Traditions enrich the game of cricket. And these traditions have more often than not extended beyond the ropes. One such case exists at the famed WACA in Perth, and this one has to do with the members. Not those snooty ones that occupy the best seats to get the best views. These members are the ordinary Tims, Toms, Janes and Jennys who go that extra yard to live their passion for the game of cricket.It’s eight in the morning at the WACA and play is still three and a half hours away, but the gates at the Truman Entrance outside the Members Pavilion are already buzzing with life. Men, women, families of all ages have been camping outside the gates for hours, some even from as early as 3am. These are not the fairweather fans looking for last-minute tickets. These are members of the WACA who pay a A$220 season fee but burn the midnight oil for five days just so that they can occupy seat in the members’ stand at the Lillee-Marsh end.There was a crowd of around 500 queued up outside the gates with some of them still getting out of their sleeping bags while a few were lying on the mats weary from the long night vigil. Die-hards recall about 2000-plus people bunking it out outside during last year’s visit by England, so that they could reach their vantage point in the stands.”People want the very seat they sat on the last time around,” says Rohan, an Indian based in California but who times his vacation to coincide with the Test match at the WACA. Rohan’s wife is from Perth and he has been using her membership and this is the second year in a row he has come to the ground. His cricket mania isn’t new: Rohan was one of the many volunteers who would score, do ball-by-ball commentary and report for back in the days when the website was just taking seed.David, who goes by the name of Blob on the IRC’s chatroom, has been a WACA member now for 12 years. As a four-year-old he saw Dennis Lillee at the WACA in 1970. As a kid his love for the Western Australian team would see him doing his homework watching cricket at his home ground. As a grown-up he does live scoring on his yellow notepad every Test. Blob feels these die-hard members are “tragics”, and goes on to explain why. “I use that term,” he says, “because of the length we guys go for the love of cricket. It’s like a story of the tragic.”Paul Urquhart, a project manager in Sydney, left his job to see the first ball of the on-going contest between Australia and India this time around. “This is the second year in a row I’ve had to leave my job so that I could make it here,” says Urquhart, who looks touching 40s and has the spirit of a larrikin. Urquhart left his job during the Ashes last year as his employers wanted to tie him down with work commitments but he wanted to break free and arrived in time to join the huge throngs outside the Members Stand.
“This is the second year in a row I’ve had to leave my job so that I could make it here.”
So why do these guys want to sit in the same seat? What’s so special? “Each one of us has worked out for ourselves which one point it is from where we can get what we want,” Rohan says. And most of the time, yes, you guessed it, it’s behind the bowler’s arm. Blob likes to sit just about a metre to the left of the bowler’s arm. Rohan, Blob’s immediate neighbour, likes to see it from a “height”. Then there are the older members who have been coming in groups for decades and know no-one will occupy their seats. The Lyalls, John and Cynthia, both 84 years of age, have been “residents” of their seats in the centre of the Lillee-Marsh Stand now for 38 years. “Except for the Test against South Africa few years back we haven’t missed any,” says John, who worked at the WACA for ten years as a crowd facilitator when the members used to sit at the old Prindiville Stand. “We have our own group,” says Cynthia, pointing at their entire row to her right and left before adding “and we all are traditionalists”.Yes, it’s easy to see these members are purists at heart. Even if there are shouts and murmurs round the ground, the Members Stand practices a strict sense of decorum. “It’s about discipline,” says Cynthia. Not that it’s always quiet. There are numerous anecdotes exchanged, a number of cricketing stories told, a whole lot of discussions, debates and vox populis held that binds this tight group together.”I like to listen to stories from the times when I was not even born,” Rohan says. For Blob it’s sharing the cricket with “like-minded people”. A tradition these guys believe makes cricket that much more interesting.
Dominic Thornely and Ben Rohrer resurrected New South Wales’ slim hopes of a home final, driving the visitors 124 runs in front of Tasmania. Rohrer’s century on debut and Thornely’s fighting hundred ensured a Hobart decider was not a foregone conclusion with one day remaining at Bellerive Oval.The pair put the ignominy of the Blues’ first-innings 53 behind them in a 120-run stand after Thornely and Peter Forrest together added 144. Thornely, the stand-in captain, reached triple-figures for the second time in two games, which was a remarkable effort having come to the crease at 2 for 25.He batted for six and a half hours to compile 138 and somehow helped the Blues into a position where they could feasibly steal an incredible come-from-behind win. Rohrer, the debutant who only played because of Simon Katich’s late withdrawal, was unbeaten on 142 at the close, having made his century from 210 balls.The Tigers, who claimed 12 for 202 on day two, managed only 3 for 292 on day three as New South Wales set out to prove their collapse was an aberration. Forrest, in his second game, was out early for 61 but Daniel Smith (30) and Grant Lambert (44 not out) made valuable contributions.The Blues’ chances of reaching the final were boosted by Victoria’s loss at Brisbane and South Australia’s fightback against Western Australia. The only way they can host, however, is to set Tasmania a target on day four and bowl the Tigers out in around two sessions.
Paul Marsh, the Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive, is worried a Twenty20 world championship would reduce the value of the game’s broadcasting rights and push players towards burnout. A global tournament is being planned by the ICC, but Marsh is concerned by the extra demands the competition would place on participants.”Whilst the addition of a Twenty20 world championship may provide short-term growth in media rights and other revenues, it is distinctly possible that there may be a long-term market shift away from one-day matches to Twenty20,” Marsh wrote in an association newsletter. “If this were to happen one would assume the value of media rights would decrease, given the reduced length of the game, and therefore the reduced amount of advertising space available for sale.”Marsh said it was for these reasons the Pakistan and India boards had not embraced the ICC’s idea, and he also wrote the players were already at “breaking point” with the amount of cricket being scheduled. reported Marsh pointed at the recent injury list of the Australia squad as evidence. Ricky Ponting, Andrew Symonds and Stuart Clark have already missed matches on the current tour of South Africa while Graeme Smith’s side suffered badly during the Test and one-day series earlier in the season.Australia have only four days between the third Test against South Africa and the first match against Bangladesh in Dhaka on April 9. South Africa flew straight from India to Australia before Christmas and Sri Lanka, the third team in the VB Series, had a brief stopover in Colombo on the way to Bangladesh.
Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman have been omitted from the Indian squad for the first two one-day internationals against Pakistan. The selectors have also decided to drop Dinesh Karthik and Gautam Gambhir, opting instead for Mohammad Kaif, Dinesh Mongia, Murali Kartik and MS Dhoni.Kumble and Laxman have been regulars in the Test side, but have struggled to make it to the one-day team of late – both were left out for the ODIs against Bangladesh in December as well. Dhoni made his debut in that series, and though he didn’t get too many opportunities with the bat, his aggressive batting in the domestic games ensured that he got the nod ahead of Karthik, who kept wicket in the just-concluded Test series against Pakistan. Mongia was on the tour to Bangladesh as well, and gets another opportunity to make his case after strong performances for Lancashire in the county circuit and in the Indian domestic season.Pakistan play a warm-up one-day match against India A on March 30, while the first of six internationals will be played at Kochi on April 2.Squad Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly (capt), Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Dinesh Mongia, Mahendra Dhoni (wk), Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Murali Kartik, Ashish Nehra, Lakshmipathy Balaji, Zaheer Khan.
HD Ackerman, the captain of Gauteng, and Easterns’ allrounder Pierre de Bruyn have both been banned for one domestic limited-overs match, after an incident in their Standard Bank Cup one-day game at the weekend.They appeared before the United Cricket Board of South Africa’s adjudicating officer, Advocate Michael Kuper SC, in a hearing in Johannesburg today. He found them guilty of contravening Clauses 1.3 and 1.4 of the Rules and Code of Conduct of the UCBSA, after they “engaged in acts of misconduct and used crude and abusive language during the match”.A similar case against Garnett Kruger was dropped because of lack of evidence. The fast bowler Andre Nel, who was also cited, was unable to attend the hearing due to time constraints. He will appear before a separate disciplinary hearing on charges relating to the same incident on Thursday.Meanwhile the Easterns B player Renato Almeida also faced charges arising from an incident in the UCB Bowl match between Easterns B and Northerns B at Benoni (Nov 28-30). Almeida was found guilty of contravening Clauses 1.2 and 1.3 of the Rules and Code of Conduct, for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision. He has been suspended for one UCB Bowl match.
Central Districts are to honour the memory of Taranaki cricket stalwart Laurie Denton at the State Championship match between CD and Canterbury at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth from December 28-31.Denton, who was regarded affectionately as the voice of Taranaki sport for his work on radio in the province, died earlier this year.A Laurie Denton Memorial Trust has been set up and the gate charge for the game will be a gold coin donation with the proceeds going to the Memorial Trust.Apart from his radio work Denton was also a cricket selector, administrator and general supporter of the game.Taranaki sports enthusiasts have set up the Trust to raise funds to help young sports people from Taranaki.Central Districts is delighted that the game at Pukekura Park will help boost the Trust’s coffers.”Eccles”, as Laurie was affectionately known, will be sadly missed by Central Districts in the first match at his beloved Park since his passing.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation pipped New Zealand Cricket Academy atthe post in their MRF-Buchi Babu tournament semifinal at the MAChidambaram Stadium in Chepauk today. Chasing NZCA’s first inningstotal of 329, ONGC looked to be home and dry at 310/6 but leg spinnerAaron Redmond led a fierce counterattack, grabbing three wickets inthree overs to leave the oilmen on the verge of elimination at 318/9.That they finally made it was due to a generous slice of luck, threechances offered by the last wicket pair just eluding the fieldsmen.ONGC closed at 344 and the game was called off at tea by which timeNZCA had blasted 50 from six overs, losing three wickets in thebargain.Resuming at their overnight score of 171/4, ONGC lost Rizwan Shamshad(47) in the ninth over of the day, after the addition of 18 runs.Rahul Sanghvi joined Mithun Minhas and over the next two and a halfhours they resuscitated the cause with some adventurous play. Minhasgave left arm spinner Bruce Martin some rough treatment, hitting himfor a six and a four straight down the ground. Sanghvi was playing agood foil to Minhas, now and then playing a pull shot with flourishthat thudded into the pickets. The partnership had swelled to 71 whenMinhas (43) was enticed into slashing a short of length delivery fromChris Martin to James Marshall at gully. The batsman was rooted to thecrease in palpable disappointment.It was anybody’s call now with ONGC needing another 69 to seize thelead but Sanghvi and Mohammed Saif managed to whittle down therequirement to 47 by lunch and the oilmen appeared to hold thewhiphand as both teams adjourned for refreshments. Although Jacob Oramwas officially leading the NZCA and was on the field, wicketkeeperMartin Sigley had taken over the skipper’s duties in midstream. Sigleypersisted with the double spin attack after lunch and for a while itlooked to have misfired. Soon enough, Saif square drove Bruce Martinthrough the covers for back to back boundaries to herald the 300.At 310, Redmond won a bat-pad decision against Sanghvi, although thebatsman was clearly miffed at the verdict, gesticulating in annoyance.In the same over, the visitors appealed for another catch againstSandeep Dogra by the same fielder, Michael Papps, but this time a waryumpire Murali turned it down. Dogra however didn’t last much longer;in trying to cut Redmond he got an edge which travelled to JamesMarshall at slip off the wicketkeeper’s gloves. Feroze Ghyas was inand out in the same over, going for an ambitious drive which waspouched by Lou Vincent at short gully.It was Redmond’s fifth wicket, leaving ONGC twelve runs short and thegame had undergone one more somersault. Saif lived dangerously, edgingBruce Martin just wide of the lone slip for a couple. The scoremounted to 325/9 when Redmond began what transpired to be the decisiveover. Saif took a single off the first ball to expose last man AmitBhandari who heaved the next delivery high into the onside and, as itturned out, into no man’s land at square leg. Several figuresincluding the wicketkeeper scurried in the direction of the ball butwere foiled by the effects of gravity. At 327, Redmond was called fora wide. The batsman, Saif chanced his arm off the next ball, drivinguppishly through the covers. The fielder thrust one arm up in adespairing attempt but failed to make contact. The ball found its wayto the boundary. It was all over for the NZCA.Saif and Bhandari hit a six each to celebrate the occasion before theinnings came to a halt at 344 in the 110th over. The New Zealandersstarted their second knock in a frenzy of activity. Bhandari’s firstover went for 15 and he promptly disappeared into the comfortingreaches of the dressing room. Ghyas was slapped around for 22 in twoovers. Sanghvi had the intriguing analysis of 2-0-3-3 as NZCA reached50/3 at tea when the contest was consigned to the pages of history.
New Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch could potentially use Patrick Bamford in a front two when he returns from injury, according to journalist Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: Marsch replaces Bielsa at Leeds
The 48-year-old was confirmed as the Whites’ new boss on Monday following the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa 24 hours earlier.
The former RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg manager is tasked with staving off the threat of relegation, with Leeds now very much finding themselves in a battle to remain in the Premier League.
The return of key players such as Bamford could go a long way to succeeding in that mission, and a new update suggests that a tactical change could be on the cards with Marsch at the helm.
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The Latest: Hay predicts possible formation change
Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic on Monday, Hay claimed that the returning Bamford could be used in a two-man strike partnership alongside either Rodrigo or Joe Gelhardt.
When asked about what formation the new Leeds manager could potentially deploy, the journalist replied: “Marsch has used a front two before. When Bamford is back, does that create and opportunity to pair Bamford with Rodrigo? Or Gelhardt? Fascinated to see what he does formation wise. It surely won’t be 4-1-4-1.”
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The Verdict: More attacking threat?
This could be an intriguing move by Marsch and it may even bring the best out of Rodrigo, whose time at Leeds has certainly been underwhelming so far.
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He has scored just three times in 12appearances as a centre-forward this season, but with Bamford alongside him once the latter is back from injury, the Spaniard could benefit from his team-mate’s link-up play and selflessness, becoming more of a force in the process.
Gelhardt could also thrive in attack with the 28-year-old, using his colleague as a perfect foil to do the dirty work while the youngster looks to produce the firepower which has seen him score 18 goals in just 27 appearances for Leeds’ under-23s.
In other news, Leeds could sign one player this summer, according to a journalist. Find out who it is here.
Tottenham defender Michael Dawson has underwent surgery on his troublesome right Achilles tendon, with the centre half now sidelined until the new year.
The England international picked up the injury in Spurs’ 5-1 defeat to Manchester City earlier in the season, and the North London club had ideally hoped that Dawson would be able to return to fitness without an operation.
However, after a number of setbacks in recovery, going under the knife was deemed the only viable option, and this procedure was confirmed by the White Hart Lane outfit.
“Michael Dawson has today undergone surgery to his right Achilles tendon to assist with his recovery,” a statement on the side’s official website reads.
“Medical staff are pleased with his progress and he will be reviewed by the surgeon in early December, at which time a date for a return to full training will be determined,” it concluded.
The news will be a blow for Harry Redknapp’s men, as they have had problems with fellow centre halves Ledley King and William Gallas over the course of the season so far.
Dawson was an integral figure in Spurs’ run to the Champions League quarter finals last term, and his leadership and determination will be missed by the White Hart Lane faithful.
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We’ve been treated to a few hum-dingers of the football moans in the past couple of weeks. Sir Alex Ferguson has been the king of the post-match rant and rave, ever since he pushed Kevin Keegan into psychological melt-down way back in 1996. But his old foe, Arsene Wenger, has been seemingly attempting to wrestle the title of chief-moaner off Ferguson, as the Arsenal manager has recently embarked on whinging about everything and everyone not associated with his beloved football club.
It’s almost born into a manager these days. If you don’t have at least three improper conduct charges by the time you retire, then in the management world, you’re deemed a failure. They will all tell you – the nice guys finish last. Maybe that’s why the Arsenal manager now insists on rubbing up the whole of football the wrong way. He came to England and was classified intelligent, insightful, calculated. 15 years on and the Frenchman looks like he could have an argument in an empty room.
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But Wenger’s recent tirade of abusive behaviour has got me thinking: what are the funniest and most memorable manager rants of all time? There has been quite a few since the Premier League took shape in 1992. So I’ve tried to compile a list and some footage of some quite remarkable manager outbursts. Sit back and enjoy. If there is a particular favourite of yours I have left out, please let us know – I’d love to see more!
10. Arsene Wenger on Martin Taylor after he broke Eduardo’s leg was definitely one of those ‘heat-of-the-moment’ type rants. “He shouldn’t be allowed to play football again” – Pretty harsh, Arsene.
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9. Over the years, Ferguson has had a pop at pretty much every referee, journalist and opposition manager. His attack on Alan Wiley was one of his best. He labelled him not fit enough and got himself a two-match suspended touchline ban for his troubles. Mind you, saying he ‘feared the worst’ when Martin Atkinson took charge of a recent game comes pretty close. But here is another type of Fergie rant: the whole Rooney saga got right under his skin, and he lets loose on a journalist after a Champions League tie.
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8. Maybe not a Premier League game or the best known manager, but John Sitton really rips into his players at half-time. Leyton Orient are 3-0 down and he’s not happy. A rant of a different kind, but a rant, all the same.
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7. Neil Warnock is another who is known for his post-match ranting. This may be a little calm for him, but he was clearly upset. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t be with El Hadji Douf.
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6. There couldn’t be a list of this kind that didn’t include everybody’s favourite ranting manager. Blackpool boss Ian Holloway, gives us his view on Wayne Rooney. Let’s be honest, we could have filled this list with Holloway rants, but I think this is the best from his time in the Premier League.
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5. Excuse the language, but Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, tells us exactly what he thinks of his ‘wheeler dealer’ nickname.
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4. Whilst in charge of struggling Coventry City, Richard Keys managed to get under the skin of manager Ron Atkinson, who proceeded to finish the interview irately. Watch out for the bit at the end where he chucks the headphones at someone and quickly apologises. Good old Ron…
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3. FACT. Rafael Benitez wasn’t ranted he just wanted to talk about ‘facts’. Another manager who fell victim to the Alex Ferguson mind games. Priceless…
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2. During Joe Kinnear’s short and sweet stint as Newcastle manager, he approached the media and told them all exactly what he thought of them after writing stories he deemed untrue.
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1. The most famous outburst of all time: Kevin Keegan in 1996. I referred to his special moment earlier on as this rant has gone down in football folk-law. Just once more. You all know the words… “I’d love it…”