The Wrap - Heat: Scorched and Hosed

1. BBL. The Scorchers win a tight one in a cracking BBL final. A huge crowd of 53,000 and yet another BBL victory for WA! Adam Voges (second best average for Australia of all time) has the magic touch. That team could almost represent Australia. Ashton Turner and Aaron Hardie have been superb. Lehmann almost pulled off the greatest of victories. He can coach. No big name expensive overseas players and lots of no names converted to success. An amazing effort against fancied rivals and really they should have won from the position they were in late in the game. 

The ‘death’ bowling from The Heat was really disappointing. Neser especially. The surfie dude, Cooper Connolly (ex-Australian U/19s captain), just planted his front foot and hit it a mile. Smarter bowling required.

2. NRL. Latrell and Wighton scuffling in the street. How the Police love a high profile arrest, but what were the players thinking? Typical arrogance and self-centred behaviour. Latrell should know better especially with his profile in the community. This makes them both look low grade. The Integrity Commission will be sharpening the fluffy end of the feather duster.

3. NBA. Incredibly, Lebron James is about to become the highest ever NBA point scorer this week. An amazing feat over 20 seasons. Grandfather time. It will take some catching,

We have seen some of the extraordinary sporting greats in our time - Kelly Slater, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Roger-Rafa-Novak, Tiger Woods, Cameron Smith (NRL), Tom Brady, Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar...

4. NFL. The Super Bowl is coming soon next week…Philadelphia Eagles (I love, love, love... yes I do!) v the Kansas City Chiefs. Jordan Mailata is a gun and deservedly well paid. What a strong, mountainous fellow! His quarterback would feel pretty safe. This will be tight, but the Eagles may just get there.

5. International Cricket. India v Australia is set to be a cracking series later this week. How often do we go 1-0 up against India and then fold? This Shubman Gill is extraordinary. Highest T20 score (126) by an Indian in a T20 game! Watch his work. 

I am still worried going in with Renshaw, despite how well he batted in the BBL. Green sounds like he may be back. Starc’s injury…as bad as four weeks out of the game? Hazelwood is out again with an injury. The drums are starting to sound around Josh H now. Too many injuries…

6. EPL. Everton are off the canvas after Lampard was axed, beating Arsenal 1-0. Manchester City won’t be far away! Old mate Harry Souttar at Leicester arrives on the pitch with an own goal, but $20M+ is solid pain relief.

7. Ange Latest. Celtic…marching on at 11.00pm tonight! Two horse race with Rangers.

8. NRL injuries. The number of pre-season injuries has been incredible. Waqar Blake (broken arm) and Bryce Cartwright (broken jaw) lead the way, but young Dykes too. Has the game reached a professional level where trial games and other derivatives are entirely unnecessary? Surely. If I am an NRL coach I don't need this headache. Get ready for the main fare and forget the rest!

9. Djokovic. Incredible to hit 22 Grand Slams. They need to work on his persona for the world however. He is unpopular and up to too many silly tricks... hitting wild tempered balls in the past... mystery drinks, coaching from the stalls (what possible good can that do after 22 Grand Slam wins?)... crowd attitude... umpires... mystery hamstring issues, vaccinations, etc. He seems like a decent fellow, but is not always helped by those near to him. 10 Australian Open wins will take some beating!

10. IPL - Women. Some lives will change this week. Elise Perry, Alyssa Healey and the like will become millionaires another time over! A big statement in world sport.