1. Pakistan - Third New Year's Pink Test. Some great bowling by Hazelwood on the third afternoon saved us from some embarrassment. The arrogance of the 'all back, wait for the top edge' field settings on the first day was staggering. We last saw it in England and it had the same silly outcome. Poor captaincy and coaching. Lots of cheap runs, coupled by an ordinary batting effort. Cummins has got a lot right, but sometimes when this ridiculous short bowling ply comes out, you do wonder who is in charge.
2. Dave Warner. A pitbull and a supreme talent. Sadly, he is now gone after twelve opening partners... including Renshaw, Bancroft and Harris, none of whom could tie the spot down. Smith or Green to fill it...or Travis Head (an attacking batsman) or Marnus?
Warner ended up with a Test average of 44.60 (26 centuries and 8,786 runs over 112 Tests). He passed AB de Villiers (8,765) and VVS Laxman (8,781) in his final innings!
In ODIs Warner played 161 games with an average of 45.01 (22 centuries). He averages 32.89 in T20s (99 games for Australia with one century) and 41.54 in the IPL (4 centuries). His IPL record is absolutely outstanding.
3. India v South Africa Test Cricket. Another cracking piece of scheduling - a two Test series. Ending 1-1 on a green top after 33 wickets fell briskly. The number of batsmen caught behind the wicket was stunning (all bar four). Some really bad shots amongst that as well... chopping on and one run out.
4. Waqa Blake. Poor old Waqa has departed Parramatta for English Rugby League. Barely a dry eye in the place. His appalling hands and reads in defence have finally been rested. We look forward to him being at next year's pre match Grand Final gig - just to be sure he is not returning. Parramatta will bring the long eel for a super celebration. Interesting to see Ryley Smith sign with Parramatta from Penrith as well. Has played U/18 for Australia in cricket and rugby league!
5. Sam Kerr. A devastating, but a somewhat predictable outcome with a serious knee injury. Plenty of other leg injuries recently. She is a super talent, but needs a long recovery now. Australia is on the edge now.
6. BBL. Sixers, Scorchers and Heat are on track for semi finals...the rest are not in the race. Very predictable!
7. NFL. Ravens the Super Bowl faves. New England look like sacking coach Bill Belichick after 300 wins. No finals wins for five years is not good for business... nor are losses to the NY Jets.
8. EPL. Liverpool and Man City look to be in a showdown for glory. Arsenal are sadly very good at folding when the pressure is on. They are feeling very blue and black now.
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