1. ODI World Cup. A super win v South Africa in the semi final on a tough deck. Great bowling by Starc and Hazelwood to launch it after a tight opening. Lots of key early wickets consigned South Africa to the World Cup dustbin again. They do struggle under pressure. Travis Head can turn games on their head - even with the ball so it seems! He and Warner are absolutely key to our chances in the final.
What about the anticipated 130,000 crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium? Talk about a lions den. This will be an experience of a lifetime for the Aussies and make for excellent viewing in the next edition on Prime! Such a big stage, but the likes of Rohit Sharma, Gill, Kohli, Iyer, Rahul... these are top class players on their decks. Not to mention the best attack in world cricket - Bumrah, Sami, Siraj, Jadeja... and Ravi Ashwin is not even playing! (He and Kohli have never seen eye to eye).
Kohli is magnificent. 50 ODI tons is pretty amazing, beating Sachin Tendulkar.
After a rough start, Australia have surely overachieved. However an innings of mastery by Steve Smith tonight is due. So is Marnus. This is the stuff of legend. Not sure how Zampa will go against these Indians. He needs to get more loop and bowl a little slower at times. I doubt they will be quaking in their boots. If we had Shane Warne however...
A bad tournament for Green, Stoinis and Carey (his petulance with the binoculars in the Ashes may have betrayed his true character a little). Warner and Starc have been magnificent. A coming of age tournament for Zampa, Mitchell Marsh, Head and Inglis...these guys are our future for a while. Age will decimate the team soon.
2. Eddie Jones. When does he leave the country? Too much press for a guy who should be a lot quieter after recent events. McLennan goes too and will learn that recruitment defines each and every one of us in our professional lives.
3. Socceroos. Meaningless World Cup qualifiers must annoy a lot of club teams. Honestly, they travel like kings and look to be some of the most sour, dour and boring individuals on earth. The sense of "team" is interesting. It looks a lot about "me" in these parts. Graham Arnold is a legendary coach however. No EPL of course this week.
4. NRL Salary Cap Concessions. It does seem ludicrous that other codes with no salary caps can stop the progress of the game. Rugby's "world stage" line is struggling for traction a bit now. Nick Politis has got Joseph Suaali in line for a return. It might happen sooner that we thought.
On signings, it is really slim pickings these days. Astute investment in youth is needed now more than ever. Matt Moylan gone overseas as well... a good move.
5. Swans AFLW. Smashed, but a semi-final win in their first year is pretty impressive. Good for the game of AFL which seems to be growing and growing in strength. No big blokes who wallop you mercilessly impresses mums and dads.
6. Sheffield Shield. Renshaw picks up a double fail. Harris marginally better. No one really getting runs although a bloke by the name of Beau Webster (Tasmania) continues to excel. In all forms of the game. A power hitter and a sensible player under pressure. NSW in all sorts of bother again. They need a batting coach and selectors who can spot promise. Dropping Sangha and Jack Edwards (injured?) is not a great move when the blokes coming in get nothing either.
7. Novak Djokovic. This guy is a slick machine. Into the final of the ATP Finals v Sinner. Absolutely smashed Alcarez who has a lot to learn to regularly beat the best ever player in world tennis. This will shatter all records here. The bad news? He's not finished yet either!
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