By Casey O'Connor
There is certainly a big dose of World Cup fever going around at the moment.
The Poms, though it is a little difficult for me to admit, have cemented themselves as the best one-day team in the world after their thrilling win over Pakistan.
It was not the whitewash some expected. England are now holders of both the T20 and ODI World Cups so it is hard to argue that they are not entitled to the tag.
The one saving grace is that at the helm of the English side is one of the best cricket coaches Australia has produced.
He has now won two T20 World Cups. The first with the Australian Women’s team and now the Poms. And raised the profile and the performance of the Women’s team to the lofty heights where they sit now during the period of his tenure.
It seems pretty apparent that the ACB and the players did not rate Matthew Mott when they shunted Langer. Might live to regret that gentlemen.
Sitting alongside Motty in Pommie colours was one of Australia’s best with the bat , Mr Cricket, Mike Hussey – another whose advice was not required by the ACB.
I’ll leave it up to you to decide if the Australians may have benefited by some Mr Cricket advice.
Matt Hayden also looked pretty comfy in the Pakistan dugout alongside former quick Sean Tait. I’m sure I noticed a couple of Haydo’s type shots in Pakistan performances.
It’s a crazy world.
Of course, the Aussies can redeem themselves in a matter of days when they face the Poms in an ODI series beginning in Adelaide.
They now face that task that sans Glenn Maxwell. The Big Show has fallen (literally) victim to his own party trick and is nursing a badly broken leg.
Enough of cricket – attention this weekend turns to the final of the Rugby League World Cup between Samoa and the Australians.
Now who would have predicted Samoa would knock England out of the semi final after their early performances?
Very few I suggest.
It is certainly wonderful to see the emergence of the Pacific nations. It is also refreshing to witness the number of NRL players wanting to honour their heritage by playing for these countries.
Mal’s men will need to out their best foot forward and take nothing for granted in the final or they too could be left red faced. Should be a great game but it means another late night / early morning.
It will be good practice for “The World Cup” which is only days away.
Graham Arnold has made some brave selections. I do not follow world football closely enough to be give an informed opinion. Let’s hope we progress past the pool stage which for the Socceroos will be a big thing.
Bring on the Black Coffee, pillows in the lounge room. I feel sleep deprivation coming on.
Casey
