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Peter English opines that following Australia’s series defeat today, rebuilding is not funny anymore. However, since I’ve already spent a good part of my week long vacation watching the test match on TV, I think it is way too funny - no need to explain why, but just read the opening paragraph of the article!
To shamelessly quote a famous ad, watching Ricky Ponting’s expression during the post-match ceremonies - priceless. Even better, his claims of still being No. 1! In India, Ponting chose not to bowl Brett Lee (overrate is better than loosing a series?), but in this test, even his deputy couldn’t explain why a limping Lee was bowling when Johnson was not.
One thing he got right though - Sydney Test will not be a testimonial for Hayden - Sydney is already a testimonial for how to claim catches off half-volleys and how to play anything but cricket on a cricket field (and no, I am no fan of Harbhajan Singh’s behaviour most of the times - but I believe Anil Kumble’s post-match conference then should really be included in any good management course as a case study).
Surely, my view about Australian cricket have changed over the years. I remember cheering for Allan Border's Australia while listening to BBC commentary on radio (well, TV came to my place in India much later) when all other around me were cheering for Sir. Richard Hadlee. Turned out that it was a mistake to bet anyone against Sir. Richard! When TV came to us, I used to get awed by Craig McDermott’s pace, Simon Davis' line and length and David Boon’s batting. I didn’t think much of Shane Warne when he started off - especially seeing Ravi Shastri carting him all over the place in his debut test. I think I still used to follow Mark Taylor's team, but when it came under Steve Waugh, I thought I lost interest. World champions they surely were, but apart from Adam Gilchrist (for his batting as well has his sportsmanship), Shane Warne (for being so successful without ever really bowling a googly!) and Damien Martin (easily the most graceful right handed batsman after V.V.S Laxman), I thought rest of them took on too many battles that didn’t need any cricketing skills.