Cricket: Rearguard action not enough to save average Australia

This Chris Rogers short edge shows Australia‘s situation in a picture (photo: Getty Images)

From ball one Pakistan played the Dubai conditions exactly right.  Many criticised the defensive mindset of the hosts top order batsmen, but it proved to be the ultimate victory as Australia was crushed by 221 runs.

While Mitchell Johnson’s stumping in the second innings – which left Australia reeling at 9/213 – was said to be lineball, there was very little the tourists could do under the onslaught.

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Cricket: Matador Cup sophomore season

Victoria celebrate a wicket at Blacktown (photo: Getty Images)

We’re coming to the end of the first competition of the Australian domestic cricket season, and, after two seasons in operation, the applause has been evident.

While there are some pointed flaws, and sparse crowds, the TV audiences and quality of cricket that has been on show continues to grow.  The decision to move the competition from Fox Sports across to free-to-air channel GEM last year paid dividends.

Cricket: Behind the Microphone with Jim Maxwell

Jim Maxwell (photo: The Australian)

International cricket takes people all over the world, to some amazing places.  Jim Maxwell recounted some of his experiences, and working with some commentary big names, to Davis Harrigan

Not many Australian sports commentators could say they have quite the resume that Jim Maxwell has.

From a trainee to sports commentator, and more than 270 test matches to his name, Maxwell has seen Australia and the world from the commentary box, microphone in hand.

Cricket: Why Australia v Pakistan is nothing more than a “warm-up”

Australia celebrate over Pakistan in the 3rd ODI (photo: Getty Images)

The entire series feels as though it is squeezed somewhere in between the start of the Australian season and the wrapping up of the Champions League Twenty20, just to keep the fans engaged.

Of course, this is not the case, and it is proving to be beneficial for a few of the Australian players.  Steve Smith registered his first one-day international century with some superb shots in the first of three matches in the series.

Cricket: Sting in the Scorpions’ tail

Lauren Ebsary in action for the Scorpions (photo: Cricket SA)

The Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) and Women’s Twenty20 (WT20) kick off on the weekend of October 10-12, and the Scorpions are preparing for a competitive and confident season.

Captain Lauren Ebsary is no stranger to the big stage, and is preparing the squad for their first match against the Victoria Spirit at the Junction Oval in Melbourne on October 10.