Australia’s rampant rabbit isn’t losing the Ashes

(Picture: IB Times)

For all the pomp and circumstance that surrounded the Trent Bridge debacle, the Ashes wasn’t really the catalyst, crux or anything in between.

It’s the regeneration.  Since the retirement of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and co, there’s been a rebuild.  The 2013-2014 Ashes was combed over by England’s dreadful performances.  Many of these have already been talked about, dissected and torn apart.

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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: Spinning our way into the unknown

James Muirhead playing for the Melbourne Stars (photo: SMH/Getty Images)

Australian cricket saw what could be considered its best summer last year – the last one came against India just a couple of short years back.

Breaking down the constituents, one topic of interest has seemingly plagued journos, critics and fans alike; why is there so much talk about the choice of a front-line spinner?

Cricket: England’s tour from hell is over

Ben Stokes in Perth (Photo: Getty Images)

It started before the first test at the Gabba – but in reality audiences tuned in on November 21, 2013.  Never would anyone – even the Australian fans – have picked such an accomplished demolition job of the opposition as the final result.

Cricket: Where has the notion of “select the experienced” gone?

Matthew Hayden in One Day Colours (photo: The Age)

Well, one answer could be nowhere.  The experience still exists, but is forgotten amidst the desire to select the brightest prospects as mere “pups”.

Ten years ago, Australia’s test side was comprised of experience, runs and depth. 

Cricket: Women’s Ashes: Australia wants to bring the urn home

The victorious 2013 England women’s team (Google Images)

Cricket: Women’s Ashes: Australia wants to bring the urn home

If you want powerhouse teams in world cricket, Australia and England are two of them.  Experience, youth, leadership and talent all account for what will be a quality series.

Welcome to the next instalment of the Women’s Ashes.  Rather than play five test matches for a trophy, the squads play one test, three one day internationals and three Twenty20s based on a points system, which works like so:

Cricket: The Ashes: Is it me, or did The Cricket Show go to a new low?

Meg Lanning playing for Box Hill & Ellyse Perry for Australia (left photo mine)

On Day 4 of the Boxing Day test, high profile Southern Stars cricketers (the Australian women’s team) were guests on The Cricket Show, Channel 9’s lunch break segment.  The two players were opening batsman and vice-captain Meg Lanning, and dual international Ellyse Perry.

Cricket: The Ashes: A change in the commentary side perhaps?

(Source: Sport On A Box)

No, I’m not talking about the players out in the middle – I’m talking about the guys who we hear through our speakers at home for six hours or more a day.

After every ball, during every drinks break, every interval, and the one hour pre-game coverage.  It certainly is a lot, and for some, it is too much.

Cricket: The Ashes: Emphasis on a whitewash

Steve Smith & Australia will look to continue their good form on Boxing Day (ESPN Cricinfo/Getty Images)

The message has been simple, if not roundabout: Australia needs to keep the foot on the gas until the end of the Sydney test.

With the fourth Ashes test starting tomorrow at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), England faces – metaphorically – a do or die battle to regain some pride. 

Cricket: The Ashes: An ugly head appears again-it’s the DRS

The picture is self explanatory (source: World Cricket Watch)

I’m talking about the controversial, and at times flawed, Decision Review System (DRS).  Since its inception at the top level, the amount of criticism the system has copped has seen India not use it during series, and all manner of other types of howlers have made it look like cricket’s worst nightmare.