Cricket: Player In Focus: Matthew Wade

Matthew Wade v Melbourne Renegades, Dec 7, 2012 (photo mine)

Matthew Wade has copped more proverbial bouncers at the throat recently than you could poke a stick at.  All through it he’s pressed on, despite being rested for the first part of the one-day series this summer against Sri Lanka.

Since moving to Victoria from the island state of Tasmania, Wade’s career has blossomed beautifully.  Culminating in test and ODI debuts last year for the national squad, Wade is continuing to build on the criticism he is receiving and his experience.

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Cricket: State v State back again after the Big Bash Final

Usman Khawaja, for the Sydney Thunder, 8 Jan 2013 (photo mine)

The bright colours will be gone next week from the Australian state scene, with domestic one-day cricket and first-class competitions kicking off after the furious Big Bash League.

Even with the quality of cricket on show for the better part of six weeks, it will be a welcome switch for a lot of the traditional cricket fans out there.  State cricket is by no means dwindling, and seriously needs to be the platform from where the next generation of cricketers are selected.

Now, I have nothing against the Big Bash; it’s fun, allows a whole heap of players to get a taste of top level cricket, and can draw some big crowds and new faces.

Cricket: Big Bash League: Home and Away Team Reviews

Brad Hodge v Melbourne Renegades, Jan 6, 2013 (photo mine)

It was a competition full of surprises, monster sixes, and above all, some great cricket (even if there was a bit of controversy, but hey, that’s normal!)

In this review I’ll take a look at all eight teams during their ‘home & away’ campaign during their eight matches.  There was a whole lot of mayhem throughout.  On the upside, TV ratings for the Big Bash were fantastic.  The crowds were also very engaged, especially at the two Melbourne Derby clashes.

Fox Sports once again has provided us with excellent, if not biased, coverage of every game.  The insights that the likes of Damien Fleming and Brendon Julian offer is second to none.

Cricket: Renegade consistency top notch

Aaron Finch v Adelaide Strikers, Jan 2 2013 (photo mine)

I am simply amazed at the consistency of the Melbourne Renegades.  From the out of whack team of last season’s Big Bash League, to the in form and red hot favourites this time around, the Renegades are doing it very smartly.

The list of players doesn’t include many big names; Captain Aaron Finch and Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralidaran are the two standouts.

Without fuss, the Renegades have built up a list that is made up of players who are good cricketers that simply play well.  Ben Rohrer, Peter Nevill, and Darren Pattinson are just a few of those.

Cricket: Shane Warne’s lashout will cost his BBL campaign

Shane Warne lashes out at Marlon Samuels. Credit: Getty Images

Shane Warne has had something of a nightmare week and a bit.  First a charge for speeding in his Jaguar over in the United Kingdom, and last night a massive verbal stoush at West Indian and Melbourne Renegade batsman Marlon Samuels in the Big Bash League.  He even let rip a few expletives that were caught by the mic he was wearing for Fox Sports.

We all love a little bit of banter and a bit of heat out on the cricket field, but the altercation last night, which in fact flared while the Melbourne Stars batted, went too far.

Cricket: Why Glenn Maxwell is the right choice for the future

Glenn Maxwell (source from news.com.au)

As another gaping hole opens up in Australia‘s batting stocks after Mike Hussey‘s retirement, it has once again brought the selection argument into the limelight.

Victoria‘s Glenn Maxwell was called up to the Australian squad for the New Year test, starting on Thursday at the SCG, with Shane Watson pulling out due to a calf injury.  He has been named 12th man, however.