Adam Zampa could be Australia’s spin weapon, along with Ashton Agar (Picture: IDI/Getty Images)
After two games at the 2016 World Twenty20 in India, Australia still does not look assured in the format – even after a blistering innings against South Africa in a three-match warm-up series.
Usman Khawaja’s purple patch continued with 58 in the win against Bangladesh, but Australia’s next highest score was 26 (15 balls) from Glenn Maxwell.
With the condensed competition format, the Matador Cup started in blistering fashion on Monday – and it was mainly all thanks to willow on leather; although Mitchell Starc wanted to also have a say.
Putting aside the fact the opening three games were played on suburban grounds that are tiny compared to the likes of the MCG and SCG, the efforts of the batsmen cannot be understated.
The tournament itself was bolstered by the unexpected addition of the Australian test players due to the cancellation of the Bangladesh tour – but it was Travis Head who stole the show.
South Australian captain and now double centurion Head is not 22 until the end of this year.
However, his composure and eye for the ball resulted in a score of 202 off 119 balls, including 12 sixes.
For South Australia, it is only one game on a ground more akin to a postage stamp, but it’s the confidence boost the entire side will get at reeling in a 350+ target with several overs to spare that will get the Redbacks up and running.
He did it so clinically the Redbacks had Western Australian on the backfoot, and the Warriors bowling figures hardly look flattering against the powerful performance the left-hander displayed.
It is hard to go past the partnership he carved out with Callum Ferguson (112 from 118 balls); the 278 runs scored in a little over 32 overs – ticking along close to nine runs an over – was the catalyst for such a commanding victory.
Not that Western Australia didn’t crush the South Australians a few hours prior, with Cameron Bancroft and Shaun Marsh posting enormous centuries.
Bancroft and Head present themselves as part of generation next for Australia as the national side looks to rebuild.
Like any good performer, the key to both of these players is a strong season and a good conversion rate.
For Head, it is all about going on with starts and playing the captain’s role with a level persona. He must do it now with the red ball, and confidently.
Bancroft finished with 896 Sheffield Shield runs in 2014-2015, and a huge 176 is a surefire statement to the selectors ahead of the first day of international cricket on November 5.
Elsewhere, seeing Mitchell Starc rip any side to shreds and shatter the stumps is always entertaining.
This time, seeing a CA XI put together from all the six state sides crumble so easily – to the tune of more than 270 runs – is concerning.
However, the side is the youngest in the competition and after one game in any sporting competition, trying to draw conclusions doesn’t work. The side will get better with time but came up against a New South Wales side packed with test experience.
What has been proven today, regardless of ground size and bowling attack, is there are batsmen at state level who can step up and hit a groove to excite cricket fans – but must do it consistently.
The likes of Jimmy Peirson and Marcus Harris are still developing, and will take a lot from watching the likes of Steve Smith and Starc go about their business.
It won’t all be a batsmen’s show – expect the bowlers to come back in the later stages. The likes of Jason Behrendorff and Gary Putland, perhaps the two best left-armers going around at the moment, can give it a red hot crack
A revitalised format may just be the kicker of one of the most important women’s series outside of the World Cup.
The Women’s Ashes are well underway over in England, with Australia’s two point lead after the one-day internationals a crucial advantage heading into the only test match that starts on August the 11th.
Critically, that test match was once the first match in the series, and whoever took the win from that almost guaranteed themselves a series win with the shorter form to play. Having watched the likes of Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry make the England women stand up and take notice, putting the ODIs first does two good things: Continue reading The Women’s Ashes are stronger than ever→
Elliott Clutterbuck of Australia has quite the badminton resume. More than 10 international tournaments, time in Beijing and starting the sport at age nine means his experience allows him to play an all-round role for the team.
(This post first appeared on the Australian Uniroos website)
The mantra of three time Olympian and beach volleyball gold medal winner Kerri Pottharst is self-belief.
Ahead of her role as the Peak Performance Mentor for the Australian Uniroos at the 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade, she answers some questions from FISU Young Reporter Davis Harrigan.
1. Having had a very successful Olympic and international career, how will you be able to best impart advice to individuals and teams, having specialised at volleyball in a global event?
My role with the Uniroos is to be there to support them. To understand what they are going through. To share stories of the various experiences I had during three Olympic campaigns. I’ll be there with the athletes to listen to what they’re going through, to inspire them to be their best and to help them deal with nerves, fears or doubts. Continue reading Gwangju 2015: Kerri Pottharst says building belief is the key to success→
BEYOND REALISATION 