By Casey O'Connor
The 2023 ODI World Cup Cricket got underway this past week, and Australia did not shower themselves in glory at their first outing. Admittedly they could not have had a tougher start to their campaign playing hosts India in their own backyard.
Things went awry from the start. After winning the toss the Australians elected to bat – which was a mystery to many.
Mitch Marsh called on to open with Dave Warner was dismissed for a duck. Warner and Smith batted well but things got a little shambolic to say the least after the two experienced batters were dismissed. The Australians did not clear the boundary rope for a six until late in the innings when captain Pat Cummings was at the wicket – an almost unbelievable stat.
The Aussie’s had a better start with the ball after setting India a total of 200 to win. Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Starc played their part taking early wickets but the saying that catches win matches is certainly true especially when Virat Kohli is batting. Mitch Marsh who was the culprit him did not have a happy game. In the end it was an all too comfortable win for the Indian team.
The Aussie’s are back in action tonight and the assignment is no easier facing South Africa.
If cricket is not your thing or if you are disillusioned after the game against India never fear, there is lots to chose from on the international and national stage.
Everyone across the Southern Downs should now be following our home-grown swimming star Ben Armbruster after his excellent results in Berlin. He will be inaction again this weekend in Athens and if you are up and about in the early am you will probably catch him swimming in more finals.
Of course, the Aussie Women’s Cricket team are also playing an International Series against the West Indies and will be back in action on today in Melbourne.
The Rugby League Pacific Championships kicks off on Saturday in Townsville if you have not had your fill of Rugby League. Australia taking on Samoa.
If you are a motor sport enthusiast, you are probably still celebrating another great race at Bathurst and the first win for Australian young F1 driver Oscar Piastri ‘s first F1 Grand Prix win past weekend in Qatar. Both races were filled with excitement and more than a few heartaches for some.
The Spring Racing carnival is heating up with the running of the Everest this weekend at Randwick. The Black Caviar combination of Luke Nolen and Peter Moody will combine with favourite I Wish I Win as they try to win the $7 million winner’s purse. Yes that is $7 million the total prizemoney an eye watering $20 million..
This all such positive news, well maybe not the cricketers just yet, but spare a thought for Rugby Union devotees. Australia bundled out of the World Cup for the first time in the pool stage. Who would ever have anticipated this would happen to our once proud Wallabies.
Ask anyone and they will tell you the game is a basket case.
It seems that there is not one person, coach or administrator wholly to blame here but a series of systemic problems over a long period. The game certainly needs more than just a review – major overhaul and mouth to mouth perhaps.
If Eddie Jones wants to head to Japanese Rugby, then I’m sure there are plenty willing to help him pack.
Where Rugby Union goes from could be one of the stories of 2024.
Casey
