrett, Payton, Maguire (never do a sports doco as everyone gets sacked eventually). The cantankerous coach has a short life… Ricky is almost finished at the Raiders too. Barrett on thin ice after a 40 point thrashing. Hook not much different.

5. Fledgling. Walters was not helped by Thomas Fledger being put on report four times. Honestly, is there a grade four lunacy rating?

6. Sombrero No More. Interesting to see Payne Haas tipped to join the Roosters. That would be an extraordinary signing. With Brandon Smith and Sam Walker… how good? They have plenty of room still in their cap with so many 2021 retirements.

7. AFL. There are no sides near the Western Bulldogs or Melbourne again. The rest are kidding. Swans were brave… not a lot else. Liking Freo and Geelong early.

8. Netball. You know you have made it when the Wrap gets hold of you. Impressive Giants netballer is young Amy Sligar, Julie and Damian’s daughter. Sporting the ‘Sharon Karen Strzelecki’ WD bib, she played strong, done fine.

9. EPL. A huge finish ahead with Liverpool and Manchester City neck and neck for the title now. They are facing each other next week which should be an amazing contest. Playing for sheep stations now.

10. Ash Barty. A quality golfer from all reports. She is underway with a new career! Talent plus!