So What’s Been Happening?
I have been away for a few days with Mrs Rebellion and the kiddlytinks down in Sunny Coolangatta. So how have you all been? Good?
I see the few mindless souls who actually like soccer have been visiting. Never mind, one of these days you will wake up from your alcoholic stupor and realise that you have been living a lie. Much like followers of baseball.
I have been remiss in not mentioning the cricket. The Australian team is visiting the West Indes at the moment. I must admit that I didn’t really expect much. The Windes have been less than half the team they were previously and won’t be challenging anybody soon for the World Cup. But they surprised me, and I am sure a few of their more fervent detractors.
Sure Australia won the first test, quite comfortably in fact, by 95 runs. But the fact remains that the Windes put up much more of a fight than anybody really expected.
To me, this is a very good sign. Cricket becomes a little boring if the outcome is pre-determined before the first ball is bowled. For too many years, the Australian team steamrolled their way through Test matches in little over three days. Those with fourth and fifth day tickets rarely if ever got their money’s worth.
Don’t get me wrong, I like the fact that Australia has a great team and is still World Champions in a sport that actually matters. I enjoyed watching the Aussies bamboozle the Poms and Sub-continent sooks but the cricket purist in me wanted to see a real match.
Test matches are supposed to be hard. They are supposed to be decided in the last session of the fifth day after the momentum has changed repeatedly over the preceeding four. They are supposed to shine the light on the strengths and deficiencies of the players in each team. And most importantly, they are supposed to be the closest thing to trench warfare in the sporting world.
Who doesn’t admire seeing a nuggety wicketkeeper come in with his team in trouble and battle through to a respectable score. Show me the man who isn’t impressed by a bowler coming back after a horror spell to take a five-for. The spectacular catches that are held and put to ground. The true tests of character and concentration are the hallmarks of a great sporting fixture.
I am glad that we have them back and now I look forward to the remaining two tests. Especially with a teething baby. Now I have something to watch during those late night wanders.