It is a sad fact of life that professional athletes, like politicians, typically speak in banal clichés. Except, that is, when they have retired or have fucked up so badly they need to make a public apology, in which case they can be candid, honest and downright entertaining. New Zealand Cricketer Lou Vincent has effectively…
Read More Lou Vincent Sets New Standard In Public ApologiesThe ‘Mankad-ing’ of Jos Butler by Sachithra Senanayake last night is the reason why we love cricket so much – and the exact reason it will never expand beyond its current international footprint. It’s everything that is right about winning at all costs. And while it shows a cold-blooded streak that we here in Australia particularly…
Read More The ‘Mankad’: Important Safeguard or Superfluous, Antiquated Law?Australia takes on South Africa later this evening (Eastern Daylight Savings Time) in the second test at Port Elizabeth. It is safe to say that no-one knows what the shit will happen here. Will Australia continue its Indian Summer? Or will South Africa unleash its own fast bowling cartel upon our oft-flimsy batting line-up? No…
Read More Australia v South Africa: A Rushed, Near-Incoherent PrimerMitchell Johnson’s hostile spell of fast bowling against the Proteas has served as an important and timely reminder that scariness still matters at the elite level. Being scary is important in sport. It’s especially important in amateur sport. Back at university, I stupidly decided that I wanted to play rugby league, despite my body type at the time…
Read More Mitchell Johnson Is Scary Good Right NowThe English Cricket Board has unanimously decided that Kevin Pietersen will never represent his country again. It’s a blow to anyone who likes their cricket played with raw intensity and passion. Bureaucracy has ousted singular personality. The English cricket team will once again be comprised of beige, pliant drones. Business as usual. Pietersen was apparently hard…
Read More Kevin Pietersen’s Career Is Over And That’s Terrible News