The recent ‘test match’ between the mighty NSW blues and some cane toads this weekend has showcased some fantastic cricket. 8 Australian players were featured, however none of the TV networks thought to broadcast the event so I had to rely on text updates from cricket.com.au . Still, I reckon I followed the scorecard closely enough to give an unbiased match report…
Day 1 – Good Areas and some bloke called Hayden
was a rain interrupted affair with Haydos bringing up a century as the Cane Toads plodded along at a mere 3 runs an over, due in main to some tight bowling and superb fielding from the mighty blues.
Day 2 – Bad Guys Out, Good Guys In
Haydos pushed on today to contribute 179 to the dark side’s tally, eventually falling to Stuart Clark. The norterners’ tail rallied hard before being shown the door for 467. The mighty blues sure had their work cut out for them at this point, and with Cowan and Jaques falling cheaply the blues were in need of a captains knock. Enter Simon Katich stage left. Michael Clarke was in superb touch before being run out by Katich off the last ball of the day. Allegations of Queenslanders cheating have proven completely unfounded, though somewhat comforting to Clarke.
Day 3 – Katich draws faded curtains on QLD hopes
The Queenslanders showed up an hour late for play today, unable to grasp the intricacies of Daylight Saving Time. Katich continued his domination of the northern attack eventually tonking up his triple century and declaring the blues innings at 606, and taking first innings points from the powers of darkness in the process. Katto’s score of 306 off 351 was the highest score at the SCG since Bradman’s 452 in 1930. Haydo’s again proved his worth by batting out the 12 overs to stumps.
Day 4 – Not enough overs in the Day
Day Four started off well for the Blues, with 2 quick wickets to Stuart Clark. Queenslanders rallied for the rest of the session and managed to make it to lunch without further loss. 3 quick wickets (2 to Clark) after lunch and the toads were again on the ropes, effectively 5/5 after taking off the first innings deficit. A heartbreaking stand from Simpson and Nofke of 105 really took the game away from the NSWelshman, the pivotal moment coming when we took the new ball only for Simpson to see Maroon and belt 22 off Bracken and quickly bring up his ton after that.
Day 5 – Please sir, can we have some more?
This match had all the hallmarks of a great test and tomorrow could have provided a fantastic conclusion, alas there is no Day 5. I remember when the 4 day tests came in and have never agreed with it. Personally I’d rather see additional bonus points for finishing in 4 days, but still have day 5 there for the much wanted result.
I guess it’s fair to give these 4 day tests some credit for the Aussie’s recent improvement in turning draws into wins, however I believe the extra bonus point would provide adequate incentive to finish them off in 4.
