By Casey O'Connor
The countdown to the Gabba is well and truly on and the curator must be having nightmares every time he hears a weather report.
Organizers will also be anxious with the first day (next Wednesday, 8 December) already a sell-out and numbers for the remainder of the Test, the best for years.
Pat Cummins and Steve Smith have been officially given the nod as Captain and Vice-Captain after some serious interview sessions with Cricket Australia.
It is an amazing story of redemption for Steve Smith following his axing from the top job after the Sandpaper-gate although not everyone will be happy about his selection.
The appointment of Cummins begins a unique era in Australian cricket with no fast bowler captaining the side other a one-off cameo, from the great Ray Lindwall in 1956. A long time between drinks.
Cummins’ appointment has been endorsed by fast bowling great Dennis Lillee and one of Australia’s greatest captains Steve Waugh.
After sandpaper-gate and the Tim Paine imbroglio Cricket Australia, the team and fans will be hoping for some clean air. A winning series against the Poms who have their own scandals to deal with, will fix everything.
In the meantime, Tim Paine has stepped away from all forms of cricket for the time being and his keeper’s position is up for grabs. Front runners are Alex Carey and 26-year-old English born Aussie Josh Inglis who plays for WA .
Carey is the better batsman of the pair, but many think the gloves should be thrown to Inglis who is regarded as the best at his craft after Tim Paine.
Unfortunately, I cannot be at the game but there are no points for guessing where you’ll find me next week. – parked in front of the TV, eyes on every ball.
I can’t wait and perhaps the Test will push the NRL off the lead sporting news. With a season of Test cricket ahead of us and months till the start of the 2022 NRL season I am fed up with reading who will be playing where not in 2022 but 2023 – give me a break.
Now where’s that TV remote.
Casey
