1. The Ashes. Losing Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood and Steve Smith (and now Nathan Lyon who has suffered the 'old man disease' of calf injuries and hamstring strains!) - and still 3-0 up after a record minimum number of 11 Test playing days. So many rising stars. Travis Head has been superb (and needed to lift), but has done an amazing job. He is Man of the Series suddenly, fractionally in front of Starc who has scored more runs than most of the English batsmen. Alex Carey has also really become a star. He is in the top five players in that team now.
Marnus ' hands were exceptional. Incredible match changing catches. Khawaja returned solidly with his first innings 80 setting up the team nicely. That gets him to Sydney under the weight of his 39th birthday this past week. Older than Bob Holland, Colin Cowdrey and Bob Simpson when they last played tests!
Inglis has not demonstrated his true skill and will give way to Steve Smith upon his return. Weatherald will also need a score in the Boxing Day Test that is for sure. Pat Cummins has all but announced he won't be there. (I wonder whether Pat will play in the IPL? That cash cow seems to get a lot of priority. Hazelwood will be good to go there too of course).
With the Ashes done, England are likely to play around with their team selections. Watch them implode and no doubt the injuries will surface. Will Jacks is not a spinner who will win you Tests, but can bat. Carse is loose and Jofra is so inconsistent. It is time for Pope to go and Duckett too. Harry Brook needs to stay for England's future, but arrogance can bring many stars undone.
2. Cameron Green. He received $4 million at the IPL auction mid week, in an auction that really has narrowed off international cricketer involvement now. Memo to self: when playing India in nonsense T20 games, you are actually playing for an IPL contract! Mainly young Indian players seem to be their targets, receiving cheaper contracts too.
Green's form has been dreadful. When Travis Head bowls more overs than you, you are in trouble. He has been out 23 times LBW or bowled in his 55 Test innings. That is the problem. Lumbering, slow feet. Our best batsmen have always been quick on their feet...Ponting, Steve Waugh, AB, Michael Clarke.
Beau Webster surely comes in for Green. A miracle catch at the death could have reassured us all, but it went through Green's mits. He has missed a few half chances. No wickets and no runs. TFC.
3. NRL. They were dancing in O'Connell Street when news came through that Sean Russell is signed to be playing at the Perth Bears in 2027. He is the last of the Brad Arthur favourites. The Bears continue to sign ordinary, recycled Super League players and fringe first graders or underdone youngsters. They are in for the spoon for a number of years now with the list so far. No leaders and no strong forwards...no quick halves. Mal Meninga is under a lot of pressure.
Interesting to hear how the Eels blueprint for future excellence was ignored a few years back and went to Penrith instead. Subsequently, Matt Cameron has become one of the best NRL CEO's ever ...up the M4 instead.
4. EPL. At the turn of the season, Arsenal lead the way, but the hunt is on! Man City are nearing and Haaland is still scoring goals for fun. More goals in a season than games played is dominant! He is so strong, tall and powerful, with pace. Somewhat invincible. The Tottenham misery story continues with another loss and Notts Forest are pressing for demotion. There a plenty hoping for their demise.
Celtic are in a spot of bother too. Could be three coaches in a season soon! Brutal world of coaching.
5. A-League. The world's longest tournament sees Auckland and Sydney FC at the top. The Wanderers are falling fast to ninth. No matter, there are a million games remaining. The underdogs, Newcastle Jets, are quietly over achieving too!
6. Boxing. Jake Paul was hammered by Anthony Joshua. There was no technique and AJ had to chase him around the ring. Easier to work on social media than earn money in the ring. It doesn't hurt as much. A double broken jaw for Jake Paul. Perhaps he will retire now, but has made a lot of money from the boxing game.
7. NFL. Only a handful of rounds to go now. Critical wins by the Bears (22- 16 over the Packers) and the Eagles (29-18 over the Commanders) today to set them both up for the playoffs now.
8. NBA. The Sydney Kings are beating those lower than on the table than them, but not much else. Fourth with many more games to come. Still attracting big crowds, especially on a Sunday afternoon.
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