The GABBA ordered another round of rain to cause the second abandoned match, this time between India and Sri-Lanka on Tuesday in the Commonwealth Bank Series.
With Aussie only meeting the Lankans on Friday at the SCG I’ve had some time to give the blog a breather, but I cant stay away too long so I have now added a new feature, ‘Classic moments from the memory pitch’.
Simply I will bring up some classic moments, both recent and past with Australian cricket, be it good or bad moments.
But I will start on a high moment and a recent one at that.
The last two games of The Commonwealth Bank Series have been rained out and the Lankan-Indian game displayed some fine batting from Indian skipper MS Dhoni (88*) and Gambhir (102*). However those efforts brought out no match result and that got me thinking back to last years FUTURE Cup in India, the 1st ODI that was also rained out like the recent games.
The 1st ODI saw Aussie being put on the back foot by India at one stage sitting at 90/4 in the 16th over.
That was when Michael Clarke came out and crafted a skilfully entertaining innings of 130*.
This was Pup’s highest ODI score and it came when most needed which is a trait Pup has brought into the Aussie camp. Maybe he’s the tame version of Lance Kluesener?
Hitting 10 fours and 3 sixes, with a strike rate in that innings of 98.48, Pup, who was well backed by fellow New South Wales team mate and Aussies most likely candidate for wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (69), saw Australia post an aggressive 307 in 50 overs. James Hopes (37) soon came in and assisted in driving Aus forward after Haddin was stumped.
Pup smashed a six to bring up his ton in style in the 42nd over.
Still young, Clarke has become a cricketer who is a joy to watch. Following in the Ricky Ponting, Jonty Rhodes footsteps in the field, a capable spin bowler to rise to the occasion (Sydney Boxing Day Test 2007) and a textbook stroke player who can also pound the ball with the willow, he’s got talent no doubt.
I am interested to see if the Sydney city slicker will lead the Baggy Green in the future. Already adapting to T20 captaincy, this guy has a lot to offer and that innings of 130 was a glimpse into his ability.
That’s the debut for Classic moments from the memory pitch.
* See fixtures for CWB series in fixtures.
1 comment:
Yeah, certain blokes are made for the big stage and Pup seems to be one of 'em. Hats off to Border for spotting him! He's got that chirpiness and yet the effort that he had put at the WACA in the final innings indeed falls in the 'responsible' category..
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