Good as green and gold, mate

Are the Aussies running scared? Their latest idea would indicate perhaps – they have commissioned a series of giant photos featuring eleven members of the Australian team alongside Australian supporters in a sea of green and gold.

“They are essentially the thirteenth man out there every time we take the field,” said Ricky Ponting, with no trace of media-massaging in his message. “These team photos will be a great opportunity for the players to acknowledge the important role that the fans play in our success.”

A statement from Cricket Australia said the campaign was aimed at “getting Aussie fans to ‘go off in green and gold’ this summer and create an intimidating sea of green and gold at every match to combat the invading Barmy Army.” It smacks more of a marketing wheeze to shift more shirts – but the picture could still make a nice souvenir. And the images taken at the event will be available free to participants on-line after the event.

Anyone who owns a replica of the new 2006-2007 Aussie one-dayer shirt can be captured in the photo. But don’t worry if you’ve not pre-registered; if you arrive at the Gabba by 1.30pm in your shirt you can still get in the frame. And if you’ve not even got a shirt, you can buy one on the day. Registration starts at 12.30pm.