Thoughts on Season 08/09

It was a summer of change. The aura disappeared, and the ‘impossible’ task of winning a test series against the Aussies in Australia was made possible by a very good (but not brilliant) South African team. They played a good series, winning the big moments, but as with England in the Ashes in 2005, you never felt that they were unbeatable. In fact, at a few times this summer, they looked like a rabble. Ricky Ponting’s team, which lacked a few key players, just didn’t have the knowhow to capitalise on such moments and put the Proteas away. It was definitely a summer of lost opportunities for the test side.

We saw the departure of one of the greats of the game in Matthew Hayden. I wrote in this blog after the West Indies series that Hayden shouldn’t have been selected again. Jaques and Katich formed a strong opening partnership, and shouldn’t have been messed with. I stand by the statement I made, as Haydos was essentially a passenger this summer, and in India. Having said that, his farewell lap around the Gabba at the 20/20 match was perfect, and it’s nice to see Cricket Australia finally giving the legends the send offs they deserve. With a bit of luck, next summer there won’t be any such send offs.

Australia fielded 15 different sides in 15 different test matches this year… horses for courses? Or panic?

Andrew Symonds being in the headlines so often didn’t help anyone. It destabilised the Australian side, and also brought him a lot of unnecessary grief. Probably finished as a test cricketer – although Ponting continues to go into bat for him. He’s a match winner I guess – but still...

Speaking of Ponting – it seems when he’s batting well and confident, his captaincy follows suit – and so does the team. When he’s batting badly and lacks confidence – so does his captaincy. And so does the team. If ever a skipper has an effect on a team, it is Ricky Ponting. And what about that catch in the Adelaide test match? Exceptional.

Actually, the fielding all summer was of a pretty high standard. And from all 3 sides. The South Africans and Australians are usually renowned for great fielding, but not the Kiwis. So they did well to lift that aspect of their game. They seem to have a young, developing side that really enjoy it too. Guptill, Broom and Elliot caught the Aussies off guard this summer. They will be one to watch for the next world cup of ODI cricket. Although we seem to say that every World Cup – and nothing ever comes from it. Serial under performers.

James Brayshaw continues to impress me in the commentary box. Us Victorians have heard him and seen him on Channel 9’s footy show, and on Triple M’s AFL coverage. I love his passion for the game of AFL, and excitement. He seems to be able to carry that over to cricket. His knowledge base of the game is good – he is a former first class cricketer after all. I really rate him. More so than the Old School Brigade of Chappell, Greig, Lawry and Benaud – who I feel have just about reached their use by date. I think it’s time for the New Boys to be given control. Except for Mark Nicholas – the poms can keep him.

Ah yes, the Poms… bowled out for 51 by the Windies? And they reckon they’re a sure bet for the Ashes? Get carried away much England? Anyway – they’re a chance I guess – so long as they’ve got Flintoff and Pietersen playing well. I wonder how long before Strauss is sacked from the captaincy?

Anyhow – I hope you’ve enjoyed my thoughts this summer. I will be taking a short break from the blogging, but hopefully I will be back soon enough with some thoughts on the IPL and the upcoming Ashes series.
Cheers!