Farewells, failed salesmen and bearded wonders
George Binoy looks back at the week when three Australian greats - Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer - bid aideu at Sydney
George Binoy
08-Jan-2007
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The tolling of the bell
Cricket said farewell to a wizard, a machine and a pugnacious street-fighter this week. In one match, Australia lost 374 Tests worth of experience as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer bowed out at the SCG after routing England 5-0 in the Ashes. Cricket will be poorer, Australia's opponents will breathe easier and Ricky Ponting will be just a touch nervous about the future.
Cricket said farewell to a wizard, a machine and a pugnacious street-fighter this week. In one match, Australia lost 374 Tests worth of experience as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer bowed out at the SCG after routing England 5-0 in the Ashes. Cricket will be poorer, Australia's opponents will breathe easier and Ricky Ponting will be just a touch nervous about the future.
Carrying the Cross
Langer's retirement has left a vacancy in the Australian team and I'm not talking just about his slot at the top of the order. Langer was Australia's lead singer in the chorus of Under the Southern Cross after each Test victory and he's passed on the mantle to someone deserving of such an honour. Michael Hussey joins an illustrious list of custodians of the song, one that includes Rod Marsh, David Boon, Ian Healy, Ricky Ponting and Langer. Word is that there's a possibility that Hussey may fill Langer's opening shoes too.
Langer's retirement has left a vacancy in the Australian team and I'm not talking just about his slot at the top of the order. Langer was Australia's lead singer in the chorus of Under the Southern Cross after each Test victory and he's passed on the mantle to someone deserving of such an honour. Michael Hussey joins an illustrious list of custodians of the song, one that includes Rod Marsh, David Boon, Ian Healy, Ricky Ponting and Langer. Word is that there's a possibility that Hussey may fill Langer's opening shoes too.
Back for a second innings
What do cricketers do after their playing days are over? Some become commentators, others coaches and a few take up 'normal' professions. Craig McMillan tried to become a salesman after being jettisoned from New Zealand's ODI squad following the Chappell-Hadlee series in December 2005. "I did a couple of courses and saw a couple of things I thought I'd apply for - I was going to be a salesman," said McMillan. "I got a couple of interviews, it was nothing major but obviously when something hits you pretty hard like that you have to start thinking ahead." Unfortunately, like his form at the end of 2005, he wasn't very successful at the interviews. His latest lifeline is a tour of Australia for the Commonwealth Bank Series, and he'll want to make it count, lest he be forced to think of selling encyclopedias again.
What do cricketers do after their playing days are over? Some become commentators, others coaches and a few take up 'normal' professions. Craig McMillan tried to become a salesman after being jettisoned from New Zealand's ODI squad following the Chappell-Hadlee series in December 2005. "I did a couple of courses and saw a couple of things I thought I'd apply for - I was going to be a salesman," said McMillan. "I got a couple of interviews, it was nothing major but obviously when something hits you pretty hard like that you have to start thinking ahead." Unfortunately, like his form at the end of 2005, he wasn't very successful at the interviews. His latest lifeline is a tour of Australia for the Commonwealth Bank Series, and he'll want to make it count, lest he be forced to think of selling encyclopedias again.
Can Paul do a full Monty?
Imagine forgoing a "hell of a lot of money" to play for your country? That's exactly what left-arm spinner Paul Harris did when he gave up his Kolpak status at Warwickshire (where before his Test debut he wasn't classified as an overseas player) to play for South Africa in the New Years' Test against India. Harris responded by making one Sachin Tendulkar the second of his four wickets. Rewind to early 2006, when another left-arm spinner dismissed Tendulkar on his Test debut - and went on to have a fairytale year. Can Harris follow in Monty Panesar's footsteps?
Imagine forgoing a "hell of a lot of money" to play for your country? That's exactly what left-arm spinner Paul Harris did when he gave up his Kolpak status at Warwickshire (where before his Test debut he wasn't classified as an overseas player) to play for South Africa in the New Years' Test against India. Harris responded by making one Sachin Tendulkar the second of his four wickets. Rewind to early 2006, when another left-arm spinner dismissed Tendulkar on his Test debut - and went on to have a fairytale year. Can Harris follow in Monty Panesar's footsteps?
As if the Thrashes weren't enough
The national side wasn't the only English team receiving a hiding to nothing at the start of the new year. The British Royal Marines were humiliated by the Afghan National Army team during a festive match to celebrate Eid, Christmas and the New Year in Kabul. A helicopter landing strip substituted for a pitch and the Marines were shot out for 56, with no one reaching double figures. The Afghans knocked off the target for the loss of two wickets in 12 overs. The Marines have been training the Afghan Army's 3/205 Brigade for the last three months; they should seek batting lessons in return.
The national side wasn't the only English team receiving a hiding to nothing at the start of the new year. The British Royal Marines were humiliated by the Afghan National Army team during a festive match to celebrate Eid, Christmas and the New Year in Kabul. A helicopter landing strip substituted for a pitch and the Marines were shot out for 56, with no one reaching double figures. The Afghans knocked off the target for the loss of two wickets in 12 overs. The Marines have been training the Afghan Army's 3/205 Brigade for the last three months; they should seek batting lessons in return.
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War of the DJs
Australia may have humiliated England at cricket but are they as good at spinning turntables? We just can't wait to find out when English DJ Judge Jules squares off against Australia's Grant Smillie before the Twenty20 international at the SCG on January 9. And there's already been a bit of sledging: "On January 9, when Grant and I do battle at the SCG, I'll be out to restore the pride of the lions of England. I'll be playing some of the motherland's most famous and euphoric tunes to fire the Barmy Army up and hopefully give our team a boost before they hit the field," warned Jules. "Jules is a phenomenal DJ", conceded Smillie in a rare moment of Australian magnanimity, but added, "I plan to show no mercy as we go head-to-head in this battle for national pride." After endless weeks of one-way traffic, we might just see England competing for the first time this summer.
Australia may have humiliated England at cricket but are they as good at spinning turntables? We just can't wait to find out when English DJ Judge Jules squares off against Australia's Grant Smillie before the Twenty20 international at the SCG on January 9. And there's already been a bit of sledging: "On January 9, when Grant and I do battle at the SCG, I'll be out to restore the pride of the lions of England. I'll be playing some of the motherland's most famous and euphoric tunes to fire the Barmy Army up and hopefully give our team a boost before they hit the field," warned Jules. "Jules is a phenomenal DJ", conceded Smillie in a rare moment of Australian magnanimity, but added, "I plan to show no mercy as we go head-to-head in this battle for national pride." After endless weeks of one-way traffic, we might just see England competing for the first time this summer.
The Bearded Wonders
"I have never shaved." whispered Monty Panesar after winning that coveted prize - Beard of the Year 2006. "It's nice to get an award for something I've kept since I was 16." It's no joke mind you; the competition was formidable with Fidel Castro, Bill Frindall - the original Bearded Wonder - and Inzamam-ul-Haq also on the shortlist. Would Monty have won if WG Grace was included as a posthumous candidate?
"I have never shaved." whispered Monty Panesar after winning that coveted prize - Beard of the Year 2006. "It's nice to get an award for something I've kept since I was 16." It's no joke mind you; the competition was formidable with Fidel Castro, Bill Frindall - the original Bearded Wonder - and Inzamam-ul-Haq also on the shortlist. Would Monty have won if WG Grace was included as a posthumous candidate?
Agarkar's armer
It's been worn as a mark of respect when someone dies, it's also been used to mourn the death of democracy, but Ajit Agarkar used the black armband to protest against a letter sent to him by the Mumbai Cricket Association because he allegedly misbehaved with the groundstaff at the MCA's Bandra Kurla complex. "Not only did he misbehave with the groundstaff, he also reached the BKC facility without intimating anyone," said Ravi Savant, vice-president of the MCA. His list of unforgiveable crimes also includes damaging the wicket after practising on a wet pitch. Agarkar decided to wear his hurt on his sleeve. "I wanted to make my point and I did so."
It's been worn as a mark of respect when someone dies, it's also been used to mourn the death of democracy, but Ajit Agarkar used the black armband to protest against a letter sent to him by the Mumbai Cricket Association because he allegedly misbehaved with the groundstaff at the MCA's Bandra Kurla complex. "Not only did he misbehave with the groundstaff, he also reached the BKC facility without intimating anyone," said Ravi Savant, vice-president of the MCA. His list of unforgiveable crimes also includes damaging the wicket after practising on a wet pitch. Agarkar decided to wear his hurt on his sleeve. "I wanted to make my point and I did so."
George Binoy is editorial assistant of Cricinfo