1. Andrew Symonds. RIP. A large character and knock about fellow. Always pushed the boundaries, had a great sense of humour, yet never seemed like an entirely popular team mate with all. Only last week he spoke of the Michael Clarke division. However his talent was unbelievable - with bat and ball. His fielding changed the game - like Jonty Rhodes and Ricky Ponting. A sad time for his family and friends and yet another major loss to descend upon cricket and its commentary teams. His hatred of streakers and interruptions was something else. Sad times.
2. Brendon McCullum as England's new Test cricket coach. A curious decision that will not breathe fear into many. A devastating striker of the ball in short forms (ODI avge: 30.41; T20: 35.66 and First Class: 37.13). His 101 Test cricket record (avg 38.64, 12 tons and a top score of 302), sparkled at times, but was generally modest.
However he has played for 17 - yes 17 - different franchises in world cricket, so a stint in England won't worry him. The good news will be that he cannot take them any lower.
His winning percentage as NZ Test captain is stunning however - 61.86%. 62 tests as skipper and 36 wins.
The Australian captain winning percentages are interesting: Ponting (62% is very similar from 77 tests as skipper); Clarke 51% (from 47); Border 34% (from 93); Taylor 52% (from 50); Ian Chappell 50% (from 30) and Greg Chappell 43% (from 48).
He seems a delightful chap and full of smiles, but can he contain his new skipper Ben Stokes who will be brutal and amazing one minute and cantankerous and ill disciplined the next? Interesting choice, but time will tell if it is a winning choice.
3. IPL. I noticed Hazelwood was smashed for a season worst 4-0-0-64 in the IPL. Terrible outcome, but that T20 pressure cooker game can be like that... he is too good not to bounce back soon and has actually had a really good season. Warner continues to accumulate the runs and is now the third highest run scorer in 2022. He is also the fourth highest IPL run scorer of all time (behind Kohli-Dharwan-Rohit Sharma in that order).
4. NRL. The Broncos are back. Kevin Walters has done a top job in pretty quick time. Adam Reynolds is a hit, but we all understand Souths' predicament. Half the reason there was no Sterlo replacement for Parramatta (outside of Stu Galbraith) was they hung onto him for too long. Souths had to make a call, but good luck to the Broncos. They have shed a number of loose cannons (Lodge, Milford, Isaako, Pangai Jnr - how is Pangai Senior by the way?) and built well. Ben Ikin is showing his stamp. Not really missed from TV however.
The Panthers demolished the Storm which is rare to say - ever. The Panthers' defence is exceptional and of course they will never be able to retain all of their playing talent, but premiership favouritism is certainly fair.
In keeping with Brad Arthur's 50% win ratio as a coach, Parramatta win one, lose one... same old, same old. Roosters too strong.
5. AFL. Western Bulldogs were back to their best on Friday night too. Bailey Smith is in scintillating form, the Bont was back and Caleb Daniel was so safe. He is a critical man in their wining fabric. Not so sure about the Swans. A commanding victory, but more that Essendon were so poor really and allowed them to move the ball around the park at will.
Really enjoying the St Kilda resurgence as Geelong fade away at the wrong time in tight games - yet again. Still trying to assess the Brisbane 2022 AFL team, but they are winning and winning well still. They have a pleasing tenacity in their play which is getting stronger. They'll need it v Melbourne!
6. FA Cup Final. Liverpool triumph yet again in a big game. Superb tension in a 6-5 penalty shootout. win. Amazing scenes, but Manchester City still lead the premiership by three points.
7. EPL Relegation. Who is coming up as Norwich City and Watford descend? Leeds, Burnley and Everton are fighting out the imminent relegation of one further team. However, there are always replacements. Fulham, Bournemouth and either Huddersfield or Nottingham Forrest. A few blasts from the past there!
8. Scottish Premier League. Ange Postocoglou triumphed as expected with Celtic. A great achievement.
9. Sydney Kings. Winners again in an extraordinary season where they were absolutely languishing early on. It has taken many years (17), but they are back. Big crowds there in Australian basketball who are really doing it in style.
10. A-League Football. Is this the world's longest running competition and one of the least popular? They need some star power urgently.
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