About Me
Paul Ryan
Current Rating: 5 / 5
Founder CricConnect
www.cricconnect
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Former wicket keeping batter, I played NSW Premier Cricket for Western Suburbs, Mosman and St George from 1986 to 2004.
My professional background is in finance, sales and distribution.
My professional background is in finance, sales and distribution.
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My Activity
question
Q: The preliminary rounds of the 2024-25 NSW Men’s Premier Cricket competition are now complete, and with finals upon us, the most thrilling part of the season begins. It’s the best type of cricket many players will play and it’s when the most cherished memories are made.
Below is a brief analysis of the 16 rounds of the Belvidere Cup—and the numbers tell a fascinating story. In particular, it’s intriguing to see how many First Grade players have scored 350+ runs or taken 20+ wickets for their teams this season.
Below is a brief analysis of the 16 rounds of the Belvidere Cup—and the numbers tell a fascinating story. In particular, it’s intriguing to see how many First Grade players have scored 350+ runs or taken 20+ wickets for their teams this season.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2861/finals-time-a-look-back-at-the-2024-25-nsw-mens-premier-cricket-season
blog post
The preliminary rounds of the 2024-25 NSW Men’s Premier Cricket competition are now complete, and with finals upon us, the most thrilling part of the season begins. It’s the best type of cricke ...
question
Q: John McMahon Grandstand – Oakes Oval Lismore
The Lismore community gathered to celebrate the legacy of John McMahon, unveiling a grandstand in his honor at the newly refurbished Oakes Oval. A true icon of NSW country cricket, John passed away on 22 January 2024 and the age of 91 and dedicated nearly seven decades to the sport as a player, coach, and administrator. His contributions were recognized with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2008, cementing his status as a legend of the game.
Born in Sydney in 1932, John’s cricketing journey began at the age of nine. A left-arm wrist spinner, he excelled in club cricket for Balmain, took 120 wickets in Poidevin-Gray Shield, and later represented Queensland in Sheffield Shield cricket. After moving to Lismore in the 1950s, John became a cornerstone of Far North Coast cricket, earning life membership in multiple cricketing organizations and captaining representative teams against touring international sides like South Africa and England.
John’s passion also extended to his family, with his sons excelling in first-grade cricket and his daughters representing Queensland in indoor cricket. Through the grandstand named in his honour, his remarkable contributions to cricket and his community will be remembered for generations. John McMahon’s life truly exemplifies a legacy worth celebrating.
The Lismore community gathered to celebrate the legacy of John McMahon, unveiling a grandstand in his honor at the newly refurbished Oakes Oval. A true icon of NSW country cricket, John passed away on 22 January 2024 and the age of 91 and dedicated nearly seven decades to the sport as a player, coach, and administrator. His contributions were recognized with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2008, cementing his status as a legend of the game.
Born in Sydney in 1932, John’s cricketing journey began at the age of nine. A left-arm wrist spinner, he excelled in club cricket for Balmain, took 120 wickets in Poidevin-Gray Shield, and later represented Queensland in Sheffield Shield cricket. After moving to Lismore in the 1950s, John became a cornerstone of Far North Coast cricket, earning life membership in multiple cricketing organizations and captaining representative teams against touring international sides like South Africa and England.
John’s passion also extended to his family, with his sons excelling in first-grade cricket and his daughters representing Queensland in indoor cricket. Through the grandstand named in his honour, his remarkable contributions to cricket and his community will be remembered for generations. John McMahon’s life truly exemplifies a legacy worth celebrating.
question
Q: It’s intriguing to note Cricket Australia’s approach to player participation in BBL14 following the demanding five-Test series against India.
Scott Boland, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc will not feature in the tournament, while Steve Smith is set to play three games, and Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne just one each.
Interestingly, Alex Carey—Australia’s wicketkeeper who was involved in every single ball while the team was in the field during the five Tests—is available to play all remaining games for the Adelaide Strikers.
Keepers, keep on keeping strong!
Scott Boland, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc will not feature in the tournament, while Steve Smith is set to play three games, and Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne just one each.
Interestingly, Alex Carey—Australia’s wicketkeeper who was involved in every single ball while the team was in the field during the five Tests—is available to play all remaining games for the Adelaide Strikers.
Keepers, keep on keeping strong!
answered
Q: Select Your Best Test Cricket Team and Win $1,000 AUD!
Think you can create the ultimate Test cricket team? Here’s your chance to win $1,000 AUD by picking your best Test XI, following these simple rules:
1. Team Composition:
- Your team can only include a maximum of Two players from any one Test-playing nation.
- Select 11 players in batting order to form a balanced cricket team of batters, bowlers and a wicket keeper. Please nominate your wicket keeper.
2. Eligibility:
- You can only select players you’ve personally seen play a Test match live or on television.
- For instance, if you were born in 1970, players like Don Bradman are ineligible.
3. How to Submit Your Team:
- To participate, you must be a registered user on CricConnect.
- Register by providing your full name, email address, and password. Validate your email address, then publish your team in the answer section under this competition post.
- Teams published solely on CricConnect’s social media pages will not be considered.
4. Limitations:
- You can submit only one team.
5. Competition Period:
- Entries close at 12:00 pm AEST on 31st January 2025.
6. Winner Selection:
- All eligible entries will be entered into a random draw to win $1,000 AUD.
- The winner will be announced at 4:00 pm AEST on 31st January 2025.
7. Prize Details:
- There will be one winner only, receiving $1,000 AUD.
Start brainstorming your best Test team and submit your entry for a chance to win!
Have fun.
Think you can create the ultimate Test cricket team? Here’s your chance to win $1,000 AUD by picking your best Test XI, following these simple rules:
1. Team Composition:
- Your team can only include a maximum of Two players from any one Test-playing nation.
- Select 11 players in batting order to form a balanced cricket team of batters, bowlers and a wicket keeper. Please nominate your wicket keeper.
2. Eligibility:
- You can only select players you’ve personally seen play a Test match live or on television.
- For instance, if you were born in 1970, players like Don Bradman are ineligible.
3. How to Submit Your Team:
- To participate, you must be a registered user on CricConnect.
- Register by providing your full name, email address, and password. Validate your email address, then publish your team in the answer section under this competition post.
- Teams published solely on CricConnect’s social media pages will not be considered.
4. Limitations:
- You can submit only one team.
5. Competition Period:
- Entries close at 12:00 pm AEST on 31st January 2025.
6. Winner Selection:
- All eligible entries will be entered into a random draw to win $1,000 AUD.
- The winner will be announced at 4:00 pm AEST on 31st January 2025.
7. Prize Details:
- There will be one winner only, receiving $1,000 AUD.
Start brainstorming your best Test team and submit your entry for a chance to win!
Have fun.
A: Here’s my best test team in batting order
1 - Graeme Smith
2 – Graham Gooch
3 – Ricky Ponting
4 - Viv Richards
5 – Sachin Tendulkar
6 - Jacques Kallis
7 – Kumar Sangakkara - wicket keeper
8 - Wasim Akram
9 - Shane Warne
10 - Curtly Ambrose
11 - Jasprit Bumrah
Players
Australia 2, South Africa 2, England 1, West Indies 2, India 2, Sri Lanka 1, Pakistan 1
1 - Graeme Smith
2 – Graham Gooch
3 – Ricky Ponting
4 - Viv Richards
5 – Sachin Tendulkar
6 - Jacques Kallis
7 – Kumar Sangakkara - wicket keeper
8 - Wasim Akram
9 - Shane Warne
10 - Curtly Ambrose
11 - Jasprit Bumrah
Players
Australia 2, South Africa 2, England 1, West Indies 2, India 2, Sri Lanka 1, Pakistan 1
question
Q: Kudos to George Bailey and his fellow selectors for their willingness to make the tough decision to alter a winning side, selecting Beau Webster to make his Australian Test debut against India in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Since the start of the 2022–23 Sheffield Shield season, Webster has scored 1,837 runs in 41 innings at an outstanding average of 51.03 with an IPF of just 2.93. These performances highlight his evolution into a top-tier, first-class cricketer.
Since the start of the 2022–23 Sheffield Shield season, Webster has scored 1,837 runs in 41 innings at an outstanding average of 51.03 with an IPF of just 2.93. These performances highlight his evolution into a top-tier, first-class cricketer.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2718/kudos-george-bailey-congratulations-beau-webster
blog post
Kudos to George Bailey and his fellow selectors for their willingness to make the tough decision to alter a winning side, selecting Beau Webster to make his Australian Test debut against India in t ...
question
Q: When Usman Khawaja was smiling and laughing as Sam Konstas attempted to ramp Jasprit Bumrah on just the fourth ball of his second over of the Boxing Day Test, you could be forgiven for thinking it was the opening of a charity match, not the pivotal fourth Test between Australia and India.
The stage was immense: the Border-Gavaskar series was tied at 1-1 after three tests. The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground was packed with 87,000 spectators, while millions more tuned in worldwide. Amid this electric atmosphere, 19-year-old Sam Konstas was making his Test debut. Yet, with all the pressure and expectation, he had the courage to attempt a shot few would dare in the opening overs of a Test match.
The stage was immense: the Border-Gavaskar series was tied at 1-1 after three tests. The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground was packed with 87,000 spectators, while millions more tuned in worldwide. Amid this electric atmosphere, 19-year-old Sam Konstas was making his Test debut. Yet, with all the pressure and expectation, he had the courage to attempt a shot few would dare in the opening overs of a Test match.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2717/theres-a-fine-line-between-freedom-and-recklessness
blog post
When Usman Khawaja was smiling and laughing as Sam Konstas attempted to ramp Jasprit Bumrah on just the fourth ball of his second over of the Boxing Day Test, you could be forgiven for thinking it ...
question
Q: The International Cricket Council handling of Virat Kohli’s recent incident could have significant ramifications for the game of cricket. It raises an important question: What’s worse on the cricket field—physical contact and intimidation or verbal abuse and intimidation?
If you believe that physical actions are more severe, the International Cricket Council has set a troubling precedent. By imposing only a 20% match fee fine and one demerit point on Kohli for his physical contact and intimidation of Sam Konstas on day one of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, the ICC risks undermining the standards of conduct expected in the sport.
What kind of message does this send to the wider cricketing community, which relies on the game’s integrity, rules, and code of conduct?
From Premier Cricket and Club competitions to Park, Regional, Veterans, and School cricket, this decision sets a dangerous precedent. How are players and officials at all levels expected to maintain discipline when the governing body appears to downplay physical intimidation on the field?
If you believe that physical actions are more severe, the International Cricket Council has set a troubling precedent. By imposing only a 20% match fee fine and one demerit point on Kohli for his physical contact and intimidation of Sam Konstas on day one of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, the ICC risks undermining the standards of conduct expected in the sport.
What kind of message does this send to the wider cricketing community, which relies on the game’s integrity, rules, and code of conduct?
From Premier Cricket and Club competitions to Park, Regional, Veterans, and School cricket, this decision sets a dangerous precedent. How are players and officials at all levels expected to maintain discipline when the governing body appears to downplay physical intimidation on the field?
question
Q: A message for all cricket players, coaches and parents
It is absolutely okay—essential, even—to coach young players on the value of a solid technique. It’s okay to teach them the importance of batting time and how this skill lays the foundation for scoring big hundreds.
It’s okay to emphasize patience—to encourage them not to feel pressured into hitting every second or third ball for four or six.
Take Sam Konstas as an excellent example. He has scored hundreds at every level of cricket he’s played. He has scored hundreds in school cricket, Green Shield (Under 16s), Under 17s and Under 19 pathways, Poidevin Gray (Under 21), Fifth Grade, Fourth Grade, Third Grade, Second Grade, First Grade, and in Sheffield Shield Cricket for NSW.
Sam has the technique to open the batting and the discipline to bat for long periods. He has a huge appetite and the mindset to build an inning and score runs. He knows you can't score runs sitting on the sidelines.
He’s arguably the next batter in line for Australian test selection, yet, in his BBL debut for the Sydney Thunder, he demonstrated another dimension of his game, scoring 56 off just 27 balls.
It’s only one game—but it highlights an important point. A batter cannot score consistently, succeed long-term, or adapt to higher levels of cricket without:
1. A solid defense.
2. A sound technique.
3. The patience and willingness to bat for long periods.
Coaches, remember: these fundamentals don’t limit players; they liberate them. A strong foundation gives batters the tools to adjust, innovate, and excel in every format of the game.
Let’s not undervalue these timeless lessons.
It is absolutely okay—essential, even—to coach young players on the value of a solid technique. It’s okay to teach them the importance of batting time and how this skill lays the foundation for scoring big hundreds.
It’s okay to emphasize patience—to encourage them not to feel pressured into hitting every second or third ball for four or six.
Take Sam Konstas as an excellent example. He has scored hundreds at every level of cricket he’s played. He has scored hundreds in school cricket, Green Shield (Under 16s), Under 17s and Under 19 pathways, Poidevin Gray (Under 21), Fifth Grade, Fourth Grade, Third Grade, Second Grade, First Grade, and in Sheffield Shield Cricket for NSW.
Sam has the technique to open the batting and the discipline to bat for long periods. He has a huge appetite and the mindset to build an inning and score runs. He knows you can't score runs sitting on the sidelines.
He’s arguably the next batter in line for Australian test selection, yet, in his BBL debut for the Sydney Thunder, he demonstrated another dimension of his game, scoring 56 off just 27 balls.
It’s only one game—but it highlights an important point. A batter cannot score consistently, succeed long-term, or adapt to higher levels of cricket without:
1. A solid defense.
2. A sound technique.
3. The patience and willingness to bat for long periods.
Coaches, remember: these fundamentals don’t limit players; they liberate them. A strong foundation gives batters the tools to adjust, innovate, and excel in every format of the game.
Let’s not undervalue these timeless lessons.
blog post
It is absolutely okay—essential, even—to coach young players on the value of a solid technique. It’s okay to teach them the importance of batting time and how this skill lays the foundation f ...
question
Q: I’d like to see cricket’s governing body reconsider the rule that automatically deems a ball bowled by a spinner down the leg side as a wide in limited over and T20 cricket. Instead, the interpretation of a wide for spinners should align with the standards used in Test, first-class, and other red-ball cricket formats.
If a spinner bowls a delivery that spins past the batter’s pads without making contact, it’s in my opinion poor or lazy batting. Penalising the bowler and fielding team in such cases seems unjustified.
If a spinner chooses to bowl down the leg side, trusting their skill and the keeper’s ability to cleanly collect the ball, all kudos to the bowler.
It’s particularly unfair when a spinner lands the ball on off or middle stump, and it turns sharply past the batter’s bat and pads only to be called a wide. In such scenarios, the onus should be on the batter to be better.
This rule adjustment would encourage spinners to keep spinning the ball (which is what we all want) and encourage batters rather than unfairly penalising bowlers.
If a spinner bowls a delivery that spins past the batter’s pads without making contact, it’s in my opinion poor or lazy batting. Penalising the bowler and fielding team in such cases seems unjustified.
If a spinner chooses to bowl down the leg side, trusting their skill and the keeper’s ability to cleanly collect the ball, all kudos to the bowler.
It’s particularly unfair when a spinner lands the ball on off or middle stump, and it turns sharply past the batter’s bat and pads only to be called a wide. In such scenarios, the onus should be on the batter to be better.
This rule adjustment would encourage spinners to keep spinning the ball (which is what we all want) and encourage batters rather than unfairly penalising bowlers.
question
Q: If Jack Edwards can convert 20s and 30s into hundreds and average 40 plus in Sheffield Shield cricket he could become a valuable no 6 or 7 in the test team.
Genuine swing bowling allrounder and still only 24 - but please Jack tuck your shirt in
Genuine swing bowling allrounder and still only 24 - but please Jack tuck your shirt in
question
Q: Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy once shared an intriguing perspective: at any given time, there could be around 11 wicketkeepers in Australia capable of stepping into the Australian Test team.
He explained that the Australian incumbent Test wicketkeeper is, of course, one. Then there are the six Sheffield Shield wicketkeepers representing their states and four wicketkeepers playing grade cricket who could also perform at the Test level if given the opportunity.
It’s worth noting that Ian himself was playing first-grade cricket in Brisbane when he got his chance to represent Queensland after Peter Anderson was injured. Remarkably, Ian played just six first-class matches for Queensland before earning selection for the Australian Test team. Healy went on to play 119 Test matches and was ultimately named the wicketkeeper in Australia’s Test Team of the Century.
In my opinion, Healy is Australia's greatest pure gloveman, yet his journey highlights how he rose from grade cricket to the Test arena after only six first-class games.
This raises an intriguing thought: if we consider Ian’s perspective on wicketkeepers, could we apply similar reasoning to other skill sets within a balanced cricket team? For example, could Australia potentially have the following number of players capable of performing at the test level across these roles?
55 batters
11 all-rounders
11 wicketkeepers
22 spinners
33 fast bowlers.
It’s a fascinating concept. With the right combination of hard work and opportunity, who knows what might be possible?
How do we make the Sheffield Shield competition stronger? How do we empower a greater emphasis on the competition to future-proof the breeding ground and ultimate success of the Australian test team?
He explained that the Australian incumbent Test wicketkeeper is, of course, one. Then there are the six Sheffield Shield wicketkeepers representing their states and four wicketkeepers playing grade cricket who could also perform at the Test level if given the opportunity.
It’s worth noting that Ian himself was playing first-grade cricket in Brisbane when he got his chance to represent Queensland after Peter Anderson was injured. Remarkably, Ian played just six first-class matches for Queensland before earning selection for the Australian Test team. Healy went on to play 119 Test matches and was ultimately named the wicketkeeper in Australia’s Test Team of the Century.
In my opinion, Healy is Australia's greatest pure gloveman, yet his journey highlights how he rose from grade cricket to the Test arena after only six first-class games.
This raises an intriguing thought: if we consider Ian’s perspective on wicketkeepers, could we apply similar reasoning to other skill sets within a balanced cricket team? For example, could Australia potentially have the following number of players capable of performing at the test level across these roles?
55 batters
11 all-rounders
11 wicketkeepers
22 spinners
33 fast bowlers.
It’s a fascinating concept. With the right combination of hard work and opportunity, who knows what might be possible?
How do we make the Sheffield Shield competition stronger? How do we empower a greater emphasis on the competition to future-proof the breeding ground and ultimate success of the Australian test team?
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2645/increase-the-prize-money-for-winning-the-sheffield-shield-to-2000000
answered
Q: Two terrific batting masterclasses involving one of Australia's greatest ever batters Ricky Ponting
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2098/two-terrific-batting-masterclasses-involving-one-of-australias-greatest-ever-batters-ricky-ponting
A:
https://youtu.be/ByfRX-PZ_Rg
answered
Q: Two terrific batting masterclasses involving one of Australia's greatest ever batters Ricky Ponting
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2098/two-terrific-batting-masterclasses-involving-one-of-australias-greatest-ever-batters-ricky-ponting
A:
https://youtu.be/ByfRX-PZ_Rg
question
Q: How do we make the Sheffield Shield competition stronger? How do we empower a greater emphasis on the competition to future-proof the breeding ground and ultimate success of the Australian test team?
Let’s make it about money and make the prize money for winning the Sheffield Shield competition $2,000,000 every season. Make the prize money for making the Sheffield Shield final but not winning the competition $300,000.
Let’s make it about money and make the prize money for winning the Sheffield Shield competition $2,000,000 every season. Make the prize money for making the Sheffield Shield final but not winning the competition $300,000.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2645/increase-the-prize-money-for-winning-the-sheffield-shield-to-2000000
blog post
The Australian men's Test cricket team's first Test loss to India by 295 runs in Perth has sparked significant debate about the composition of the Australian Test team and the future of Australian ...
question
Q: With Nick Hockley stepping down as CEO of Cricket Australia in March 2025, I believe the appointment of his successor is one of the most pivotal moments in Australian cricket history.
In your view, what qualities and skills should the Cricket Australia board prioritize when selecting the next CEO? Additionally, what do you think should be the key priorities for the new CEO to focus on during their first 12 months in the role?
In your view, what qualities and skills should the Cricket Australia board prioritize when selecting the next CEO? Additionally, what do you think should be the key priorities for the new CEO to focus on during their first 12 months in the role?
answered
Q: Who played the best innings you've seen in a game you played?
A: March 1991 - Mosman v Campbelltown.
Mosman declared 9 for 369 after day one. Midway through the second session, Campbelltown was at about 3 for 120 when Andrew Martyr dismissed Brian Wood, and Michael Bevan came to the crease.
First ball Bevan charged Marts incredibly even before he got into his bowling action, and Marts fired it down leg side, and I remember thinking, “You beauty, here we go, out first ball, stumped.” In an instant, Bevan kicked his right leg out and the ball hit his pad and ventured off to the leg side.
It was the first and last hope of the day I felt from behind the stumps, and I can still see it clearly all these years on.
For the next session and half, Bevan delivered a batting masterclass against a good Mosman attack that included Greg Rowell, Gary Bensley, Dudley Slater, Phil Clune, Andrew Martyr and Scott Jacobson.
It was an unbelievable innings as he smashed us everywhere for 164 not out, and Campbelltown won 6 down.
Charging Rowelly short balls and flat batting them back past him for 4 or 6, incredible batting.
Mosman declared 9 for 369 after day one. Midway through the second session, Campbelltown was at about 3 for 120 when Andrew Martyr dismissed Brian Wood, and Michael Bevan came to the crease.
First ball Bevan charged Marts incredibly even before he got into his bowling action, and Marts fired it down leg side, and I remember thinking, “You beauty, here we go, out first ball, stumped.” In an instant, Bevan kicked his right leg out and the ball hit his pad and ventured off to the leg side.
It was the first and last hope of the day I felt from behind the stumps, and I can still see it clearly all these years on.
For the next session and half, Bevan delivered a batting masterclass against a good Mosman attack that included Greg Rowell, Gary Bensley, Dudley Slater, Phil Clune, Andrew Martyr and Scott Jacobson.
It was an unbelievable innings as he smashed us everywhere for 164 not out, and Campbelltown won 6 down.
Charging Rowelly short balls and flat batting them back past him for 4 or 6, incredible batting.
question
Q: I read with great interest the following quotes from George Bailey as the Chief of the Australian Cricket selectors in the Sydney Morning Herald today.
Bailey was also open in calling for more Australian players to develop as left-arm spinners, after New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner was instrumental in engineering India’s first home series loss since 2012.
“I’m happy to very much throw it out there that it is an incredible skill set in the subcontinent and we’ve seen that for many years,” Bailey said. “Realistically there’s not a huge amount of players in domestic cricket that are doing it, so it’s something we’re looking to expose.
George, Josh Clarke is your man.
Bailey was also open in calling for more Australian players to develop as left-arm spinners, after New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner was instrumental in engineering India’s first home series loss since 2012.
“I’m happy to very much throw it out there that it is an incredible skill set in the subcontinent and we’ve seen that for many years,” Bailey said. “Realistically there’s not a huge amount of players in domestic cricket that are doing it, so it’s something we’re looking to expose.
George, Josh Clarke is your man.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2554/hi-george-josh-clarke-is-your-man
blog post
I read with great interest the following quotes from George Bailey as the Chief of the Australian Cricket selectors in the Sydney Morning Herald today. ...
question
Q: Whiteman’s leadership qualities, solid technique, and resilience—reinventing himself as an opener after a finger injury ended his wicketkeeping career—make him the ideal candidate to step up.
Australia needs stability at the top. Usman Khawaja will turn 38 in December of this year, and it's possible that another selection decision is imminent. The choice of Whiteman to partner Khawaja against India could lay the groundwork for a potential opening partnership between Whiteman and Konstas. For now, I believe it's Sam Whiteman's time.
Australia needs stability at the top. Usman Khawaja will turn 38 in December of this year, and it's possible that another selection decision is imminent. The choice of Whiteman to partner Khawaja against India could lay the groundwork for a potential opening partnership between Whiteman and Konstas. For now, I believe it's Sam Whiteman's time.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2531/could-sam-whiteman-be-australiarsquos-next-test-opener
blog post
The debate around who will partner Usman Khawaja as Australia’s next Test opener has sparked plenty of discussion. With Steve Smith seemingly moving back to number 4 and Cameron Green out for the ...
question
Q: NSW’s next Shield game is against Victoria on October 20 at the MCG, and Maddinson will likely be opening the batting along with Sam Konstas. I’ll be cheering for him for many reasons and one being I think Nic should be in line to open the batting for Australian in the first test v India.
But if he’s unlucky, get a peach of a ball, a bad decision or an untimely run out and gets out cheaply, what happens? And what if Nikitaras scores another ton in his next club game? Suddenly, Maddinson’s spot is under pressure, and you’ve got to ask—who made the call to deny him those batting opportunities for Eastern Suburbs?
In a professional world, is that a restraint of trade?
But if he’s unlucky, get a peach of a ball, a bad decision or an untimely run out and gets out cheaply, what happens? And what if Nikitaras scores another ton in his next club game? Suddenly, Maddinson’s spot is under pressure, and you’ve got to ask—who made the call to deny him those batting opportunities for Eastern Suburbs?
In a professional world, is that a restraint of trade?
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2519/is-denying-a-cricketer-the-opportunity-to-play-a-restraint-of-trade
blog post
There’s always great talk from former grade players about how much they loved playing against state and test players when they were available for grade cricket. Back then, it happened a lot more ...
question
Q: Jason Kelly played first grade cricket in NSW Premier Cricket for Petersham, Hawkesbury and Parramatta Cricket Clubs.
From 1997 to 2021 Jason played 234 innings in first grade scoring 5,198 runs at an average of 25.48. He scored 5 centuries and 21 half centuries with the highest score of 193.
Let’s find out more about Jason’s journey in the game.
From 1997 to 2021 Jason played 234 innings in first grade scoring 5,198 runs at an average of 25.48. He scored 5 centuries and 21 half centuries with the highest score of 193.
Let’s find out more about Jason’s journey in the game.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2513/jason-kelly-never-put-limitations-on-yourself-in-life
blog post
Jason Kelly played first grade cricket in NSW Premier Cricket for Petersham, Hawkesbury and Parramatta Cricket Clubs.From 1997 to 2021 Jason played 234 innings in first grade scoring 5,198 r ...
question
Q: Kudos to South Australian cricket coach Ryan Harris, who I understand is big on the South Australian players playing as much Premier Cricket for their South Australian Premier Cricket Clubs as possible.
NSW played South Australia in last week’s Sheffield Shield game at Cricket Central in Sydney from Tuesday, 8 October, to Friday, 11 October 2024.
On Sunday, 13 October 2024, South Australia’s opening batter Connor McInerney scored 52 to help his Glenelg team to a 9 wicket victory over Southern District.
David Drew was 46 not out off 141 balls in South Australia’s 2nd innings to help his team hold on to a draw against NSW on Friday. On Sunday, Daniel skippered his first grade team, the West Torrens, to a terrific win as they chased down Sturt’s 8 for 335 off 50 overs to score 3 for 336 off 49.2.
Daniel Drew scored 143, not out off 139 balls. A great captain’s innings.
The Sheffield Shield game finished on Friday in Sydney, and both McInerney and Drew travelled home and steered their premier clubs to victory on Sunday.
Well done, Conor and David, and big vote of support to Ryan Harris.
It is important to note there wasn’t any Premier Cricket scheduled to be played in Qld, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia on the Sunday after the three Sheffield Shield games finished on Friday. Also 7 Premier Cricket Clubs in South Australia had the bye in Round 2 of their one day competition.
NSW played South Australia in last week’s Sheffield Shield game at Cricket Central in Sydney from Tuesday, 8 October, to Friday, 11 October 2024.
On Sunday, 13 October 2024, South Australia’s opening batter Connor McInerney scored 52 to help his Glenelg team to a 9 wicket victory over Southern District.
David Drew was 46 not out off 141 balls in South Australia’s 2nd innings to help his team hold on to a draw against NSW on Friday. On Sunday, Daniel skippered his first grade team, the West Torrens, to a terrific win as they chased down Sturt’s 8 for 335 off 50 overs to score 3 for 336 off 49.2.
Daniel Drew scored 143, not out off 139 balls. A great captain’s innings.
The Sheffield Shield game finished on Friday in Sydney, and both McInerney and Drew travelled home and steered their premier clubs to victory on Sunday.
Well done, Conor and David, and big vote of support to Ryan Harris.
It is important to note there wasn’t any Premier Cricket scheduled to be played in Qld, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia on the Sunday after the three Sheffield Shield games finished on Friday. Also 7 Premier Cricket Clubs in South Australia had the bye in Round 2 of their one day competition.
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Q: It’s AFL draft season, and the "father-son rule" has been getting a bit of attention. This rule, introduced in 1954, gives AFL clubs priority access to the sons of former players, helping to maintain the rich tradition of fathers and sons in the game.
Cricket, of course, doesn’t have a similar rule. But when I read that young Will Adlam had just made his first-grade debut for Mosman, it got me thinking about how many current NSW Premier Cricket first grade players have followed in their father’s footsteps.
With the father-son theme in mind, I thought it’d be interesting to put together a hypothetical NSW Premier Cricket Father and Son first grade team. Here’s my squad of 12.
Cricket, of course, doesn’t have a similar rule. But when I read that young Will Adlam had just made his first-grade debut for Mosman, it got me thinking about how many current NSW Premier Cricket first grade players have followed in their father’s footsteps.
With the father-son theme in mind, I thought it’d be interesting to put together a hypothetical NSW Premier Cricket Father and Son first grade team. Here’s my squad of 12.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2510/nsw-premier-cricket-father-and-son-first-grade-squad
blog post
It’s AFL draft season, and the "father-son rule" has been getting a bit of attention. This rule, introduced in 1954, gives AFL clubs priority access to the sons of former players, helping to main ...
question
Q: Mark Higgs played first class cricket for New South Wales and South Australia
A naturally talented left hand batsman and left arm spinner Mark played 38 first class games scoring 1,915 runs at an average of 32.45 and a highest score of 181. He scored 3 centuries and 9 half centuries and took 31 wickets.
He also played 65 one day games scoring 1,328 runs and took 32 wickets.
Mark was also selected to play for Australia in an ICC one day tournament in Kenya.
A naturally talented left hand batsman and left arm spinner Mark played 38 first class games scoring 1,915 runs at an average of 32.45 and a highest score of 181. He scored 3 centuries and 9 half centuries and took 31 wickets.
He also played 65 one day games scoring 1,328 runs and took 32 wickets.
Mark was also selected to play for Australia in an ICC one day tournament in Kenya.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/360/mark-higgs-the-natural
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Q: The game within the game was never more evident than in the 1999-2000 first grade final between St. George District Cricket Club and Bankstown District Cricket Club at Bankstown Oval.
Two bulls, Brett Van Diensen and Wayne Holdsworth, went one-on-one. Opening batter vs. opening bowler.
Brett for St. George was one of the most talented cricketers I had the excellent fortune to play with, and he played 11 first-class games for NSW.
Wayne for Bankstown toured with the Australian Ashes team in 1993, and in 68 first-class games, he took 212 wickets. At his peak, Wayne was one of the fastest bowlers in Australia.
Two bulls, Brett Van Diensen and Wayne Holdsworth, went one-on-one. Opening batter vs. opening bowler.
Brett for St. George was one of the most talented cricketers I had the excellent fortune to play with, and he played 11 first-class games for NSW.
Wayne for Bankstown toured with the Australian Ashes team in 1993, and in 68 first-class games, he took 212 wickets. At his peak, Wayne was one of the fastest bowlers in Australia.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2298/holdsworth-v-van-diensen-bankstown-v-st-george-1999-2000-sydney-grade-cricket-final
blog post
I love cricket.It is the one-on-one competition between bat and ball. It's the isolation of a batter and a bowler as they test each other's skills and temperament.The batter has only ...
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Q: In April 2024 Stephen Dionysius was announced as the inaugural recipient of the Queensland Cricket Representative Match Official of the Year award.
After umpiring in Queensland Premier Cricket for several seasons Stephen was elevated to Cricket Australia’s Supplementary Umpire Panel during the 2022-23 season and has umpired Sheffield Shield and One Day games around Australia.
After umpiring in Queensland Premier Cricket for several seasons Stephen was elevated to Cricket Australia’s Supplementary Umpire Panel during the 2022-23 season and has umpired Sheffield Shield and One Day games around Australia.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2291/stephen-dionysius-stay-in-the-moment
blog post
In April 2024 Stephen Dionysius was announced as the inaugural recipient of the Queensland Cricket Representative Match Official of the Year award. ...
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Q: The third player to achieve scoring a century and taking five wickets in an innings in the same match was Sutherland’s Ted Cotton, in the Round 13 versus Western Suburbs at Caringbah Oval on 7th & 14th February 1970, finishing the match aged 40 years & 190 days. It was a match that was significant for more than just Ted’s all-round performance – in the Wests innings on day two, former Australian captain Bob Simpson made the highest score ever made at Caringbah/Glenn McGrath Oval.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/294/sutherland-district-cricket-club/blog/2276/ted-cotton-ndash-one-of-sydney-first-gradersquos-finest-all-rounders
A: Ted was a wonderful man and a terrific servant of cricket in New South Wales. He obviously played for NSW and excelled in Sydney Grade cricket, but we should never underestimate his influence as a coach for the NSW Under-19s team throughout the 1980s.
Together with Jack Wilson, they were a constant force, guiding and supporting hundreds of young players. Many went on to play for Australia, NSW, or first-grade cricket in Sydney.
Together with Jack Wilson, they were a constant force, guiding and supporting hundreds of young players. Many went on to play for Australia, NSW, or first-grade cricket in Sydney.
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Q: Rod Tucker made his first class debut and played one game for NSW in 1986/87 before moving to Tasmania in 1988 and establishing himself as a fine all-round first class cricketer.
All up Rod played 103 first class games scoring 5,076 runs at an average of 36.25 including 7 centuries and 28 half centuries. With the ball he took 123 wickets at an average of 41.80.
All up Rod played 103 first class games scoring 5,076 runs at an average of 36.25 including 7 centuries and 28 half centuries. With the ball he took 123 wickets at an average of 41.80.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/635/rod-tucker-never-stop-learning-never-stop-evolving
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Q: Sam Perry is a former Grade Cricketer who possesses a deep love for the beauty, the history and the traditions within the game of cricket.
He’s also one half of the satirical duo that is ‘The Grade Cricketer’
Let’s find out more about Sam’s and his journey as a cricketer.
He’s also one half of the satirical duo that is ‘The Grade Cricketer’
Let’s find out more about Sam’s and his journey as a cricketer.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/920/sam-perry-the-grade-cricketer
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Q: Are there any among you, whether current or past cricketer, who doesn’t pick up an orange and spin a leggie or an offie from hand to hand before eating it?
A: Absolutely Peter. Undercut off spin as the orange spins in the air and always caught with two hands.😉
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Q: Simon Taufel was a fast bowler coming through the Sydney Grade Cricket ranks when a back injury curtailed his playing ambitions and he went on to become cricket umpire.
74 Tests, 174 One Day Internationals, 34 T20 Internationals and was voted the number one umpire in International Cricket for 5 consecutive years.
It’s been quite a journey filled with wonderful experiences and a few lows.
74 Tests, 174 One Day Internationals, 34 T20 Internationals and was voted the number one umpire in International Cricket for 5 consecutive years.
It’s been quite a journey filled with wonderful experiences and a few lows.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2227/simon-taufel-work-hard-be-humble-be-yourself
blog post
Simon Taufel was a fast bowler coming through the Sydney Grade Cricket ranks when a back injury curtailed his playing ambitions and he went on to become cricket umpire.74 Tests, 174 One Day ...
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Q: Jason Young played all his junior cricket in Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region of NSW.
A prodigious young batter with enormous talent and a thirst for runs and it wasn’t long before Jason sparked the interest of NSW underage selectors and Sydney talent scouts.
Jason played 3 seasons of Green Shield for Balmain and after leaving school he joined the St George District Cricket Club. He made his Sydney Grade Cricket first grade debut at St George and is the proud owner of first grade cap number 317.
A successful Under 19 National Championships saw Jason moved to Adelaide with the Australian Cricket Academy and he played Adelaide Grade Cricket for Prospect Cricket Club.
A prodigious young batter with enormous talent and a thirst for runs and it wasn’t long before Jason sparked the interest of NSW underage selectors and Sydney talent scouts.
Jason played 3 seasons of Green Shield for Balmain and after leaving school he joined the St George District Cricket Club. He made his Sydney Grade Cricket first grade debut at St George and is the proud owner of first grade cap number 317.
A successful Under 19 National Championships saw Jason moved to Adelaide with the Australian Cricket Academy and he played Adelaide Grade Cricket for Prospect Cricket Club.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/588/jason-young-you-only-need-to-hit-it-to-the-fence
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Q: The very best batters are fearless in their intent and confident in their mindset, talent, and training to score runs.
Even so, I’m sure at some stage of their careers they had their doubts and found runs hard to come by. They might also have experienced some level of FOGO (fear of getting out).
As a conversation starter and to assist others, if you have experienced FOGO, I'd like to know what strategies or plans you've implemented to help you overcome it.
Even so, I’m sure at some stage of their careers they had their doubts and found runs hard to come by. They might also have experienced some level of FOGO (fear of getting out).
As a conversation starter and to assist others, if you have experienced FOGO, I'd like to know what strategies or plans you've implemented to help you overcome it.
question
Q: Gus Worland is a self-confessed cricket tragic.
Along with his great mate Hugh Jackman, Gus co-created and starred in the Fox Cricket series ‘An Aussie Goes’ where he did series An Aussie Goes Barmy in England following the Australian cricket team, and then An Aussies Goes Bolly in India and An Aussie Goes Calypso in the West Indies.
He currently hosts the Triple M Deadset Legends on Sydney Radio and is the founder of Gotch4Life Mental Health Foundation
Along with his great mate Hugh Jackman, Gus co-created and starred in the Fox Cricket series ‘An Aussie Goes’ where he did series An Aussie Goes Barmy in England following the Australian cricket team, and then An Aussies Goes Bolly in India and An Aussie Goes Calypso in the West Indies.
He currently hosts the Triple M Deadset Legends on Sydney Radio and is the founder of Gotch4Life Mental Health Foundation
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/488/gus-worland-the-mateship
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Q: 11 days after his 21st birthday on 21 February 1988 Scott Hookey made his debut for NSW in the McDonalds Cup one day against Queensland at the Gabba.
Hookey a big left hand opening batsman had a presence about him at the crease and on debut he opened the batting with former Australian opener John Dyson. The star studded NSW team also included Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Trevor Bayliss, Greg Matthews, Graham Smith, Peter Taylor, Phil Emery, Mike Whitney and Geoff Lawson was the skipper.
"Simply the most devastating batsman I played with. The "Hookey Monster" batted the way he lived his life."
Hookey a big left hand opening batsman had a presence about him at the crease and on debut he opened the batting with former Australian opener John Dyson. The star studded NSW team also included Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Trevor Bayliss, Greg Matthews, Graham Smith, Peter Taylor, Phil Emery, Mike Whitney and Geoff Lawson was the skipper.
"Simply the most devastating batsman I played with. The "Hookey Monster" batted the way he lived his life."
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/181/scott-hookey-monster
answered
Q: With the 2024 T20 World Cup about to start in the United States, who are the three cricketers from any era before the birth of T20 cricket you’d have loved to see play T20?
A: Viv Richards
Mark Waugh
Dean Jones
From Sydney Grade Cricket
Scott Thompson
Gary Bensley
Nathan Pilon
Mark Waugh
Dean Jones
From Sydney Grade Cricket
Scott Thompson
Gary Bensley
Nathan Pilon
question
Q: NSW Combined GPS First XI Cricket team – 1988
Back Row – S. Waddington (Sydney Grammer), M. Hayward (Newington)
Middle Row – G. Easy (St Ignatius Riverview), B. Munro (Sydney Grammar), J. Horley (Newington), D. Gordon (Scots), A. O’Malley (Kings), C. Kourtesis (Manager)
Front Row – H. McCathie (Shore), J. Davison (St Ignatius Riverview), S. Gray (Sydney Grammer and Vice-Captain), A. Smith (St Ignatius Riverview and Captain), R. Wiles (Kings), W. Adlam (Scots), J. Yaffa (Kings)
9 players played first grade cricket in Sydney
2 players played first class cricket
4 players played NSW 2nd XI
1 international – John Davison played for Canada
Back Row – S. Waddington (Sydney Grammer), M. Hayward (Newington)
Middle Row – G. Easy (St Ignatius Riverview), B. Munro (Sydney Grammar), J. Horley (Newington), D. Gordon (Scots), A. O’Malley (Kings), C. Kourtesis (Manager)
Front Row – H. McCathie (Shore), J. Davison (St Ignatius Riverview), S. Gray (Sydney Grammer and Vice-Captain), A. Smith (St Ignatius Riverview and Captain), R. Wiles (Kings), W. Adlam (Scots), J. Yaffa (Kings)
9 players played first grade cricket in Sydney
2 players played first class cricket
4 players played NSW 2nd XI
1 international – John Davison played for Canada
question
Q: Mark Atkinson left NSW at the beginning of the 1991/92 season to play cricket in Tasmania without a contract or a promise. By February that season he was selected to make his first class debut for Tasmania to play Pakistan.
An excellent gloveman and very effective batsman Atkinson proceeded to carve out a tremendous first class career during a successful era for Tasmanian cricket.
After 95 first class games Atkinson holds the record for the most number of dismissals for Tasmania with 290 dismissals – 261 catches and 29 stumpings.
An excellent gloveman and very effective batsman Atkinson proceeded to carve out a tremendous first class career during a successful era for Tasmanian cricket.
After 95 first class games Atkinson holds the record for the most number of dismissals for Tasmania with 290 dismissals – 261 catches and 29 stumpings.
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Q: Yallop’s declaration left South Australia with the shopping task of 271 runs to win off 24 overs. South Australian captain David Hookes, well known for his attacking flair was not impressed.
So much so, he elevated himself to opening the batting with Rick Darling.
What happened next became a moment in time as Hookes tore the Victoria bowler to shreds scoring 100 off just 34 balls to register the fastest century in the history of first class cricket. When Hookes brought up his century his opening partner Darling had scored just 7 runs.
So much so, he elevated himself to opening the batting with Rick Darling.
What happened next became a moment in time as Hookes tore the Victoria bowler to shreds scoring 100 off just 34 balls to register the fastest century in the history of first class cricket. When Hookes brought up his century his opening partner Darling had scored just 7 runs.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2193/david-hookes-a-moment-in-time-at-adelaide-oval
A:
https://youtu.be/YmsZgovASFE
question
Q: Yallop’s declaration left South Australia with the shopping task of 271 runs to win off 24 overs. South Australian captain David Hookes, well known for his attacking flair was not impressed.
So much so, he elevated himself to opening the batting with Rick Darling.
What happened next became a moment in time as Hookes tore the Victoria bowler to shreds scoring 100 off just 34 balls to register the fastest century in the history of first class cricket. When Hookes brought up his century his opening partner Darling had scored just 7 runs.
So much so, he elevated himself to opening the batting with Rick Darling.
What happened next became a moment in time as Hookes tore the Victoria bowler to shreds scoring 100 off just 34 balls to register the fastest century in the history of first class cricket. When Hookes brought up his century his opening partner Darling had scored just 7 runs.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2193/david-hookes-a-moment-in-time-at-adelaide-oval
blog post
South Australia played Victoria in a Sheffield Shield game starting 22 October 1982 in a game that will long live in the memory of all the players and those in attendance. Day 4 was a particular hi ...
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Q: Ken Healy made his first grade debut for South Brisbane during the 1984/85 season and he continues to make a significant contribution to the game as the head coach at Northern Suburbs Cricket Club and he’s the Business Development Manager for the Bulls Masters.
The Bull Masters foster and develop cricket throughout the whole of Queensland utilising retired Queensland cricketers as well as providing community support and assisting charities along the way.
The Bull Masters foster and develop cricket throughout the whole of Queensland utilising retired Queensland cricketers as well as providing community support and assisting charities along the way.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/742/ken-healy-look-forward-not-back
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Q: On the 5 April 2023 at Cricket NSW Steve Waugh Medal Awards night Steve Rixon was inducted into the Cricket NSW Hall of Fame. A terrific and richly deserved accolade.
Steve Rixon was the driver of culture and standards in NSW Cricket for the best part of 30 or more years
On the 2 December 1977 Steve Rixon made his Test Debut for Australia against India at the Gabba to be Australian Test Cricketer number 287. The Australian Test captain on his debut was his Western Suburbs Club teammate Bob Simpson.
Steve Rixon was the driver of culture and standards in NSW Cricket for the best part of 30 or more years
On the 2 December 1977 Steve Rixon made his Test Debut for Australia against India at the Gabba to be Australian Test Cricketer number 287. The Australian Test captain on his debut was his Western Suburbs Club teammate Bob Simpson.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/755/steve-rixon-inducted-into-cricket-nsw-hall-of-fame
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Q: I love to see people do things a little differently and have fun doing so.
Evan Bancroft is a well-respected member of the Queensland sporting community, and Banger and his good mate former Australian fast bowler Jeff Thomson, combine to help Jo attract new buyers to 14 Eversden Street, Kenmore.
Cricket and property are two of Australia's greatest passions.
Well done, Banger and Thommo, and best of luck with the sale.
Evan Bancroft is a well-respected member of the Queensland sporting community, and Banger and his good mate former Australian fast bowler Jeff Thomson, combine to help Jo attract new buyers to 14 Eversden Street, Kenmore.
Cricket and property are two of Australia's greatest passions.
Well done, Banger and Thommo, and best of luck with the sale.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2160/banger-and-thommo-star-in-a-real-estate-video-for-the-sale-of-14-eversden-street-kenmore-brisbane
blog post
I love to see people do things a little differently and have fun doing so.Evan Bancroft is a well-respected member of the Queensland sporting community, and Banger and his good mate former A ...
answered
Q: Hi Josh, is 14 years old and he has never had any coaching and hasn’t finished growing. He rips in and has a great follow through. His take off landing is a little unconventional. Josh’s dad and I have been discussing should he try and iron it out or embrace it. We’d be grateful for any guidance.
https://vimeo.com/934449723
A: Hi David,
I reached out to Anthony Stubbs who is a fast bowling coach and a strength and conditioning coach in Melbourne. Anthony is currently working with the Camberwell Magpies in Victorian Premier Cricket
Here's his feedback for Josh, his dad, and you.
More than happy to share some feedback. Love the energy and desire to get through the crease.
General feedback: would just be to learn to run well. Your running mechanics will impact how well you can reposition the legs in the jump. Which then gives you the best chance to snap at the crease and use the front leg effectively to pull yourself over. Versus collapse through.
If I look deeper: The switching of the legs isn’t ideal in the jump. And you’ll see a series of collapses play out through the delivery. There are low level stationary and dynamic drills to work on the sequence while the run up is improved. Then you’d bridge the gap layer.
For a 14-year-old you’re not in any rush. His technique will change as he grows.
I think the most important part isn’t so much ‘what’ you do, but ‘how’ you communicate it and he understands it. It’s easy to break it down so much it creates an in effective thought process which becomes a greater issue down the track.
I like to coach a feel of the main movements I’m after. And only address body parts of I think, link it to the feel of the overall key movement.
This is a little video breaking down the bowling action:
And here’s a private video I use to explain the runup
I reached out to Anthony Stubbs who is a fast bowling coach and a strength and conditioning coach in Melbourne. Anthony is currently working with the Camberwell Magpies in Victorian Premier Cricket
Here's his feedback for Josh, his dad, and you.
More than happy to share some feedback. Love the energy and desire to get through the crease.
General feedback: would just be to learn to run well. Your running mechanics will impact how well you can reposition the legs in the jump. Which then gives you the best chance to snap at the crease and use the front leg effectively to pull yourself over. Versus collapse through.
If I look deeper: The switching of the legs isn’t ideal in the jump. And you’ll see a series of collapses play out through the delivery. There are low level stationary and dynamic drills to work on the sequence while the run up is improved. Then you’d bridge the gap layer.
For a 14-year-old you’re not in any rush. His technique will change as he grows.
I think the most important part isn’t so much ‘what’ you do, but ‘how’ you communicate it and he understands it. It’s easy to break it down so much it creates an in effective thought process which becomes a greater issue down the track.
I like to coach a feel of the main movements I’m after. And only address body parts of I think, link it to the feel of the overall key movement.
This is a little video breaking down the bowling action:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6V6VeiNFnX/?igsh=N3IxYXA0c2tjdno4
And here’s a private video I use to explain the runup
https://youtu.be/P6IUfZV75cM?si=h7svtO6xqGK2rEA0
question
Q: A cricket club in Newcastle has a vacancy for a head coach for the 2024–25 season.
If you’re an accredited coach (level 2 or 3) or a player who’d like to get into coaching and be a player/coach this could be a great opportunity.
If you’d like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If you’re an accredited coach (level 2 or 3) or a player who’d like to get into coaching and be a player/coach this could be a great opportunity.
If you’d like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
question
Q: Kevin Geyer made his first grade debut for Randwick in 1995 and after 2 seasons at Coogee he moved to the foot of the Blue Mountains to play for Penrith.
In NSW Premier Cricket from 1995 to 2012 Kevin scored 7,246 runs in 262 innings at an average of 30.19 and 11 centuries and 31 half centuries.
On the 14 February 1998 Kevin made his first class debut for NSW against Western Australia at the WACA. He played 3 first class games and 6 one day games for the Baggy Blues
In NSW Premier Cricket from 1995 to 2012 Kevin scored 7,246 runs in 262 innings at an average of 30.19 and 11 centuries and 31 half centuries.
On the 14 February 1998 Kevin made his first class debut for NSW against Western Australia at the WACA. He played 3 first class games and 6 one day games for the Baggy Blues
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/980/kevin-geyer-play-hard-drinks-afterwards
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Q: Take a seat and get comfortable folks!!
This is Blake Macdonald and this was his season....
Award for most runs Grades 1 to 3 - 952 runs (Belvidere Cup)
2nd Highest Ever Runs in STGDCC 1st Grade Season (All Formats) - 1266
NSW Premier Cricket Team Of The Year
NSW Premier Cricket Equal Most 1st Grade Centuries - 5
NSW Premier Cricket Equal Most 1st Grade Half Centuries - 7
Highest Ever St George Limited Overs Score - 182
Most Boundaries in the NSW Premier Cricket Season - 181
Most Sixes in the NSW Premier Cricket - 54
Most Sixes in an Innings - 14
1st Grade Premiership
Congrats and thank you Blake. Absolutely legendary!!!
This is Blake Macdonald and this was his season....
Award for most runs Grades 1 to 3 - 952 runs (Belvidere Cup)
2nd Highest Ever Runs in STGDCC 1st Grade Season (All Formats) - 1266
NSW Premier Cricket Team Of The Year
NSW Premier Cricket Equal Most 1st Grade Centuries - 5
NSW Premier Cricket Equal Most 1st Grade Half Centuries - 7
Highest Ever St George Limited Overs Score - 182
Most Boundaries in the NSW Premier Cricket Season - 181
Most Sixes in the NSW Premier Cricket - 54
Most Sixes in an Innings - 14
1st Grade Premiership
Congrats and thank you Blake. Absolutely legendary!!!
A: If anyone can explain the logic of why Blake Macdonald lost his NSW contract for 2024–25, I’d gladly sit with you for the 24 hours it would take for you to wear me down with reasons why.
In the last Sheffield Shield game of 2022–23, Blake made his first-class debut for NSW and opened the batting, scoring 21 and 61.
Weeks prior, he scored 98 and 91 for NSW Country/ACT 2ndXI v NSW 2ndXI.
For the 2023–24 season, he was awarded a NSW contract.
Blake was not selected in the first two 2023–24 Sheffield shield games but was for the third game against Victoria when NSW were bowled out for 102 and 173. Blake scored 22 and 14. Only one other NSW batter scored more runs in the game.
In the next game, Blake scored 5 out of the NSW total of 276 runs against Western Australia. NSW won by 10 wickets.
NSW lost their next game by an innings and one run against Tasmania after being bowled out for 181 and 311. Blake scored 2 and 12.
Blake was then dropped from the NSW Shield team and didn’t play again in 2023–24.
As you can see, NSW had been bowled out for less than 200 in the five innings played when Blake was on the team, so it’s not as if all the batters were scoring runs.
Blake has played four one day games for NSW, scoring 147 runs at an average of 36.75.
For a player to score 61 on his Sheffield Shield debut, be so highly thought of as to be awarded a contract, and then score 952 runs in NSW Premier Cricket at an average of 73.23, including 5 centuries and 3 fifties, how does he lose his contract?
Did Blake nail down his spot in the five innings he played this year? No, he didn’t. I don’t know Blake, but I’m sure he’d be the first to admit it.
Interestingly as well, he batted No. 3 and walked into bat after opening partnerships of 0, 10, 23, 0, and 28.
Blake is only 26 and entering the prime years of his cricket and run scoring career. He has shown an enormous thirst for scoring big years, and now, after just one year, when others have been afforded 30 or more innings in Shield cricket, he loses his contract.
I always thought the role of coaches within a state system, or any system, was to work with the players to identify areas of improvement and help them individually become better. Maybe I have that wrong.
You may need more than 24 hours.
In the last Sheffield Shield game of 2022–23, Blake made his first-class debut for NSW and opened the batting, scoring 21 and 61.
Weeks prior, he scored 98 and 91 for NSW Country/ACT 2ndXI v NSW 2ndXI.
For the 2023–24 season, he was awarded a NSW contract.
Blake was not selected in the first two 2023–24 Sheffield shield games but was for the third game against Victoria when NSW were bowled out for 102 and 173. Blake scored 22 and 14. Only one other NSW batter scored more runs in the game.
In the next game, Blake scored 5 out of the NSW total of 276 runs against Western Australia. NSW won by 10 wickets.
NSW lost their next game by an innings and one run against Tasmania after being bowled out for 181 and 311. Blake scored 2 and 12.
Blake was then dropped from the NSW Shield team and didn’t play again in 2023–24.
As you can see, NSW had been bowled out for less than 200 in the five innings played when Blake was on the team, so it’s not as if all the batters were scoring runs.
Blake has played four one day games for NSW, scoring 147 runs at an average of 36.75.
For a player to score 61 on his Sheffield Shield debut, be so highly thought of as to be awarded a contract, and then score 952 runs in NSW Premier Cricket at an average of 73.23, including 5 centuries and 3 fifties, how does he lose his contract?
Did Blake nail down his spot in the five innings he played this year? No, he didn’t. I don’t know Blake, but I’m sure he’d be the first to admit it.
Interestingly as well, he batted No. 3 and walked into bat after opening partnerships of 0, 10, 23, 0, and 28.
Blake is only 26 and entering the prime years of his cricket and run scoring career. He has shown an enormous thirst for scoring big years, and now, after just one year, when others have been afforded 30 or more innings in Shield cricket, he loses his contract.
I always thought the role of coaches within a state system, or any system, was to work with the players to identify areas of improvement and help them individually become better. Maybe I have that wrong.
You may need more than 24 hours.
answered
Q: My son is 15 and loves cricket. During the off-season last year, he worked really hard on his batting.
He was opening the batting and really enjoyed it and wanted to get a lot better. But after two games and he scored 33 and 41 the coach said he batted too slow and for the rest of the season he was batting down the order and didn’t get many chances.
No, he says what’s the point of training this off season. It’s sad as he really does love batting and the game. What advice could anyone offer?
He was opening the batting and really enjoyed it and wanted to get a lot better. But after two games and he scored 33 and 41 the coach said he batted too slow and for the rest of the season he was batting down the order and didn’t get many chances.
No, he says what’s the point of training this off season. It’s sad as he really does love batting and the game. What advice could anyone offer?
A: Hi Drew
Is changing clubs the right thing to do?
Only you will know, but I’d like to offer a different perspective.
By changing clubs, you’re going into a different environment, different people, different relationships, and varying levels of loyalty, and who’s to say the same thing won’t happen again next season?
Without knowing the level of cricket your son is playing, I’d suggest arranging a meeting with the club president and coach to discuss what happened last season and get their feedback on what he needs to do to improve. It’d be important that he’s at the meeting so he can hear the feedback and, if he’s comfortable, ask his own questions.
A meeting such as this can clear the air and provide clarity and whose to whether the same coach will be coaching the team again next season.
If he has good friends on the team, staying at the same club could well be the right thing to do.
Another off-season at his age means he’s still growing. His natural growth and the right program will see him stronger and fitter, and it will carry through to his batting with greater timing, concentration, and confidence to hit the ball through the field.
I fully agree with David in terms of the art of batting and getting off-strike. Sadly, I think some coaches lose perspective on wanting their players to hit the big shots and boundaries.
Not every ball can go to the boundary, so if your son is able to find a way to move the ball around the field with singles and twos and then hit the odd boundary, he will score a lot more runs, and the team will greatly benefit.
You mentioned your son loves the game but is a bit down at the moment. I understand that, so here’s another suggestion.
Field is the thing cricketers do most of all in any game. He’ll spend more time fielding than batting, so I wouldn’t be too worried about him getting back into the nets in April.
Take him down to the local park and do some fielding drills. Taking catches, throwing balls at the stumps. A good diving catch or throwing down the stumps from 15 to 20 metres away could be a great way to reignite his passions. Let him do it again and again.
One thing for sure if you do it right is that he’ll become a much better fielder, and that’s a great thing for his cricket and his team, and it’ll build his confidence and game awareness.
It may also be the catalyst for him to want to work as hard as he did last off season.
The most important thing for your son is for him to have fun. There are many different ways in which you can help, but please don’t let one coach take his enjoyment and love out of the game.
Coaches come and go.
Here’s also a little video that might help – a batting masterclass with Ricky Ponting.
The message in this video I love most is Ponting saying there’s a small area on the wicket that he believed belonged to the bowler. A ball that hits the wicket in this area, he believed, needed to be respected and defended.
If the ball landed outside Ponting’s small but defined area, it was for him as the batter and an opportunity to score runs. It might be a single, a two, or a three. It could also be a boundary, but Ponting knew it was up to him to take advantage of the opportunity.
All the best Drew I hope this helps in some small way.
Is changing clubs the right thing to do?
Only you will know, but I’d like to offer a different perspective.
By changing clubs, you’re going into a different environment, different people, different relationships, and varying levels of loyalty, and who’s to say the same thing won’t happen again next season?
Without knowing the level of cricket your son is playing, I’d suggest arranging a meeting with the club president and coach to discuss what happened last season and get their feedback on what he needs to do to improve. It’d be important that he’s at the meeting so he can hear the feedback and, if he’s comfortable, ask his own questions.
A meeting such as this can clear the air and provide clarity and whose to whether the same coach will be coaching the team again next season.
If he has good friends on the team, staying at the same club could well be the right thing to do.
Another off-season at his age means he’s still growing. His natural growth and the right program will see him stronger and fitter, and it will carry through to his batting with greater timing, concentration, and confidence to hit the ball through the field.
I fully agree with David in terms of the art of batting and getting off-strike. Sadly, I think some coaches lose perspective on wanting their players to hit the big shots and boundaries.
Not every ball can go to the boundary, so if your son is able to find a way to move the ball around the field with singles and twos and then hit the odd boundary, he will score a lot more runs, and the team will greatly benefit.
You mentioned your son loves the game but is a bit down at the moment. I understand that, so here’s another suggestion.
Field is the thing cricketers do most of all in any game. He’ll spend more time fielding than batting, so I wouldn’t be too worried about him getting back into the nets in April.
Take him down to the local park and do some fielding drills. Taking catches, throwing balls at the stumps. A good diving catch or throwing down the stumps from 15 to 20 metres away could be a great way to reignite his passions. Let him do it again and again.
One thing for sure if you do it right is that he’ll become a much better fielder, and that’s a great thing for his cricket and his team, and it’ll build his confidence and game awareness.
It may also be the catalyst for him to want to work as hard as he did last off season.
The most important thing for your son is for him to have fun. There are many different ways in which you can help, but please don’t let one coach take his enjoyment and love out of the game.
Coaches come and go.
Here’s also a little video that might help – a batting masterclass with Ricky Ponting.
The message in this video I love most is Ponting saying there’s a small area on the wicket that he believed belonged to the bowler. A ball that hits the wicket in this area, he believed, needed to be respected and defended.
If the ball landed outside Ponting’s small but defined area, it was for him as the batter and an opportunity to score runs. It might be a single, a two, or a three. It could also be a boundary, but Ponting knew it was up to him to take advantage of the opportunity.
All the best Drew I hope this helps in some small way.
https://youtu.be/ByfRX-PZ_Rg?si=p7Uy9k5bm94-SIRV
answered
Q: Can you name your best cricket team from players whose first name starts with the letter E?
A: 1. Ed Cowan
2. Eddie Paynter
3. Eoin Morgan
4. Everton Weekes
5. Eddie Barlow
6. Eldine Baptiste
7. Edward Tylecote (wicket keeper)
8. Ernie Toshack
9. Ezra Moseley
10. Erapalli Prasanna
11. Eric Hollies
12th man - Eddie Hemmings
2. Eddie Paynter
3. Eoin Morgan
4. Everton Weekes
5. Eddie Barlow
6. Eldine Baptiste
7. Edward Tylecote (wicket keeper)
8. Ernie Toshack
9. Ezra Moseley
10. Erapalli Prasanna
11. Eric Hollies
12th man - Eddie Hemmings
question
Q: What does club cricket mean to you?
question
Q: Photo of the Armidale District Cricket Association Under 12 Cricket team that played an Under 12 team from New Zealand at Harris Park in 1978-79
Back Row - Dr Jim Irvine (Manager), Tony Ward, Stephen Perryman, Robert Pollard, Roger Monday, David Acton, Victor Crew, Anthony Marlin, David Watson, Bede Ryan (Manager)
Front Row – Doug Parberry, Michael McShane, Andy Irvine, Paul Ryan, Greg Johnson, David Munday, Andrew Martin, Stephen Thackaway
Back Row - Dr Jim Irvine (Manager), Tony Ward, Stephen Perryman, Robert Pollard, Roger Monday, David Acton, Victor Crew, Anthony Marlin, David Watson, Bede Ryan (Manager)
Front Row – Doug Parberry, Michael McShane, Andy Irvine, Paul Ryan, Greg Johnson, David Munday, Andrew Martin, Stephen Thackaway
answered
Q: After 5 scores below 10 at the end of the season what advice or strategies could people offer for me to work on during the off season.
I’m 17 and was batting 4 and I really want to be a lot more confident at the start of next season.
I’m 17 and was batting 4 and I really want to be a lot more confident at the start of next season.
A: Hi Nick,
I 100% agree with Wayne's terrific advice.
The fact you're asking the question in April is a great sign you want to improve. Just remember it's a long winter and you have plenty of time to rebuild your confidence before the start of next season.
If you're lucky to have your games streamed through frogbox or another service go back through your dismissals and see if you can identify any pattern and potential areas to improve. Don't also hesitate in going back to look at footage of the innings you did score runs. Positive reinforcement is a great tool to build confidence. If available video analysis is such a valuable resource to help identify the good parts of your batting and the areas you need to improve.
If you look for a coach, as Wayne quite rightly suggested, please make sure it is someone you trust and that they have your best interests at heart, not a conveyor belt coach.
Here's a link to a couple of videos with Ricky Ponting sharing terrific batting insights -
Most importantly, enjoy your training, enjoy finding ways to improve and scoring runs. Have fun Nick
I 100% agree with Wayne's terrific advice.
The fact you're asking the question in April is a great sign you want to improve. Just remember it's a long winter and you have plenty of time to rebuild your confidence before the start of next season.
If you're lucky to have your games streamed through frogbox or another service go back through your dismissals and see if you can identify any pattern and potential areas to improve. Don't also hesitate in going back to look at footage of the innings you did score runs. Positive reinforcement is a great tool to build confidence. If available video analysis is such a valuable resource to help identify the good parts of your batting and the areas you need to improve.
If you look for a coach, as Wayne quite rightly suggested, please make sure it is someone you trust and that they have your best interests at heart, not a conveyor belt coach.
Here's a link to a couple of videos with Ricky Ponting sharing terrific batting insights -
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2098/two-terrific-batting-masterclasses-involving-one-of-australias-greatest-ever-batters-ricky-ponting
Most importantly, enjoy your training, enjoy finding ways to improve and scoring runs. Have fun Nick
answered
Q: Is it okay for a cricket coach who coaches players privately to be allowed to coach or be a selector in a state pathways system or a cricket club's underage representative team?
A: A direct message received from a parent.
"Hi Paul
This practice is rampant on the North Shore in Sydney. Teams are well and truly selected before trials have commenced by influential private coaches. The more lessons a week the better your chances of selection."
"Hi Paul
This practice is rampant on the North Shore in Sydney. Teams are well and truly selected before trials have commenced by influential private coaches. The more lessons a week the better your chances of selection."
question
Q: Is it okay for a cricket coach who coaches players privately to be allowed to coach or be a selector in a state pathways system or a cricket club's underage representative team?
question
Q: Two terrific batting masterclasses involving one of Australia's greatest ever batters Ricky Ponting
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2098/two-terrific-batting-masterclasses-involving-one-of-australias-greatest-ever-batters-ricky-ponting
blog post
Legendary Australian batsman Ricky Ponting talks Michael Vaughan through his batting process and gives his advice to any aspiring young players. ...
question
Q: Cricket typically spans six months, from September to March, during which each club, team, and player must contend with factors such as player availability, weather, pitches, fast and slow outfields, and dropped catches.
What makes it undeniable to play semi final cricket and win premierships is the need to have a connected team with a strong work ethic who play good cricket with the bat, ball, on and the field.
It’s true that catches win matches, but it’s the bowlers who create the chances. Bowlers rely heavily on the batters to score the runs needed to win the game to capitalise on their good efforts when they bowl first and score enough runs to give the bowlers a target to bowl to when the team bats first.
What makes it undeniable to play semi final cricket and win premierships is the need to have a connected team with a strong work ethic who play good cricket with the bat, ball, on and the field.
It’s true that catches win matches, but it’s the bowlers who create the chances. Bowlers rely heavily on the batters to score the runs needed to win the game to capitalise on their good efforts when they bowl first and score enough runs to give the bowlers a target to bowl to when the team bats first.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2095/which-first-grade-team-had-the-most-individual-50-plus-scores-in-the-2023ndash24-nsw-premier-cricket-season
blog post
Winning premierships and making the semi finals in cricket is never easy.Cricket typically spans six months, from September to March, during which each club, team, and player must contend wi ...
question
Q: What's your IPF batting index?
If you know the number of innings you've played at any level and the number of scores above 50 you can calculate your Innings Per Fifty Batting Index.
Don Bradman played 338 test and first class innings and scored 117 centuries and 69 half centuries. 186 scores above above 50. 338 innings divided by 186 scores above 50 gives Bradman a IPF Batting Index of 1.82
Former South African Test batter Barry Richards played 576 test and first class innings and scored 80 centuries and 152 half centuries so his IFP Batting Index is 2.48.
Examples of other batters IPF in first class cricket
Sachin Tendulkar - 2.48
Ricky Ponting - 2.63
Jacques Kallis - 2.65
Graeme Pollock - 2.68. 437 test and first class innings
Steve Smith 2.70 currently
Mark Waugh - 2.76. 622 test and first class innings
Chris Rogers - 2.80
Kane Williamson - 2.81
Kumar Sangakkara - 2.87
Viv Richards 2.88 - played 796 test and first class innings
Matthew Hayden - 2.88
Brian Lara - 2.88
Damien Martyn - 2.93
Greg Chappell - 2.93. 542 test and first class innings
Allan Border - 2.95
Mike Hussey - 2.96
Joe Root - 2.97
Babar Azam - 2.98
Steve Waugh - 3.13
David Warner - 3.23
Virat Kohli - 3.23
Examples of existing first class players around Australia
Ollie Davies - 2.67. Has only played 16 first class innings
Marnuis Labuschagne - 3.14
Usman Khawaja - 3.22
Travis Head - 3.49
Peter Handscomb - 3.56
Daniel Hughes - 3.89
Nic Maddinson - 3.96
Cameron Green - 4.00
Marcus Harris - 4.01
Kurtis Patterson - 4.05
Nathan McSweeney - 4.21
Tim Ward - 4.31
Cameron Bancroft - 4.44
Matt Renshaw - 4.83
If you know the number of innings you've played at any level and the number of scores above 50 you can calculate your Innings Per Fifty Batting Index.
Don Bradman played 338 test and first class innings and scored 117 centuries and 69 half centuries. 186 scores above above 50. 338 innings divided by 186 scores above 50 gives Bradman a IPF Batting Index of 1.82
Former South African Test batter Barry Richards played 576 test and first class innings and scored 80 centuries and 152 half centuries so his IFP Batting Index is 2.48.
Examples of other batters IPF in first class cricket
Sachin Tendulkar - 2.48
Ricky Ponting - 2.63
Jacques Kallis - 2.65
Graeme Pollock - 2.68. 437 test and first class innings
Steve Smith 2.70 currently
Mark Waugh - 2.76. 622 test and first class innings
Chris Rogers - 2.80
Kane Williamson - 2.81
Kumar Sangakkara - 2.87
Viv Richards 2.88 - played 796 test and first class innings
Matthew Hayden - 2.88
Brian Lara - 2.88
Damien Martyn - 2.93
Greg Chappell - 2.93. 542 test and first class innings
Allan Border - 2.95
Mike Hussey - 2.96
Joe Root - 2.97
Babar Azam - 2.98
Steve Waugh - 3.13
David Warner - 3.23
Virat Kohli - 3.23
Examples of existing first class players around Australia
Ollie Davies - 2.67. Has only played 16 first class innings
Marnuis Labuschagne - 3.14
Usman Khawaja - 3.22
Travis Head - 3.49
Peter Handscomb - 3.56
Daniel Hughes - 3.89
Nic Maddinson - 3.96
Cameron Green - 4.00
Marcus Harris - 4.01
Kurtis Patterson - 4.05
Nathan McSweeney - 4.21
Tim Ward - 4.31
Cameron Bancroft - 4.44
Matt Renshaw - 4.83
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2088/how-regularly-do-you-need-to-be-scoring-50-or-more-runs
question
Q: Cricket is a statistical game, and while statistics don’t always paint the full picture, they’re a pretty good place to start.
Hundreds are the treasure, the gold nuggets we all strive for, but you can’t score a century without first passing 50 or worse, still sitting in the sheds watching your team mates out in the middle.
The very best in Australia since the 1990s has been Ricky Ponting, who scored 50 or more in every 2.63 innings of first-class cricket (including test innings).
Young Ollie Davies from NSW has only played 16 first innings but is a shining light, scoring 50 or more every 2.67 innings.
Hundreds are the treasure, the gold nuggets we all strive for, but you can’t score a century without first passing 50 or worse, still sitting in the sheds watching your team mates out in the middle.
The very best in Australia since the 1990s has been Ricky Ponting, who scored 50 or more in every 2.63 innings of first-class cricket (including test innings).
Young Ollie Davies from NSW has only played 16 first innings but is a shining light, scoring 50 or more every 2.67 innings.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2088/how-regularly-do-you-need-to-be-scoring-50-or-more-runs
blog post
The Australian 2023–24 cricket season is complete. For those with dreams and aspirations, I hope that over the next month or so, batters around the country at all levels can reflect on their seas ...
answered
Q: Can you name your best cricket team from players whose first name starts with the letter D?
A: From my time playing NSW Premier Cricket from 1986 to 2004
1. Darren Tucker
2. Daniel Smith
3. Dirk Wellham
4. Dominic Thornley
5. Dean Waugh
6. Dan Christian
7. Dale Turner
8. David Gilbert
9. David Freedman
10. David Chardon
11. Doug Bollinger
12th man - Danny Waugh
1. Darren Tucker
2. Daniel Smith
3. Dirk Wellham
4. Dominic Thornley
5. Dean Waugh
6. Dan Christian
7. Dale Turner
8. David Gilbert
9. David Freedman
10. David Chardon
11. Doug Bollinger
12th man - Danny Waugh
answered
Q: On Saturday I took a little drive into Birmingham to pick out a new cricket bat for the season (the 20 mile drive took me nearly two hours!) and it got me thinking......
I'm just a club cricketer but I'm very picky. I couldn't care less about the brand, all I'm bothered about is the feel of the bat, the way it picks up, is the sweet spot generous and slightly low on the blade as we tend to play on slow decks in Warwickshire.
I went to three different bat makers in Birmingham, the first place only had 10 bats to look at, none felt right, so onto the next place. It said it was open, but I turned up and it was shut, so third time was the charm. I met Abid at A7 Cricket, and I was with him for nearly two hours, I picked up at least 50 blades before falling in love with one particular bit of wood.
When I was younger and a better player I would get bats for free but now I'm older and sh*tter, I don't have that luxury. If I'm to spend £300+ on willow, I'm not doing this online and risk getting something that doesn't feel right.
In February, March & April why don't bat makers go on the road in a van and book appointments with clubs and players? If a bat maker booked in an appointment at my club (Kenilworth CC) at preseason training they would have access to 40 senior players and over 100 junior players, I have no doubt they would sell a good number of blades in one hit. Go one step further, could appointments be booked in for at home visits and the van is essentially a showroom? The batmaker could do visits in the evenings and weekends when customers are actually available..
Maker&Son do this with sofa's coming directly to your door and it works.
This is hardly the most innovative idea but I've never heard of a bat maker doing this, yes there would be overheads but if you used a free booking software tool such as Calendly or Square then plugged it into your website and socials you're off. The bat maker then just needs to market effectively to their local audience and do outbound calls/emails with local clubs, you could even offer the club a group discount if they purchase a minimum order of bats.
Anyways, this is a ramble but for all the cricket badgers out there, would you use this type of service....... 🤔
I'm just a club cricketer but I'm very picky. I couldn't care less about the brand, all I'm bothered about is the feel of the bat, the way it picks up, is the sweet spot generous and slightly low on the blade as we tend to play on slow decks in Warwickshire.
I went to three different bat makers in Birmingham, the first place only had 10 bats to look at, none felt right, so onto the next place. It said it was open, but I turned up and it was shut, so third time was the charm. I met Abid at A7 Cricket, and I was with him for nearly two hours, I picked up at least 50 blades before falling in love with one particular bit of wood.
When I was younger and a better player I would get bats for free but now I'm older and sh*tter, I don't have that luxury. If I'm to spend £300+ on willow, I'm not doing this online and risk getting something that doesn't feel right.
In February, March & April why don't bat makers go on the road in a van and book appointments with clubs and players? If a bat maker booked in an appointment at my club (Kenilworth CC) at preseason training they would have access to 40 senior players and over 100 junior players, I have no doubt they would sell a good number of blades in one hit. Go one step further, could appointments be booked in for at home visits and the van is essentially a showroom? The batmaker could do visits in the evenings and weekends when customers are actually available..
Maker&Son do this with sofa's coming directly to your door and it works.
This is hardly the most innovative idea but I've never heard of a bat maker doing this, yes there would be overheads but if you used a free booking software tool such as Calendly or Square then plugged it into your website and socials you're off. The bat maker then just needs to market effectively to their local audience and do outbound calls/emails with local clubs, you could even offer the club a group discount if they purchase a minimum order of bats.
Anyways, this is a ramble but for all the cricket badgers out there, would you use this type of service....... 🤔
A: Love this idea. Anyone who takes up the challenge is on a winner in my opinion. Thanks for sharing Stuart
answered
Q: Can you name your best cricket team from players whose first name starts with the letter D?
A: 1. David Warner
2. Desmond Haynes
3. Don Bradman
4. David Gower
5. Damien Martyn
6. Doug Walters
7. Daniel Vettori
8. Dale Steyn
9. Don Tallon
10. Dennis Lillee
11. Devon Malcolm
12th man - Danish Kaneria
2. Desmond Haynes
3. Don Bradman
4. David Gower
5. Damien Martyn
6. Doug Walters
7. Daniel Vettori
8. Dale Steyn
9. Don Tallon
10. Dennis Lillee
11. Devon Malcolm
12th man - Danish Kaneria
question
Q: The travelling scorer is happy in the Valley
When an elite sportsperson retires from their sport they’ll often say, “One of the things I’m most grateful for is that I got to travel the world and visit places I may not have otherwise been able to do. “
Would you consider a cricket scorer an elite athlete? Probably not but in the case of Pat Culpan, he scored cricket games at the elite level and travelled all over the world doing so.
Pat Culpan is the Executive Chairman and Life Member of Valley Cricket Club and has been the first-grade scorer for 23 years seasons. Pat started with Valley in 2000-01 and as a scorer and volunteer the game that has taken him all over the world.
When an elite sportsperson retires from their sport they’ll often say, “One of the things I’m most grateful for is that I got to travel the world and visit places I may not have otherwise been able to do. “
Would you consider a cricket scorer an elite athlete? Probably not but in the case of Pat Culpan, he scored cricket games at the elite level and travelled all over the world doing so.
Pat Culpan is the Executive Chairman and Life Member of Valley Cricket Club and has been the first-grade scorer for 23 years seasons. Pat started with Valley in 2000-01 and as a scorer and volunteer the game that has taken him all over the world.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1083/the-travelling-scorer-is-happy-in-the-valley
answered
Q: Can you name your best cricket team from players whose first name starts with the letter B?
A: Team from my time playing NSW Premier Cricket 1986-2004
1. Brett Van Diensen
2. Brett Williams
3. Brian Wood
4. Brad McNamara
5. Ben Rohrer
6. Brad Haddin
7. Brett Patman
8. Brett Lee
9. Brendan Hill
10. Brad Guthrie
11. Ben Sawyer
12th man - Ben Saunders
1. Brett Van Diensen
2. Brett Williams
3. Brian Wood
4. Brad McNamara
5. Ben Rohrer
6. Brad Haddin
7. Brett Patman
8. Brett Lee
9. Brendan Hill
10. Brad Guthrie
11. Ben Sawyer
12th man - Ben Saunders
answered
Q: Can you name your best cricket team from players whose first name starts with the letter C?
A: 1. Chris Gayle
2. Charles Bannerman
3. Colin Cowdrey
4. Clyde Walcott
5. Clive Lloyd
6. Colin Bland
7. Chris Hartley
8. Craig McDermott
9. Curtly Ambrose
10. Courtney Walsh
11. Clarrie Grimmett
12th man - Charlie Macartney
2. Charles Bannerman
3. Colin Cowdrey
4. Clyde Walcott
5. Clive Lloyd
6. Colin Bland
7. Chris Hartley
8. Craig McDermott
9. Curtly Ambrose
10. Courtney Walsh
11. Clarrie Grimmett
12th man - Charlie Macartney
question
Q: New South Wales cricket team managed by Jack Chegwyn played NSW Far North Coast in Lismore in November 1953.
The NSW team pictured included in batting order Ron Briggs, Arthur Morris, Ian Craig, Jim de Courcy, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, Bob Simpson, Ray Lindwall, Arthur Fagan, Geoff Trueman, John Clark and Jim Burke was 12th man.
The NSW team pictured included in batting order Ron Briggs, Arthur Morris, Ian Craig, Jim de Courcy, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, Bob Simpson, Ray Lindwall, Arthur Fagan, Geoff Trueman, John Clark and Jim Burke was 12th man.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2077/nsw-cricket-team-v-nsw-far-north-coast-in-lismore-in-1953
blog post
New South Wales cricket team managed by Jack Chegwyn played NSW Far North Coast in Lismore in November 1953.The NSW team pictured included in batting order Ron Briggs, Arthur Morris, Ian Cra ...
question
Q: I was talking to a mate who’s also a level 3 cricket coach, and he shared a batting tip I hadn’t thought of or heard before.
“People talk about the importance of a batter’s weight and hands moving through towards where they want to hit the ball when driving, and they’re correct. Another way to look at it is to keep it really simple and ask the batter to focus on making sure the toe of the bat is heading towards where you want to hit the ball.”
I like it.
“People talk about the importance of a batter’s weight and hands moving through towards where they want to hit the ball when driving, and they’re correct. Another way to look at it is to keep it really simple and ask the batter to focus on making sure the toe of the bat is heading towards where you want to hit the ball.”
I like it.
question
Q: Mike Whitney talks about former Australian cricket coach Bob Simpson and his effect on Australian cricket on @HowsThat-ThePodcast
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/video/25/mike-whitney-on-former-australian-cricket-coach-bob-simpson-and-his-effect-on-australian-cricket
answered
Q: Can you name your best cricket team from players whose first name starts with the letter B?
A: 1. Bob Simpson
2. Barry Richards
3. Bob Cowper
4. Brian Lara
5. Babar Azam
6. Ben Stokes
7. Brad Haddin
8. Brett Lee
9. Brian Statham
10. Bob Willis
11. Bishen Bedi
12th man Bhagnath Chandrasekhar
2. Barry Richards
3. Bob Cowper
4. Brian Lara
5. Babar Azam
6. Ben Stokes
7. Brad Haddin
8. Brett Lee
9. Brian Statham
10. Bob Willis
11. Bishen Bedi
12th man Bhagnath Chandrasekhar
answered
Q: Can you name your best cricket team from players whose first name starts with the letter A?
A: I thought it’d be interesting to also pick a team from my time playing Sydney Grade Cricket from 1986 to 2004.
1. Andrew Sainsbury
2. Anthony McQuire
3. Aaron O’Brien
4. Adam Gilchrist
5. Anthony Clarke
6. Andrew Millican
7. Adrian Tucker
8. Anthony Kershler
9. Adam Warren
10. Anthony Stuart
11. Andrew Jones
12th man – Anthony Clark
1. Andrew Sainsbury
2. Anthony McQuire
3. Aaron O’Brien
4. Adam Gilchrist
5. Anthony Clarke
6. Andrew Millican
7. Adrian Tucker
8. Anthony Kershler
9. Adam Warren
10. Anthony Stuart
11. Andrew Jones
12th man – Anthony Clark
answered
Q: Can you name your best cricket team from players whose first name starts with the letter A?
A: 1. Alistair Cook
2. Arthur Morris
3. Archie Jackson
4. Allan Border
5. AB de Villiers
6. Andrew Symonds
7. Adam Gilchrist
8. Alan Davidson
9. Anil Kumble
10. Andy Roberts
11. Allan Donald
12th man - Andy Bichel
2. Arthur Morris
3. Archie Jackson
4. Allan Border
5. AB de Villiers
6. Andrew Symonds
7. Adam Gilchrist
8. Alan Davidson
9. Anil Kumble
10. Andy Roberts
11. Allan Donald
12th man - Andy Bichel
answered
Q: First class cricket families in Australia.
Here’s a list we’ve compiled of the father and sons/daughters who have played first class cricket in Australia.
We may well have missed a few more so please if you know of other father and sons/daughters who've played first class cricket in Australian please share in the answers below.
Geoff Marsh - father (WA)
Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh - sons (WA)
Peter Faulkner - father (Tasmania)
James Faulkner - son (Tasmania)
Sam Trimble - father (Qld)
Glenn Trimble - son (Qld)
Terry MacGill - father (WA)
Stuart MacGill - son (WA and NSW)
Ian Brayshaw - father (WA)
James Brayshaw - son (WA and Sth A)
Rod Marsh - father (WA)
Dan Marsh - son (Sth A and Tas)
Norm O’Neill - father (NSW)
Mark O’Neill - son (WA and NSW)
Alec Marks - father (NSW)
Neil Marks - son (NSW)
James Sutherland - father (Vic)
Will Sutherland - son and Annabelle Sutherland - daughter (Vic)
Craig McDermott - father (Qld)
Alistair McDermott - son (Qld) and Ben McDermott - son (Qld and Tas)
Darren Lehmann - father (Sth A and VIC)
Jake Lehmann - son (Sth A)
Wayne Broad - father (Qld)
Ryan Broad - son (Qld)
Steve Nikitaras - father (NSW and WA)
Blake Nikitaras - son (NSW)
Ned Gregory – father (NSW)
Syd Gregory – son (NSW)
Trevor Laughlin- father (Vic)
Ben Laughlin - son (Qld and Tas)
Richard Stobo - father (NSW)
Charlie Stobo - son (NSW and WA)
John Rogers - father (NSW)
Chris Rogers - son (WA and VIC)
Bruce Doolan - father (Tas)
Alex Doolan - son (Tas)
Len Maddocks - father ((Tas and VIC)
Ian Maddocks - son (Vic)
Bob Blewett - father (Sth A)
Greg Blewett - son (Sth A)
Jeff Hammond - father (Sth A)
Ashley Hammond - son (Sth A)
Dean Sayers - father (Sth A)
Chadd Sayers - son (Sth A)
Murray Goodwin - father (WA)
Jayden Goodwin - son (WA)
Here’s a list we’ve compiled of the father and sons/daughters who have played first class cricket in Australia.
We may well have missed a few more so please if you know of other father and sons/daughters who've played first class cricket in Australian please share in the answers below.
Geoff Marsh - father (WA)
Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh - sons (WA)
Peter Faulkner - father (Tasmania)
James Faulkner - son (Tasmania)
Sam Trimble - father (Qld)
Glenn Trimble - son (Qld)
Terry MacGill - father (WA)
Stuart MacGill - son (WA and NSW)
Ian Brayshaw - father (WA)
James Brayshaw - son (WA and Sth A)
Rod Marsh - father (WA)
Dan Marsh - son (Sth A and Tas)
Norm O’Neill - father (NSW)
Mark O’Neill - son (WA and NSW)
Alec Marks - father (NSW)
Neil Marks - son (NSW)
James Sutherland - father (Vic)
Will Sutherland - son and Annabelle Sutherland - daughter (Vic)
Craig McDermott - father (Qld)
Alistair McDermott - son (Qld) and Ben McDermott - son (Qld and Tas)
Darren Lehmann - father (Sth A and VIC)
Jake Lehmann - son (Sth A)
Wayne Broad - father (Qld)
Ryan Broad - son (Qld)
Steve Nikitaras - father (NSW and WA)
Blake Nikitaras - son (NSW)
Ned Gregory – father (NSW)
Syd Gregory – son (NSW)
Trevor Laughlin- father (Vic)
Ben Laughlin - son (Qld and Tas)
Richard Stobo - father (NSW)
Charlie Stobo - son (NSW and WA)
John Rogers - father (NSW)
Chris Rogers - son (WA and VIC)
Bruce Doolan - father (Tas)
Alex Doolan - son (Tas)
Len Maddocks - father ((Tas and VIC)
Ian Maddocks - son (Vic)
Bob Blewett - father (Sth A)
Greg Blewett - son (Sth A)
Jeff Hammond - father (Sth A)
Ashley Hammond - son (Sth A)
Dean Sayers - father (Sth A)
Chadd Sayers - son (Sth A)
Murray Goodwin - father (WA)
Jayden Goodwin - son (WA)
A: Scott Prestwidge – father (Qld)
Jack Prestwidge – son (Vic)
Georgia Prestwidge – daughter (Vic)
Will Prestwidge – son (Qld)
Jack Prestwidge – son (Vic)
Georgia Prestwidge – daughter (Vic)
Will Prestwidge – son (Qld)
question
Q: Congratulations to Manly Warringah District Cricket for winning the Club Championship in both the Men’s and Women’s NSW Premier Cricket 2023-24 season. A terrific effort by all involved on and off the field.
To win the men’s club championship by 232 is quite incredible.
The points awarded for the Club Championships are a multiple of the points gained from each game in all 5 grades plus the Poidevin Gray and Green Shield games.
First Grade – the points from each game multiplied by 6.
Second Grade – multiplied by 5.
Third Grade – multiplied by 4.
Fouth Grade – multiplied by 3.
Fifth Grade – multiplied by 2.
Poidevin Gray – multiplied by 4.
Green Shield – multiplied by 2.
As you can see the higher grades receive more points, so I wanted to dig a little deeper to establish how dominate Manly have been across the 5 grades in the preliminary rounds of the 2023-24.
In the 5 Grades, not including the First Grade T20, Poidevin Gray and Green Shield competitions, Manly have played 79 games and won 60 with a winning percentage of 75.9%.
The next best is St George District Cricket club winning 54 games with a winning percentage of 68.3%.
Here are the number of wins for each club in 2023-24 in the 5 grades in Men’s NSW Premier Cricket
Manly – 60
St George – 54
Parramatta 52
NDs - 50
Wests - 47
Sydney Uni - 46
Easts - 44
Gordon - 42
Bankstown- 42
North Sydney - 38
Sutherland- 34
Penrith - 31
UNSW - 28
Campbelltown- 27
Sydney - 26
Fairfield - 25
Randwick Petersham - 25
Mosman - 25
Blacktown- 21
Hawkesbury- 14
It’s worth noting Manly won the Green Shield Premiership and finished on top of Pool A in the Poidevin Gray competition but lost to Randwick Petersham in the quarter final.
A mighty season by Manly, the benchmark for all to consider and reflect on.
Best wishes to all teams in the 5 grades who have made the semi-finals. Semi-finals and finals cricket is so much more fun, so enjoy and embrace the challenge and opportunities.
To win the men’s club championship by 232 is quite incredible.
The points awarded for the Club Championships are a multiple of the points gained from each game in all 5 grades plus the Poidevin Gray and Green Shield games.
First Grade – the points from each game multiplied by 6.
Second Grade – multiplied by 5.
Third Grade – multiplied by 4.
Fouth Grade – multiplied by 3.
Fifth Grade – multiplied by 2.
Poidevin Gray – multiplied by 4.
Green Shield – multiplied by 2.
As you can see the higher grades receive more points, so I wanted to dig a little deeper to establish how dominate Manly have been across the 5 grades in the preliminary rounds of the 2023-24.
In the 5 Grades, not including the First Grade T20, Poidevin Gray and Green Shield competitions, Manly have played 79 games and won 60 with a winning percentage of 75.9%.
The next best is St George District Cricket club winning 54 games with a winning percentage of 68.3%.
Here are the number of wins for each club in 2023-24 in the 5 grades in Men’s NSW Premier Cricket
Manly – 60
St George – 54
Parramatta 52
NDs - 50
Wests - 47
Sydney Uni - 46
Easts - 44
Gordon - 42
Bankstown- 42
North Sydney - 38
Sutherland- 34
Penrith - 31
UNSW - 28
Campbelltown- 27
Sydney - 26
Fairfield - 25
Randwick Petersham - 25
Mosman - 25
Blacktown- 21
Hawkesbury- 14
It’s worth noting Manly won the Green Shield Premiership and finished on top of Pool A in the Poidevin Gray competition but lost to Randwick Petersham in the quarter final.
A mighty season by Manly, the benchmark for all to consider and reflect on.
Best wishes to all teams in the 5 grades who have made the semi-finals. Semi-finals and finals cricket is so much more fun, so enjoy and embrace the challenge and opportunities.
question
Q: Photo and scorecard of the NSW Under 19 cricket team that played India Youth in a 2 day game in November 1986
Back Row – Jack Wilson (Manager), Andrew Fitzhenry, Nigel Brooks, Brett Williams, Paul Calvert, Ross Toohey, Ted Cotton (Coach)
Front Row – Adrian Tucker, Chris Fox, Garry Lovett (Vice Captain), Paul Ryan (Captain), Scott Prestwidge, Wayne Holdsworth, Rodney Davison
2 day game - 8, 9 November 1986 at North Sydney Oval
Back Row – Jack Wilson (Manager), Andrew Fitzhenry, Nigel Brooks, Brett Williams, Paul Calvert, Ross Toohey, Ted Cotton (Coach)
Front Row – Adrian Tucker, Chris Fox, Garry Lovett (Vice Captain), Paul Ryan (Captain), Scott Prestwidge, Wayne Holdsworth, Rodney Davison
2 day game - 8, 9 November 1986 at North Sydney Oval
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2033/nsw-under-19-cricket-team-v-india-youth-november-1986
blog post
Back Row – Jack Wilson (Manager), Andrew Fitzhenry, Nigel Brooks, Brett Williams, Paul Calvert, Ross Toohey, Ted Cotton (Coach)Front Row – Adrian Tucker, Chris Fox, Garry Lovett (Vice Ca ...
question
Q: For many years, I’ve had the good fortune of speaking to several University of New South Wales cricketers who played under the leadership of John Rogers.
John was the captain of the UNSW first grade team when they won the first-grade premiership in Sydney Grade Cricket for the first time in 1976–77.
To this day, the players speak so highly of John Rogers. These men are now in their 60s, yet the reverence and esteem they hold for John is wonderful and inspiring.
Since the moment I met John many years ago at a Sydney test match surrounded by four of his UNSW players, I’ve wanted to know more about his captaincy and leadership.
In response to a request, Chris Chapman wrote this about John Rogers:
John was the captain of the UNSW first grade team when they won the first-grade premiership in Sydney Grade Cricket for the first time in 1976–77.
To this day, the players speak so highly of John Rogers. These men are now in their 60s, yet the reverence and esteem they hold for John is wonderful and inspiring.
Since the moment I met John many years ago at a Sydney test match surrounded by four of his UNSW players, I’ve wanted to know more about his captaincy and leadership.
In response to a request, Chris Chapman wrote this about John Rogers:
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2032/the-captaincy-skills-of-john-rogers
blog post
Chris Chapman has some experience of leadership. He headed up the construction of the Sydney Olympic Stadium; he’s been CEO of the Seven Network and of the O ...
answered
Q: Who is the one player from Sydney Grade Cricket who played between 1980 and 2000 you’d want as the first player selected if you had the opportunity to start your own NSW Premier first grade cricket team?
A: Gary Bensley. Terrific allrounder and a great leader to kick start a new team. Benso, closely followed by Phil Marks and Scott Thompson
question
Q: Gavin Fitness a stalwart of Queensland Premier Cricket played 25 seasons of First Grade after making his debut as an 18-year-old in 1986.
Being a wicket keeper in Queensland in an era with the likes of Peter Anderson, Ian Healy, Peter Drinnen and Wade Seccombe was tough but Gavin was resolute in his desire.
He played 3 Sheffield Shield games for Queensland and was desperately unlucky not to be keeping in the final when Queensland won their first ever Shield in 1994/95 after Wade Seccombe return from injury.
Gavin is a premiership winning player and highly regarded by his peers.
Being a wicket keeper in Queensland in an era with the likes of Peter Anderson, Ian Healy, Peter Drinnen and Wade Seccombe was tough but Gavin was resolute in his desire.
He played 3 Sheffield Shield games for Queensland and was desperately unlucky not to be keeping in the final when Queensland won their first ever Shield in 1994/95 after Wade Seccombe return from injury.
Gavin is a premiership winning player and highly regarded by his peers.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1991/gavin-fitness-always-be-ready
blog post
Gavin Fitness a stalwart of Queensland Premier Cricket played 25 seasons of First Grade after making his debut as an 18-year-old in 1986.Being a wicket keeper in Queensland in an era with th ...
answered
Q: Who is the one player from Brisbane Grade Cricket who played between 1980 and 2000 you’d want as the first player selected if you had the opportunity to start your own Queensland Premier first grade cricket team?
A: From afar I'd choose Peter Clifford, he's a winner
answered
Q: Who is the player you'd consider the most influential player in the Australian Men's Test cricket team from 2000 to 2009?
A: Adam Gilchrist - changed the game as a wicket keeper batter
answered
Q: Vale Jack Trestrail
Sadly, Jack Trestrail (#303) has passed away in Brisbane, gradually leaving us after being subdued by dementia for sometime.
Tressy was a fine cricketer, making a name for himself in the Ex Services sides of the second half of the 1960's. Just to get a game for that team was an achievement as they were among the strongest club teams Armidale has seen. Earlier, he had been in the Easts stable.
Jack played the first of his 10 seasons with Waratahs in 1975 and was a handy allrounder in A grade until he made the move to A-Res grade in 1980, as a cornerstone of the legendary Waratahs Vets for two seasons. Not to leave it at that, when the Vets concept ended, he took his place with distinction in 2nd grade, making nearly 1,400 runs at 41 with 4 hundreds over the next three seasons before retirement. In all, he made 2,459 runs@27, took 124 wickets@17 and held 44 catches.
Club members will remember him for different reasons. Andrew Davis remembers the part Jack played in his foremost personal highlight at Waratahs, a 2nd grade 5th wicket record partnership of 142 v TAS in November of 1983, when his batting partner made 111 of his 530 runs that season. His 3rd grade Vets team mates would remember Tressy and Brian Joice opening the bowling and both bowling unchanged through two innings of a semi final v Churches and not content with rolling them for 91 & 74 - his own contribution 6-48 & 3-29 of nearly 30 overs for the weekend), then guiding the side home with a steady 39 not out as Waratahs scored 9-97 and won by just the one wicket. His players will recall his captaincy in 2nds was all positivity and encouragement. Others remember his kindness away from the field, as a rare businessman in the financial sector with a heart.
He was a bloke who loved to compete and he could be fierce in a scrap, one that you'd rather have on your side but he also loved to play the game for the fun which came from playing with his mates ... and of course, stirring the opposition!
Its ironic, that while in the end he had trouble remembering, he's a Tah we won't ever forget.
Sadly, Jack Trestrail (#303) has passed away in Brisbane, gradually leaving us after being subdued by dementia for sometime.
Tressy was a fine cricketer, making a name for himself in the Ex Services sides of the second half of the 1960's. Just to get a game for that team was an achievement as they were among the strongest club teams Armidale has seen. Earlier, he had been in the Easts stable.
Jack played the first of his 10 seasons with Waratahs in 1975 and was a handy allrounder in A grade until he made the move to A-Res grade in 1980, as a cornerstone of the legendary Waratahs Vets for two seasons. Not to leave it at that, when the Vets concept ended, he took his place with distinction in 2nd grade, making nearly 1,400 runs at 41 with 4 hundreds over the next three seasons before retirement. In all, he made 2,459 runs@27, took 124 wickets@17 and held 44 catches.
Club members will remember him for different reasons. Andrew Davis remembers the part Jack played in his foremost personal highlight at Waratahs, a 2nd grade 5th wicket record partnership of 142 v TAS in November of 1983, when his batting partner made 111 of his 530 runs that season. His 3rd grade Vets team mates would remember Tressy and Brian Joice opening the bowling and both bowling unchanged through two innings of a semi final v Churches and not content with rolling them for 91 & 74 - his own contribution 6-48 & 3-29 of nearly 30 overs for the weekend), then guiding the side home with a steady 39 not out as Waratahs scored 9-97 and won by just the one wicket. His players will recall his captaincy in 2nds was all positivity and encouragement. Others remember his kindness away from the field, as a rare businessman in the financial sector with a heart.
He was a bloke who loved to compete and he could be fierce in a scrap, one that you'd rather have on your side but he also loved to play the game for the fun which came from playing with his mates ... and of course, stirring the opposition!
Its ironic, that while in the end he had trouble remembering, he's a Tah we won't ever forget.
A: Very sad. I remember Jack's booming voice and a big smile as a youngster growing up around the cricket fields in Armidale.
My condolences to the family.
My condolences to the family.
question
Q: Why is this not out?
When a bowler bowls the ball, they become a fielder and when Stobo throws the ball Chis Green is out of his crease.
The batter is not allowed to obstruct a bowler or fielder attempting a run out.
What if Chris Green played the ball to short cover and the cover fielder picked the ball up and threw it towards the stumps. If Chris Green attempted to stop the ball with the bat or any part of his body, he would’ve been given out obstructing the field.
What’s the difference?
Source - Foxsports
When a bowler bowls the ball, they become a fielder and when Stobo throws the ball Chis Green is out of his crease.
The batter is not allowed to obstruct a bowler or fielder attempting a run out.
What if Chris Green played the ball to short cover and the cover fielder picked the ball up and threw it towards the stumps. If Chris Green attempted to stop the ball with the bat or any part of his body, he would’ve been given out obstructing the field.
What’s the difference?
Source - Foxsports
https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/domestic-cricket/sheffield-shield/dont-stoop-to-this-wa-wants-answers-amid-shield-drama-as-nsw-star-plays-ball-twice/news-story/3bcecbbcbb05ba5adf6ae7d344ca4565?fbclid=IwAR24-N4PF-HGlyYbpqpFieH83XqTMLD3DBg9en4PgwSw9O5OShidiATxhJg
answered
Q: There’s potential in Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris for sure.
If Mitch Marsh is not going to bowl much, be possibly needs to be given more responsibility to bat higher at No. 4 with Green slotted back into No. 6 as the all-rounder.
I reckon we’ve missed a trick with not rotating the bowlers at all recently. (Boland, Neser, Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff, etc. will all be past their best when the next opportunity knocks.
Also, we could have been smarter in re-selecting Bancroft and/or Renshaw earlier, particularly in England where Warner generally struggled against Stuart Broad.
There may come a time when the current Australian players have played on too long and retire at the same time. I think we’re close to possibly becoming Dad’s Army and losing an Ashes series at home to England in 2025/26, simply because they will be younger and at their peak and/or we have a new generation of players in the team that are inexperienced.
If Mitch Marsh is not going to bowl much, be possibly needs to be given more responsibility to bat higher at No. 4 with Green slotted back into No. 6 as the all-rounder.
I reckon we’ve missed a trick with not rotating the bowlers at all recently. (Boland, Neser, Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff, etc. will all be past their best when the next opportunity knocks.
Also, we could have been smarter in re-selecting Bancroft and/or Renshaw earlier, particularly in England where Warner generally struggled against Stuart Broad.
There may come a time when the current Australian players have played on too long and retire at the same time. I think we’re close to possibly becoming Dad’s Army and losing an Ashes series at home to England in 2025/26, simply because they will be younger and at their peak and/or we have a new generation of players in the team that are inexperienced.
A: You raise some excellent points Rod.
I had a look at the England team and the majority of their players are coming into their prime and will be for the 2025/26 Ashes. The same for India next summer.
It’s very hard to be critical of a team that just retained the Ashes, won the Test World Championship and the One Day World Cup. Australia has had a great year.
However, I do hope the coaches, selectors and management take a deeper look into the team/squad because if England’s wicket keeper in the first two Ashes took the catches and the Pakistan team did the same, things might have been a whole lot different in terms of both series.
I’m not sure Marsh should be batting higher than 6. He’s a such an attacking batter and coming in at 2 for 20 will he take on the responsibility to knuckle down. If Green remains at 4 and is a project player, he needs to be given an opportunity to learn from Smith and Khawaja about building an innings. But he does need to be scoring big run more regularly.
My big concern is who are the players next in line?
After 6 Sheffield Shield games in 2023-24 only 5 of the top 10 run scorers are averaging more than 40.
NSW only has one top order batter averaging more than 28 in 2023-24.
It’ll be fascinating to see the make up of the first test team for the next Ashes series.
I had a look at the England team and the majority of their players are coming into their prime and will be for the 2025/26 Ashes. The same for India next summer.
It’s very hard to be critical of a team that just retained the Ashes, won the Test World Championship and the One Day World Cup. Australia has had a great year.
However, I do hope the coaches, selectors and management take a deeper look into the team/squad because if England’s wicket keeper in the first two Ashes took the catches and the Pakistan team did the same, things might have been a whole lot different in terms of both series.
I’m not sure Marsh should be batting higher than 6. He’s a such an attacking batter and coming in at 2 for 20 will he take on the responsibility to knuckle down. If Green remains at 4 and is a project player, he needs to be given an opportunity to learn from Smith and Khawaja about building an innings. But he does need to be scoring big run more regularly.
My big concern is who are the players next in line?
After 6 Sheffield Shield games in 2023-24 only 5 of the top 10 run scorers are averaging more than 40.
NSW only has one top order batter averaging more than 28 in 2023-24.
It’ll be fascinating to see the make up of the first test team for the next Ashes series.
question
Q: Bob Simpson, who was a major force in the success of Australian cricket in the late 1980s and 1990s, used to say to a young group of players at Western Suburbs many years ago that a second-grade batter is only eight consecutive hundred away from playing Test cricket for Australia.
Simpson created hope by sharing two consecutive hundreds in 2nd grade, which should warrant a promotion to first grade. 3 consecutive first grade hundreds would bring you into calculations for NSW, and if you followed it up with 3 consecutive hundreds in first class cricket, you could be selected to make your debut for Australia in Test cricket.
It’s never been done, but gee, I’d love the theory to be tested. You never know how any player will perform until they are given an opportunity.
Can NSW Selectors ignore the form of Gordon District Cricket Club first grade captain Tym Crawford?
Tym has scored over 6,000 first grade runs and is only 30 years of age and look at his six innings for Gordon in NSW Premier Cricket.
• 101 off 116 balls in Round 7 vs. UTS North Sydney
• 205 off 140 balls in Round 8 vs. Penrith.
• 119 off 92 balls in Round 9 vs. Northern District.
• 48 off 42 balls in Round 10 vs. Sydney
• 164 off 121 balls in Round 11 vs. Sydney University
• 94 off 113 balls in Round 12 vs. Mosman
He’s in form and has created the currency of performances we’ve been assured are most worthy.
Simpson created hope by sharing two consecutive hundreds in 2nd grade, which should warrant a promotion to first grade. 3 consecutive first grade hundreds would bring you into calculations for NSW, and if you followed it up with 3 consecutive hundreds in first class cricket, you could be selected to make your debut for Australia in Test cricket.
It’s never been done, but gee, I’d love the theory to be tested. You never know how any player will perform until they are given an opportunity.
Can NSW Selectors ignore the form of Gordon District Cricket Club first grade captain Tym Crawford?
Tym has scored over 6,000 first grade runs and is only 30 years of age and look at his six innings for Gordon in NSW Premier Cricket.
• 101 off 116 balls in Round 7 vs. UTS North Sydney
• 205 off 140 balls in Round 8 vs. Penrith.
• 119 off 92 balls in Round 9 vs. Northern District.
• 48 off 42 balls in Round 10 vs. Sydney
• 164 off 121 balls in Round 11 vs. Sydney University
• 94 off 113 balls in Round 12 vs. Mosman
He’s in form and has created the currency of performances we’ve been assured are most worthy.
question
Q: John Dunk is a well-known and highly respected member of the cricket and business community across the regional and rural communities of New South Wales.
He’s a farmer, Insurance broker and continues to have a lifelong love of cricket. He’s travelled to just about every corner of NSW to play the game and played grade cricket in Sydney for Western Suburbs.
John made his debut for Western Suburbs in 4th grade during the 1969-70 season. It didn’t take long for John to impress when he took 8 for 44 in a game and for the two seasons 1969-70 and 1970-71 John played at Wests he played in 4th grade, 3rd Grade, and 2nd grade. He scored 349 runs and took 57 wickets at an incredible average of 10.09.
John opened the bowling in the Poidevin Gray Under 21 competition with Western Suburbs first grade opening bowler Gary Gilmour who went on to play first class cricket for NSW and Test Cricket for Australia.
He’s a farmer, Insurance broker and continues to have a lifelong love of cricket. He’s travelled to just about every corner of NSW to play the game and played grade cricket in Sydney for Western Suburbs.
John made his debut for Western Suburbs in 4th grade during the 1969-70 season. It didn’t take long for John to impress when he took 8 for 44 in a game and for the two seasons 1969-70 and 1970-71 John played at Wests he played in 4th grade, 3rd Grade, and 2nd grade. He scored 349 runs and took 57 wickets at an incredible average of 10.09.
John opened the bowling in the Poidevin Gray Under 21 competition with Western Suburbs first grade opening bowler Gary Gilmour who went on to play first class cricket for NSW and Test Cricket for Australia.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1950/john-dunk-have-fun-and-play-to-your-ability
blog post
John Dunk is a well-known and highly respected member of the cricket and business community across the regional and rural communities of New South Wales.He’s a farmer, Insurance broker and ...
question
Q: Phil Gould played 103 NRL games for Penrith, Newtown, Canterbury Bulldogs and South Sydney. He coached Canterbury Bankstown, Penrith and Sydney Roosters winning premierships at both the Bulldogs and the Panthers.
He coached the NSW State of Origin team to 5 series wins over Queensland. 24 games as the Blues coach, winning 15 games.
Phil is a long time media commentator with Nine Entertainment and continues to be a powerful influence and inspiration across the game he loves.
He is also a passionate cricket fan
He coached the NSW State of Origin team to 5 series wins over Queensland. 24 games as the Blues coach, winning 15 games.
Phil is a long time media commentator with Nine Entertainment and continues to be a powerful influence and inspiration across the game he loves.
He is also a passionate cricket fan
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/380/phil-gould-quotdoug-walters-was-my-favouritequot
answered
Q: Saturday was an historic one for Sydney 1st Grade cricket. When Anthony Sams held a sharp leg-side catch for Randwick Petersham in the clash against Manly-Warringah at Manly Oval, he wrote his name into the history books of Sydney Grade Cricket/NSW Premier Cricket. That snare gave him a career total of 500 1st Grade wicketkeeping dismissals–only the second player to achieve the feat since the competition began in 1893 and the first in 68 years. The only wicketkeeper to reach such a remarkable milestone prior to Saturday, was Ernie Laidler who played with St George between 1928 and 1958 and brought up the number towards the end of the 1955-56 season. Anthony’s 500 dismissals comprise 448 catches and 52 dismissals and include 5 catches to took with Bankstown before joining Randwick Petersham in 2010-11. He currently has 495 dismissals with the club.
And to make the day a more memorable one for the brilliant wicketkeeper-batsman, just hours before achieving his historic milestone, he scored his 13th century for Randwick Petersham. Coming in to bat with the score a precarious 3-5, he was the sixth batter out at 188 having scored 103 from 150 balls with 12 fours and a six. It was a simply outstanding performance by any measure.
And to make the day a more memorable one for the brilliant wicketkeeper-batsman, just hours before achieving his historic milestone, he scored his 13th century for Randwick Petersham. Coming in to bat with the score a precarious 3-5, he was the sixth batter out at 188 having scored 103 from 150 balls with 12 fours and a six. It was a simply outstanding performance by any measure.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/258/randwick-petersham-cricket-club/blog/1938/anthony-sams-creates-history-after-taking-his-500th-first-grade-wicketkeeping-dismissal
A: Congratulations Anthony, a terrific achievement. Keep on keeping on
answered
Q: At St George District Cricket Club in September 2022 Centenary of First Grade Dinner, one of the greats of our club Jon Jobson was inducted into the St George DCC Hall Of Fame. Unfortunately, Jon was unable to attend the function but team mate and friend Paul Bourke accepted the honour on his behalf.
Here is what Paul had to say on Jon Jobson
Jon Jobson, known as Jobbo, joined St George at the beginning of the 1974/75 season. He was a 17 year old Taree schoolboy and was immediately selected in First Grade as Cap Number 251. His first three innings of duck, duck, and 7 meant he was almost known as “007 Jobbo”.
By the time he retired from First Grade Jon had scored 5950 runs at over 30 to be the sixth highest First Grade run scorer for the Club.
His maiden century occurred during a 211 run partnership with Brian Booth vs Nth Sydney when scored Brian scored his 23rd century. Jon’s top score of 194 not out was against a pretty good Waverley attack led by Tony Greig and David Hourn, and only ended when rain washed out play about an hour before stumps.
Jon was a very determined top order bat and a forceful stroke player. He often thrived under pressure situations.
Jon was named in the Teams of the Decade for both the 1970s and 1980s, and captained teams to Premierships in PGs and First Grade. He also coached the Green Shield team to two Premierships and winners of the State Challenge.
Furthermore, he gave over 20 years of outstanding service as President then CEO of the Club.
Jobbo has a made a huge contribution to St George over many years and richly deserves this recognition in the Hall of Fame.
He now lives in Tasmania and unfortunately was not able to attend tonight. I recently spoke to Jon, who is greatly honoured to receive this award, as the Hall of Fame includes so many outstanding players.
As his friend and former teammate, I am very pleased to accept this award on his behalf.
Paul Bourke Cap No 246.
Here is what Paul had to say on Jon Jobson
Jon Jobson, known as Jobbo, joined St George at the beginning of the 1974/75 season. He was a 17 year old Taree schoolboy and was immediately selected in First Grade as Cap Number 251. His first three innings of duck, duck, and 7 meant he was almost known as “007 Jobbo”.
By the time he retired from First Grade Jon had scored 5950 runs at over 30 to be the sixth highest First Grade run scorer for the Club.
His maiden century occurred during a 211 run partnership with Brian Booth vs Nth Sydney when scored Brian scored his 23rd century. Jon’s top score of 194 not out was against a pretty good Waverley attack led by Tony Greig and David Hourn, and only ended when rain washed out play about an hour before stumps.
Jon was a very determined top order bat and a forceful stroke player. He often thrived under pressure situations.
Jon was named in the Teams of the Decade for both the 1970s and 1980s, and captained teams to Premierships in PGs and First Grade. He also coached the Green Shield team to two Premierships and winners of the State Challenge.
Furthermore, he gave over 20 years of outstanding service as President then CEO of the Club.
Jobbo has a made a huge contribution to St George over many years and richly deserves this recognition in the Hall of Fame.
He now lives in Tasmania and unfortunately was not able to attend tonight. I recently spoke to Jon, who is greatly honoured to receive this award, as the Hall of Fame includes so many outstanding players.
As his friend and former teammate, I am very pleased to accept this award on his behalf.
Paul Bourke Cap No 246.
A: Congratulations Jobbo, tremendous honour and so richly deserved
answered
Q: Looking for a hassle-free solution for centre wicket training?
Look no further than the Gabba Sporting Products Portable Batting Cages, in collaboration with Mow Master Turf Equipment, our portable custom netting solution is perfect for the team Cricket NSW and beyond.
Join the likes of Washington Freedom, Cricket NSW and Cricket USA in experiencing the convenience and quality of our cricket netting equipment.
Look no further than the Gabba Sporting Products Portable Batting Cages, in collaboration with Mow Master Turf Equipment, our portable custom netting solution is perfect for the team Cricket NSW and beyond.
Join the likes of Washington Freedom, Cricket NSW and Cricket USA in experiencing the convenience and quality of our cricket netting equipment.
https://www.gabba.com.au
/A: Love this product, congratulations Dustin and the team at Gabba
question
Q: Corey Richards was a wonderful cricketer. Technically very correct and could play shots all around the ground and he was an excellent fielder.
It might sound a bit strange but as a wicket keeper playing against Corey, you didn’t mind him scoring a few runs.
Corey played 55 first class games for New South Wales and Australia scoring 2,953 runs at an average of 31.41 with 7 centuries and 15 half centuries. His highest score in first class cricket was 164.
In 81 limited overs games for New South Wales Corey scored 2,176 runs at an average of 32.47 with 3 centuries and 13 half centuries. His highest score in one day cricket was 151.
In his prime Corey could mix it with the very best
It might sound a bit strange but as a wicket keeper playing against Corey, you didn’t mind him scoring a few runs.
Corey played 55 first class games for New South Wales and Australia scoring 2,953 runs at an average of 31.41 with 7 centuries and 15 half centuries. His highest score in first class cricket was 164.
In 81 limited overs games for New South Wales Corey scored 2,176 runs at an average of 32.47 with 3 centuries and 13 half centuries. His highest score in one day cricket was 151.
In his prime Corey could mix it with the very best
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1908/corey-richards-stay-ahead-of-the-game
blog post
Corey Richards was a wonderful cricketer. Technically very correct and could play shots all around the ground and he was an excellent fielder.It might sound a bit strange but as a wicket kee ...
question
Q: Hamish Solomons is the very proud owner of Cap Number 355 for St George District Club. He’s a Life Member of St George and it’s where he scored 3,251 runs and took 334 wickets across the grades he played.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Captaining the premiership season of 2005/06 where we witnessed firsthand the emergence of Trent Copeland the bowler who had been my wicket keeper the season before. I actually wrote a piece about Trent and had the pleasure of delivering the nomination for Trent to become a Life Member at St George
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
Captaining the premiership season of 2005/06 where we witnessed firsthand the emergence of Trent Copeland the bowler who had been my wicket keeper the season before. I actually wrote a piece about Trent and had the pleasure of delivering the nomination for Trent to become a Life Member at St George
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1029/hamish-solomons-better-than-yesterday
question
Q: The role of a cricket captain can be defined in many ways and can vary from captain to captain.
From my perspective, the role of a captain is threefold.
Firstly, the captain needs to ensure their own performances are worthy of being selected for the team. Don’t take it for granted; your place in the team is secure just because of the captaincy. You’re a player first, and depending on your skills, you need to be scoring runs, taking wickets, wicket keeping or fielding well, and making a valuable contribution to the team.
Secondly, it’s part of a captain’s role to help each player on the team become a better player.
Some cricket clubs have the good fortune of a club coach and perhaps a team of coaches. Many don’t.
If a club has a coaching structure in place, captains need to work very closely with the coaches to identify and communicate with the players on how they can individually improve.
Captains should never abdicate all responsibility to the coaches because, as captain, you’re the one out on the field with the players, and they’ll be looking for your support in the heat of the battle.
If a player or players aren’t performing, ask yourself why and what you can do to help the player. A good captain doesn’t take the easy option of just dropping the player from the team.
When was the last time you communicated with all your players outside of a training session or game day?
If it’s a technical issue within their game, share your thoughts with the coaches.
If it’s not a technical issue, take the time to show you care. Ask questions and talk to them about life outside of cricket.
You never know how a conversation or a quiet word of encouragement can help.
Communication and caring are such powerful ingredients in building a player’s confidence and building a team.
Thirdly, encourage your players and the team to compete and play to win games of cricket.
Helping players understand their roles and talking through game plans is obviously vital to any team’s success, but if a captain can do points one and two well, winning and enjoying games of cricket becomes a lot easier.
Best wishes to all captains and aspiring leaders. I hope this might add some value to some of you.
From my perspective, the role of a captain is threefold.
Firstly, the captain needs to ensure their own performances are worthy of being selected for the team. Don’t take it for granted; your place in the team is secure just because of the captaincy. You’re a player first, and depending on your skills, you need to be scoring runs, taking wickets, wicket keeping or fielding well, and making a valuable contribution to the team.
Secondly, it’s part of a captain’s role to help each player on the team become a better player.
Some cricket clubs have the good fortune of a club coach and perhaps a team of coaches. Many don’t.
If a club has a coaching structure in place, captains need to work very closely with the coaches to identify and communicate with the players on how they can individually improve.
Captains should never abdicate all responsibility to the coaches because, as captain, you’re the one out on the field with the players, and they’ll be looking for your support in the heat of the battle.
If a player or players aren’t performing, ask yourself why and what you can do to help the player. A good captain doesn’t take the easy option of just dropping the player from the team.
When was the last time you communicated with all your players outside of a training session or game day?
If it’s a technical issue within their game, share your thoughts with the coaches.
If it’s not a technical issue, take the time to show you care. Ask questions and talk to them about life outside of cricket.
You never know how a conversation or a quiet word of encouragement can help.
Communication and caring are such powerful ingredients in building a player’s confidence and building a team.
Thirdly, encourage your players and the team to compete and play to win games of cricket.
Helping players understand their roles and talking through game plans is obviously vital to any team’s success, but if a captain can do points one and two well, winning and enjoying games of cricket becomes a lot easier.
Best wishes to all captains and aspiring leaders. I hope this might add some value to some of you.
question
Q: Former Australian Test cricketer Max Walker passed away 28 September 2016 at the age of 68. He lived a full and loveable life.
Born in Hobart, Tasmania, Walker went on to play VFL Football for Melbourne Demons (85 games), Shield cricket for Victoria and Test cricket for Australia.
He would often reflect on playing cricket for Australia, “My goodness, I’m a kid from Hobart Tasmania, what am I’m doing share a dressing room with Dennis Lillee, Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Dougie Walters, Rodney Marsh, Ian Redpath, Keith Stackpole…..it was such a privilege.”
Off the sports field Max Walker, affectionately known as Tangles because of his tangled bowling action of “right arm over left earhole” became a popular and infectious TV personality, author of 14 books, an engaging storyteller and a much sought after public speaker.
Born in Hobart, Tasmania, Walker went on to play VFL Football for Melbourne Demons (85 games), Shield cricket for Victoria and Test cricket for Australia.
He would often reflect on playing cricket for Australia, “My goodness, I’m a kid from Hobart Tasmania, what am I’m doing share a dressing room with Dennis Lillee, Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Dougie Walters, Rodney Marsh, Ian Redpath, Keith Stackpole…..it was such a privilege.”
Off the sports field Max Walker, affectionately known as Tangles because of his tangled bowling action of “right arm over left earhole” became a popular and infectious TV personality, author of 14 books, an engaging storyteller and a much sought after public speaker.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/945/max-walker-lion-hearted-tour-of-the-west-indies-1972-73
question
Q: NSW Combined Catholic Colleges cricket team - 1983
Back Row – David Watt (Manager), Peter Lonard, Darren Burge, Gavin Robertson, Fred Angles, Paul Ryan, Graeme Kightley (Assistant Manager)
Front Row – Paul McGee, Tony Pratt, Kieran McKenna (Vice Captain), Greg Doyle (Captain), Anthony Quinn, Paul Everingham, Richie Griffiths
Absent – Jason Gapps
Back Row – David Watt (Manager), Peter Lonard, Darren Burge, Gavin Robertson, Fred Angles, Paul Ryan, Graeme Kightley (Assistant Manager)
Front Row – Paul McGee, Tony Pratt, Kieran McKenna (Vice Captain), Greg Doyle (Captain), Anthony Quinn, Paul Everingham, Richie Griffiths
Absent – Jason Gapps
question
Q: Barry Everingham has made a lifetime contribution to sport especially in regional NSW.
In his prime he was a wicket keeper batter representing NSW Country and the Northern NSW Emu’s and he was the No 10 for NSW Country in Rugby Union.
In recent years Barry has been one of the greatest advocates for Veterans Cricket. He has encouraged, enticed, and inspired many to join the “Men’s Shed” and play Veterans Cricket.
Those who know Barry will know how much he’ll treasure this wonderful gift presented to him by his good mate Steve Gray
In his prime he was a wicket keeper batter representing NSW Country and the Northern NSW Emu’s and he was the No 10 for NSW Country in Rugby Union.
In recent years Barry has been one of the greatest advocates for Veterans Cricket. He has encouraged, enticed, and inspired many to join the “Men’s Shed” and play Veterans Cricket.
Those who know Barry will know how much he’ll treasure this wonderful gift presented to him by his good mate Steve Gray
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1869/a-christmas-gift-we-know-baz-will-treasure
blog post
Barry Everingham has made a lifetime contribution to sport especially in regional NSW.In his prime he was a wicket keeper batter representing NSW Country and the Northern NSW Emu’s and he ...
answered
Q: Anthony Barranca - my best captain
One of the best captains I had the pleasure of playing for and with, is a man by the name of Mark Hullet.
He had a great cricket brain, but it was how he managed the team and more so the individuals within the team, a real man manager.
I’ll never forget when we were playing in our first grand final and we were all in a tight circle and he made it clear that the 11 blokes that were going to take to the field that day could share in something very special together and that the odds of the same 11 guys to get the chance to do it again was extremely unlikely.
“This side will never be the same 11 ever again”!
It really made me think about the opportunity ahead and that I would do anything for the other 10 men taking the field. He was right, we won, and those same 11 blokes were never a team again even though we won 3 premierships in 4 years.
One of the best captains I had the pleasure of playing for and with, is a man by the name of Mark Hullet.
He had a great cricket brain, but it was how he managed the team and more so the individuals within the team, a real man manager.
I’ll never forget when we were playing in our first grand final and we were all in a tight circle and he made it clear that the 11 blokes that were going to take to the field that day could share in something very special together and that the odds of the same 11 guys to get the chance to do it again was extremely unlikely.
“This side will never be the same 11 ever again”!
It really made me think about the opportunity ahead and that I would do anything for the other 10 men taking the field. He was right, we won, and those same 11 blokes were never a team again even though we won 3 premierships in 4 years.
A: So true Anthony.
I played in 4 first grade grand finals in NSW Premier Cricket . We won 2 and lost 2 but the 11 players who played in each grand final never played in the same team again.
A great message leading into the back end of the season. Seize the opportunity. Thanks for sharing.
I played in 4 first grade grand finals in NSW Premier Cricket . We won 2 and lost 2 but the 11 players who played in each grand final never played in the same team again.
A great message leading into the back end of the season. Seize the opportunity. Thanks for sharing.
question
Q: Cricket is a unique sport. It's fun, connects people and provides so much content for our community to enjoy and engage.
You are welcome to contact me directly if you’d like to
· write and publish cricket related content.
· tell the tale of a memorable cricket moment or experience.
· have a photo of a team or players that evokes great memories.
· have a video of a funny or memorable cricket moment
It doesn't matter what level of cricket you've played or support, cricket always delivers great content.
Let’s connect.
You are welcome to contact me directly if you’d like to
· write and publish cricket related content.
· tell the tale of a memorable cricket moment or experience.
· have a photo of a team or players that evokes great memories.
· have a video of a funny or memorable cricket moment
It doesn't matter what level of cricket you've played or support, cricket always delivers great content.
Let’s connect.
question
Q: Love him or whatever your opinion is of David Warner, he’s undoubtedly one of Australia’s greatest ever cricketers.
In the scheme of things does it really matter he said he’d like to finish his test career at the SCG test in January 2024. His contribution to Australian cricket would suggest he’s earned the right to say how he’d like to finish his career but like every other cricketer his selection has and always should be up to the selectors.
Ian Healy wanted to finish his career in the first test in Brisbane in 1999, the selectors denied him a farewell test.
Prior to the 4 test series against India in 2003-04 Steve Waugh announced he’d be retiring after the 4th test at the SCG.
The selectors picked Waugh as captain in each test and in his last test he scored 40 and 80 in front of a packed 5th day SCG crowd in an emotional farewell.
Today Warner scored his 26th test century in the first test against Pakistan in Perth. He is now only one test century behind Allan Border’s 27 test centuries.
He’s played more tests than Mark Taylor, David Boon and Justin Langer.
He has a higher test average than Mark Waugh.
As an opening batter he has a strike rate of 70 runs per hundred balls. He 2nd behind Adam Gilchrist who had a strike rate of 80.
David Warner is now within 100 runs of passing Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke to become Australia’s 5th highest run scorer in Test cricket.
He sits comfortably with all Australian cricketing greats and he did it his way. Good luck to him.
In the scheme of things does it really matter he said he’d like to finish his test career at the SCG test in January 2024. His contribution to Australian cricket would suggest he’s earned the right to say how he’d like to finish his career but like every other cricketer his selection has and always should be up to the selectors.
Ian Healy wanted to finish his career in the first test in Brisbane in 1999, the selectors denied him a farewell test.
Prior to the 4 test series against India in 2003-04 Steve Waugh announced he’d be retiring after the 4th test at the SCG.
The selectors picked Waugh as captain in each test and in his last test he scored 40 and 80 in front of a packed 5th day SCG crowd in an emotional farewell.
Today Warner scored his 26th test century in the first test against Pakistan in Perth. He is now only one test century behind Allan Border’s 27 test centuries.
He’s played more tests than Mark Taylor, David Boon and Justin Langer.
He has a higher test average than Mark Waugh.
As an opening batter he has a strike rate of 70 runs per hundred balls. He 2nd behind Adam Gilchrist who had a strike rate of 80.
David Warner is now within 100 runs of passing Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke to become Australia’s 5th highest run scorer in Test cricket.
He sits comfortably with all Australian cricketing greats and he did it his way. Good luck to him.
answered
Q: My other life in volunteering is as President of Bankstown District Cricket Club, a club steeped in tradition from Thomson and Pascoe to the Waugh twins and many more first-class players. As a Club we have supporting the development and growth of cricket in Uganda for well over a decade through providing them, on annual basis, a container load of new and used cricket gear from suppliers, other clubs and individuals from all around the State. We could not have done this without the support of our extraordinary volunteer group and sponsors such as the Bankstown District Sports Club.
As a Club we were overwhelmed with joy when we recently learned that Uganda had qualified for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. We can proudly say that we had some small part in creating that success and growing the game, that I and many others love so much, in emerging cricket nations like Uganda.
As a Club we were overwhelmed with joy when we recently learned that Uganda had qualified for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. We can proudly say that we had some small part in creating that success and growing the game, that I and many others love so much, in emerging cricket nations like Uganda.
A: Terrific leadership and support. Congratulations Reza and to everyone involved with Bankstown District Cricket Club, well done.
question
Q: Round 9 of the 2023-24 NSW Premier Cricket season takes on a special significance for Western Suburbs District Cricket Club and Manly Warringah District Cricket Club.
On Saturday 16 December 2023 Western Suburbs and Manly will play an historic day night at Wade Park in Orange in the Central West of New South Wales, some 250 kilometres west of Sydney.
It is a tremendous initiative by both clubs and an exciting weekend for all cricket fans in Orange and surrounding districts.
The brainchild of Manly’s Vice President David Gainsford and Western Suburbs President Mike Swan. Both should be congratulated for their proactive support for regional cricket in New South Wales.
David Gainsford has a very strong connection with cricket in the country as he spent his early years in Narromine and his father Brian was a long serving Chairman of Country Cricket NSW.
On Saturday 16 December 2023 Western Suburbs and Manly will play an historic day night at Wade Park in Orange in the Central West of New South Wales, some 250 kilometres west of Sydney.
It is a tremendous initiative by both clubs and an exciting weekend for all cricket fans in Orange and surrounding districts.
The brainchild of Manly’s Vice President David Gainsford and Western Suburbs President Mike Swan. Both should be congratulated for their proactive support for regional cricket in New South Wales.
David Gainsford has a very strong connection with cricket in the country as he spent his early years in Narromine and his father Brian was a long serving Chairman of Country Cricket NSW.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1818/western-suburbs-and-manly-warringah-to-play-an-historical-nsw-premier-cricket-day-night-game-in-regional-nsw
blog post
Round 9 of the 2023-24 NSW Premier Cricket season takes on a special significance for Western Suburbs District Cricket Club and Manly Warringah District Cricket Club.On Saturday 16 December ...
question
Q: Recently I watched a young left arm medium pace bowler bowl to a right-hand batter with 7 fielders on the offside and only 2 on the leg side and it immediately reinforced how important the relationship between a bowler and captain is.
The young left arm bowler had taken the new ball and had the nice natural action to swing the ball into right hand batters.
The field set was 3 slips, a gully, a point, a cover and mid off and on the leg side was a mid-wicket and fine leg.
Left arm swing bowlers are so valuable as they ask so many questions of the batters. Is the ball going to swing into my pads or will it hold its line and straighten towards the slips.
If the bowler gets it right, they have LBW and bowled in play as well as a catch to the wicket keeper, slips, gully, or point.
However, the captain needs to give the bowler the confidence of being able to attack the stumps. If they stray just a fraction with only one fielder at mid-wicket in front of square on the leg side, it makes it easier for the batters to score runs.
It may mean the bowler starts concentrating bowling a 5th or 6th stump line which might negate the opportunity to swing the ball. Its not what any team wants for the new ball bowlers.
Personally, I’d have liked to see the captain remove the fielder at cover and put them at mid on and have a straighter mid-wicket and a fine leg.
It makes it a 6 – 3 field and will give the bowler more confidence of being able to pitch the ball up and swing the ball as they have the added protection of a mid-on and mid-wicket to minimise scoring opportunities and keep the pressure on the batter.
As there is now a gap in the field at cover it might encourage the batter to start playing cover drives which is exactly what the left arm bowlers wants because if the batter doesn’t execute the cover drive correctly, a catch behind the wicket may not be too far away.
Also with mid-wicket relatively straight the batter may look to score through square leg which may mean they start playing across the line to balls pitching on off or middle stump and the LBW and bowled is back in play.
It’s very important for the captain to get their field right in supporting their bowlers but it’s also important the captain creates an environment where bowlers have the confidence to speak up about how they’re looking to dismiss the batter and the field settings they’d like.
Communication is the key.
The young left arm bowler had taken the new ball and had the nice natural action to swing the ball into right hand batters.
The field set was 3 slips, a gully, a point, a cover and mid off and on the leg side was a mid-wicket and fine leg.
Left arm swing bowlers are so valuable as they ask so many questions of the batters. Is the ball going to swing into my pads or will it hold its line and straighten towards the slips.
If the bowler gets it right, they have LBW and bowled in play as well as a catch to the wicket keeper, slips, gully, or point.
However, the captain needs to give the bowler the confidence of being able to attack the stumps. If they stray just a fraction with only one fielder at mid-wicket in front of square on the leg side, it makes it easier for the batters to score runs.
It may mean the bowler starts concentrating bowling a 5th or 6th stump line which might negate the opportunity to swing the ball. Its not what any team wants for the new ball bowlers.
Personally, I’d have liked to see the captain remove the fielder at cover and put them at mid on and have a straighter mid-wicket and a fine leg.
It makes it a 6 – 3 field and will give the bowler more confidence of being able to pitch the ball up and swing the ball as they have the added protection of a mid-on and mid-wicket to minimise scoring opportunities and keep the pressure on the batter.
As there is now a gap in the field at cover it might encourage the batter to start playing cover drives which is exactly what the left arm bowlers wants because if the batter doesn’t execute the cover drive correctly, a catch behind the wicket may not be too far away.
Also with mid-wicket relatively straight the batter may look to score through square leg which may mean they start playing across the line to balls pitching on off or middle stump and the LBW and bowled is back in play.
It’s very important for the captain to get their field right in supporting their bowlers but it’s also important the captain creates an environment where bowlers have the confidence to speak up about how they’re looking to dismiss the batter and the field settings they’d like.
Communication is the key.
question
Q: In Western Suburbs District Cricket Club 3rd Grade game against Sydney Cricket Club one of our umpires was Geoff Garland. Geoff is 81 years of age.
Geoff first involvement with senior cricket in New South Wales began in 1961 and he’s been a players, umpire, and mentor ever since.
He started umpiring at the age of 50 and has umpired over 450 games for the Sydney Cricket Association. Geoff was awarded Life Membership of New South Wales Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association in 2019.
Saturday was a one day 50 over game and Geoff was at the top of his game. He engaged at the appropriate times, didn’t go looking for unnecessary noise and communicated and managed the game terrifically well. And he did it all with a smile.
It’s wonderful to see Geoff still umpiring as he’s a wonderful role model for all umpires and players. It was even better to see to see him so spritely and enthusiastic.
I dip my lid Geoff.
Geoff first involvement with senior cricket in New South Wales began in 1961 and he’s been a players, umpire, and mentor ever since.
He started umpiring at the age of 50 and has umpired over 450 games for the Sydney Cricket Association. Geoff was awarded Life Membership of New South Wales Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association in 2019.
Saturday was a one day 50 over game and Geoff was at the top of his game. He engaged at the appropriate times, didn’t go looking for unnecessary noise and communicated and managed the game terrifically well. And he did it all with a smile.
It’s wonderful to see Geoff still umpiring as he’s a wonderful role model for all umpires and players. It was even better to see to see him so spritely and enthusiastic.
I dip my lid Geoff.
answered
Q: This isn’t a story about a game of cricket or a cricketer but it is for all cricket fans throughout Australia especially those with kids or grandkids between the ages of 8 and 14 (tweens or teens as they say).
I love promoting businesses when I can clearly see value they can add and bring to the community. It’s even better when the business is founded and owned by people within the cricket community.
My kids have progressed through their teenage years (well almost all the way through) and they’ve grown up with all the new technology platforms. They’ve been hooked, distracted, entertained, and interestingly become bored and tired of their negativity.
When I heard about Zown, I thought why not share it with as many people as possible.
I love promoting businesses when I can clearly see value they can add and bring to the community. It’s even better when the business is founded and owned by people within the cricket community.
My kids have progressed through their teenage years (well almost all the way through) and they’ve grown up with all the new technology platforms. They’ve been hooked, distracted, entertained, and interestingly become bored and tired of their negativity.
When I heard about Zown, I thought why not share it with as many people as possible.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/583/introducing-zown-to-cricket-fans-especially-mums-dads-and-grand-parents
A:
https://vimeo.com/888925786?share=copy
answered
Q: Just finished another great cricket experience playing for NSW in the Div 2 side in the national championships in Christchurch NZ. A few ‘toight’ games beating Qld, then SA on one of the coldest ever days any of us have played cricket. Then Greg Hall and I put on 70 odd in 8 overs as a 10th wicket stand to steal a thrilling semi final against the host NZ to book a spot in yesterdays final against the other NSW team. As the pictures below illustrate……. of course the Cinderella story continued and we won Great team effort, great bunch of guys superbly led by my great mate Mark Tranter
Thanks for the memory’s guys
For those wanting to know how I went personally, well, ‘I got a few’
Picture - Luke Stoodley, Mark Tranter, Greg Hall, Stephen Leathley
Thanks for the memory’s guys
For those wanting to know how I went personally, well, ‘I got a few’
Picture - Luke Stoodley, Mark Tranter, Greg Hall, Stephen Leathley
A: Congrats Lethal on the championship win for the 55s Kangaroos and your own performances. Great carnival for you all.
question
Q: This isn’t a story about a game of cricket or a cricketer but it is for all cricket fans throughout Australia especially those with kids or grandkids between the ages of 8 and 14 (tweens or teens as they say).
I love promoting businesses when I can clearly see value they can add and bring to the community. It’s even better when the business is founded and owned by people within the cricket community.
My kids have progressed through their teenage years (well almost all the way through) and they’ve grown up with all the new technology platforms. They’ve been hooked, distracted, entertained, and interestingly become bored and tired of their negativity.
When I heard about Zown, I thought why not share it with as many people as possible.
I love promoting businesses when I can clearly see value they can add and bring to the community. It’s even better when the business is founded and owned by people within the cricket community.
My kids have progressed through their teenage years (well almost all the way through) and they’ve grown up with all the new technology platforms. They’ve been hooked, distracted, entertained, and interestingly become bored and tired of their negativity.
When I heard about Zown, I thought why not share it with as many people as possible.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/583/introducing-zown-to-cricket-fans-especially-mums-dads-and-grand-parents
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Q: I remember a pre-season training session at Western Suburbs when I first came to Sydney and Australian cricketing great and club legend Alan Davidson spoke to the playing group about the benefits of hard work and training with purpose.
Mr. Davidson strongly emphasized the 6 Ps in cricket. Perfect Practice Prevent Piss Poor Performance.
All these years later I now know the 6Ps don’t just relate to cricket.
It’s human to want to know your role and not just in a cricket team. It’s in business, the workplace, and our personal lives. We all like to know where we fit in and the role we play.
The role of a captain in cricket is not just about what happens on the field or game day. It’s also important to know your players, what makes them tick and how you can help them feel better and more confident about the role you want them to play in the team.
A player who knows their role will tend to perform better than a player who is unsure and second-guessing their position.
Mr. Davidson strongly emphasized the 6 Ps in cricket. Perfect Practice Prevent Piss Poor Performance.
All these years later I now know the 6Ps don’t just relate to cricket.
It’s human to want to know your role and not just in a cricket team. It’s in business, the workplace, and our personal lives. We all like to know where we fit in and the role we play.
The role of a captain in cricket is not just about what happens on the field or game day. It’s also important to know your players, what makes them tick and how you can help them feel better and more confident about the role you want them to play in the team.
A player who knows their role will tend to perform better than a player who is unsure and second-guessing their position.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1735/when-should-a-cricket-captain-share-the-batting-order-with-their-players-and-the-team
blog post
I remember a pre-season training session at Western Suburbs when I first came to Sydney and Australian cricketing great and club legend Alan Davidson spoke to the playing group about the benefits o ...
question
Q: Terrific to see Brett Elliott at 54 years of age scoring 81 for Mosman 3rd Grade in their Round 3 one day game against Eastern Suburbs.
Chasing Eastern Suburbs 9 for 313 off 50 overs, Herb showed his class and kept Mosman in the game before they were bowled out for 253.
Herb won multiple first grade premierships with Bankstown in the 1990s and I’m sure he’s passing on some valuable lessons to his younger teammates.
Well done Herb.
Scorecard -
Chasing Eastern Suburbs 9 for 313 off 50 overs, Herb showed his class and kept Mosman in the game before they were bowled out for 253.
Herb won multiple first grade premierships with Bankstown in the 1990s and I’m sure he’s passing on some valuable lessons to his younger teammates.
Well done Herb.
Scorecard -
https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/nsw-premier-cricket/nsw-premier-cricket-mens-summer-202324/third-grade-mitchell-cup/game-centre/8598047b
question
Q: NSW Schoolboys cricket team - 1985
Back Row – Brett Williams, John Saint, Jamie Bray, Andrew Martyr, Craig Horner, Ian McGregor (Manager)
Front Row – Peter Rodger, Andrew Fitzhenry, Paul Ryan, Neil Maxwell (captain), Michael Cant, Wayne Holdsworth, Darren Young
Back Row – Brett Williams, John Saint, Jamie Bray, Andrew Martyr, Craig Horner, Ian McGregor (Manager)
Front Row – Peter Rodger, Andrew Fitzhenry, Paul Ryan, Neil Maxwell (captain), Michael Cant, Wayne Holdsworth, Darren Young
question
Q: At the completion of the 2024-25 Premier Cricket season around Australia which premier cricket club across the states playing first class cricket will be able to claim to be the best first grade premiership winning cricket club in the first 25 seasons of this century.
A quick review around the states since the 2000-01 season and there’s been 138 premier premierships won by 59 premier cricket clubs across NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland.
The premier premierships are for the two- or four-day grand finals and don’t include one day premierships.
There are 88 premier cricket clubs around Australia, so it means 29 clubs have not won a first-grade premier premiership since 2000-01 or longer.
A quick review around the states since the 2000-01 season and there’s been 138 premier premierships won by 59 premier cricket clubs across NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland.
The premier premierships are for the two- or four-day grand finals and don’t include one day premierships.
There are 88 premier cricket clubs around Australia, so it means 29 clubs have not won a first-grade premier premiership since 2000-01 or longer.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1643/which-premier-cricket-club-in-australia-will-win-the-most-first-grade-premierships-in-the-first-25-seasons-of-this-century
blog post
At the completion of the 2024-25 Premier Cricket season around Australia which premier cricket club across the states playing first class cricket will be able to claim to be the best first grade pr ...
question
Q: Paul Maraziotis was one of the finest batters in NSW Premier Cricket to sadly not be selected to play for class cricket for his state. There are 11,660 First Grade runs, 23 hundreds, 61 half centuries reasons over 21 seasons at an average of 37.49 to suggest he must’ve been very close.
Mazza played 366 innings for Penrith, Bankstown, Blacktown and Sydney and is well placed in the top 10 NSW Premier Cricket Run Scorers of all time. At the time of publication, he sits at No.8.
Born September 1974. Mazza made his first grade debut for Penrith at the age of 18. He played for NSW Under 19’s the following year and lined up against future stars like Ricky Ponting, Michael Divenuto, Andrew Symonds, Brad Hodge, Martin Love just to name a few.
Mazza played 366 innings for Penrith, Bankstown, Blacktown and Sydney and is well placed in the top 10 NSW Premier Cricket Run Scorers of all time. At the time of publication, he sits at No.8.
Born September 1974. Mazza made his first grade debut for Penrith at the age of 18. He played for NSW Under 19’s the following year and lined up against future stars like Ricky Ponting, Michael Divenuto, Andrew Symonds, Brad Hodge, Martin Love just to name a few.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1638/paul-maraziotis-thrived-on-competition-and-hard-work
blog post
Paul Maraziotis was one of the finest batters in NSW Premier Cricket to sadly not be selected to play for class cricket for his state. There are 11,660 First Grade run ...
answered
Q: Looking for some advice.
In one day cricket predominantly and against the spinners I’ve been having trouble beating the box fielder at mid wicket. I’ve not been timing being the ball well enough to get passed them or when I use my feet I’m struggling to get to the pitch of the ball and can’t generate any power in the shot.
Any tips on how to improve the shit because I see the good players do it so well and limit the number of dot balls.
In one day cricket predominantly and against the spinners I’ve been having trouble beating the box fielder at mid wicket. I’ve not been timing being the ball well enough to get passed them or when I use my feet I’m struggling to get to the pitch of the ball and can’t generate any power in the shot.
Any tips on how to improve the shit because I see the good players do it so well and limit the number of dot balls.
A: Hey Justin
I agree with Jason and Bryan and their terrific advice.
It’s so important to practice and practice because it’s vital in a one-day game to be turning the strike over and not get too bogged down. It’s even worse if you do get bogged down and then throw your wicket away by being frustrated and playing an unnecessary shot.
Where you can, try and simulate match conditions, a centre wicket session. Grab one of your teams’ spinners, a wicket keeper and 3 fielders. One fielder positioned in the box on the leg side, one at mid-on and one at mid-wicket. Choose fielders who will challenge you but also have your best interest at heart and want to help.
With the spinner bowling to try and contain you and the fielders simulating a game situation it will allow you to use your feet, get your head over the ball, keep your balance and shape and practice playing the shots you need to maneuver a single, hit through the field for two, three or 4 or perhaps go over the field. An attacking shot is an extension of a defensive shot.
Be proactive and don’t be afraid to make a mistake and if get caught, bowled, or stumped, it’s ok. Go again and as long as you keep working hard, simulating a game-like scenario will help you build the confidence you need to take into a game.
It’s also a terrific little session for the fielders, the spinner and wicket keeper.
Best of luck Justin.
I agree with Jason and Bryan and their terrific advice.
It’s so important to practice and practice because it’s vital in a one-day game to be turning the strike over and not get too bogged down. It’s even worse if you do get bogged down and then throw your wicket away by being frustrated and playing an unnecessary shot.
Where you can, try and simulate match conditions, a centre wicket session. Grab one of your teams’ spinners, a wicket keeper and 3 fielders. One fielder positioned in the box on the leg side, one at mid-on and one at mid-wicket. Choose fielders who will challenge you but also have your best interest at heart and want to help.
With the spinner bowling to try and contain you and the fielders simulating a game situation it will allow you to use your feet, get your head over the ball, keep your balance and shape and practice playing the shots you need to maneuver a single, hit through the field for two, three or 4 or perhaps go over the field. An attacking shot is an extension of a defensive shot.
Be proactive and don’t be afraid to make a mistake and if get caught, bowled, or stumped, it’s ok. Go again and as long as you keep working hard, simulating a game-like scenario will help you build the confidence you need to take into a game.
It’s also a terrific little session for the fielders, the spinner and wicket keeper.
Best of luck Justin.
question
Q: Behind every great team and player there should always be other players knocking on the door, scoring the runs, and taking the wickets to be ready and capable to come into to the team and maintain the standards and continuity of a winning team.
The Australia’s first-class cricket scene “The Sheffield Shield” had so many other players.
From a batting perspective.
Stuart Law – 27,080 runs at an average of 50.52 with 79 hundreds
Jamie Siddons – 11,587 runs at an average of 44.91 with 35 hundreds
Jamie Cox – 18,614 runs at an average of 42.69 with 51 hundreds
Brad Hodge – 17,084 at an average of 48.81 with 51 hundreds.
Martin Love – 16,952 at an average 49.85 with 45 hundreds.
All up, they scored 91, 317 first-class runs and a total of 261 hundreds.
Incredibly, of the 5, only 3 played a total 12 test matches for Australia. Brad Hodge (pictured after scoring a double hundred against South Africa) played 6 tests and averaged 55 in Test cricket. Martin Love played 5 tests and averaged 46.60 whilst Stuart Law only played one test and was 54 not out in his only innings.
David Warner has played 109 test matches and has said that he’d like to finish his test career after the 3rd test against Pakistan at the SCG in early January 2024.
It will mean sometime before now and then the Australian selectors are going to have to find a replacement opening batter.
Is it a little cheeky to say Australia future batting stocks resemble ‘old Mother Hubbard’ cupboard.’
The Australia’s first-class cricket scene “The Sheffield Shield” had so many other players.
From a batting perspective.
Stuart Law – 27,080 runs at an average of 50.52 with 79 hundreds
Jamie Siddons – 11,587 runs at an average of 44.91 with 35 hundreds
Jamie Cox – 18,614 runs at an average of 42.69 with 51 hundreds
Brad Hodge – 17,084 at an average of 48.81 with 51 hundreds.
Martin Love – 16,952 at an average 49.85 with 45 hundreds.
All up, they scored 91, 317 first-class runs and a total of 261 hundreds.
Incredibly, of the 5, only 3 played a total 12 test matches for Australia. Brad Hodge (pictured after scoring a double hundred against South Africa) played 6 tests and averaged 55 in Test cricket. Martin Love played 5 tests and averaged 46.60 whilst Stuart Law only played one test and was 54 not out in his only innings.
David Warner has played 109 test matches and has said that he’d like to finish his test career after the 3rd test against Pakistan at the SCG in early January 2024.
It will mean sometime before now and then the Australian selectors are going to have to find a replacement opening batter.
Is it a little cheeky to say Australia future batting stocks resemble ‘old Mother Hubbard’ cupboard.’
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1588/do-australiarsquos-batting-stocks-resemble-old-mother-hubbardrsquos-cupboard-or-is-there-a-gold-nugget-about-to-shine
blog post
Cast your eyes over the statistics from batters around Australia from the late 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.It was a time Austr ...
question
Q: Dominic Thornley made his first class cricket debut for New South Wales in December 2003.
In a tremendous career Dominic played 83 first class and 100 one day games for NSW and must have been very close to Australian selection in both formats.
In the 2005/05 season Dominic scored 1,065 first-class runs at an average of 62.65 including 4 centuries.
In first-class cricket Dominic scored 5,166 runs at an average of 42.69 and hit 10 centuries and 29 half centuries. In one day cricket he scored 2,406 runs at 29.34 with 2 centuries and 15 half centuries.
With the ball Dominic took 56 wickets in first-class cricket and 52 in one-day cricket.
In NSW Premier Cricket from 1996 to 2013 Dominic scored 7,407 runs at 44.89 including 15 centuries and 43 half centuries. He also took 262 wickets.
In a tremendous career Dominic played 83 first class and 100 one day games for NSW and must have been very close to Australian selection in both formats.
In the 2005/05 season Dominic scored 1,065 first-class runs at an average of 62.65 including 4 centuries.
In first-class cricket Dominic scored 5,166 runs at an average of 42.69 and hit 10 centuries and 29 half centuries. In one day cricket he scored 2,406 runs at 29.34 with 2 centuries and 15 half centuries.
With the ball Dominic took 56 wickets in first-class cricket and 52 in one-day cricket.
In NSW Premier Cricket from 1996 to 2013 Dominic scored 7,407 runs at 44.89 including 15 centuries and 43 half centuries. He also took 262 wickets.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/522/dominic-thornley-test-the-boundaries
question
Q: Like most Jay Kangar fell in love with cricket at a very early age and he just wanted to be on the field.
He batted and bowled. He was the wicket-keeper and if his team was batting he was happy to the umpire.
At 27 he traded the white pants in for a black pair and became an umpire in Queensland Premier Cricket.
What advice would you offer a young 20-year-old who has the ambition of umpiring Test Cricket?
Patience as it’s a long way to the top to umpire Test matches and ask as many questions as you can to learn as much as possible.
He batted and bowled. He was the wicket-keeper and if his team was batting he was happy to the umpire.
At 27 he traded the white pants in for a black pair and became an umpire in Queensland Premier Cricket.
What advice would you offer a young 20-year-old who has the ambition of umpiring Test Cricket?
Patience as it’s a long way to the top to umpire Test matches and ask as many questions as you can to learn as much as possible.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1575/jay-kangur-always-wanted-to-umpire
blog post
Like most Jay Kangar fell in love with cricket at a very early age and he just wanted to be on the field.He batted and bowled. He was the wicket-keeper and if his team was batting he was hap ...
question
Q: Kasturi Kolte lives in Pune, Maharashtra, India and has worked in IT for the past 15 years.
Kasturi is a very passionate sports fan and loves cricket. She has played in India and in the United Kingdom during her time studying in Birmingham.
Who were the best 2 batters you’ve played against?
Mithali Raj – She has always been an inspiration to the young and old and me when I started playing. She had the best technique with batting along with determination of scoring every time she came to bat.
Harmanpreet Kaur (Current captain of India) – played against her when she used to play for domestic cricket. She always carried a great confidence and the perfect body language required for a batsman. She had aggression in her batting which she maintained throughout making the bowlers nervous
Kasturi is a very passionate sports fan and loves cricket. She has played in India and in the United Kingdom during her time studying in Birmingham.
Who were the best 2 batters you’ve played against?
Mithali Raj – She has always been an inspiration to the young and old and me when I started playing. She had the best technique with batting along with determination of scoring every time she came to bat.
Harmanpreet Kaur (Current captain of India) – played against her when she used to play for domestic cricket. She always carried a great confidence and the perfect body language required for a batsman. She had aggression in her batting which she maintained throughout making the bowlers nervous
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1565/kasturi-kolte-take-life-as-it-comes
blog post
Kasturi Kolte lives in Pune, Maharashtra, India and has worked in IT for the past 15 years.Kasturi is a very passionate sports ...
question
Q: On the 23 November 1985 I made my Sydney Grade Cricket debut playing for Western Suburbs 3rd Grade against North Sydney at Blick Oval. 109 runs and a win and life in Sydney was off to a good start. 8 days prior I’d finished the HSC in Armidale in Northern NSW.
Next game we played Northern District at Blick, and I was run out for 27 and it was my last game at Blick Oval.
But now 38 years later I’m back baby.
Tomorrow, round one of the 2023-24 NSW Premier Cricket season and I’ve got the privilege of skippering Western Suburbs 3rd grade against Hawkesbury at Blick Oval.
The past 2 seasons I've captained Western Suburbs 2nds and now I’m returning to where it all started.
I can’t be sure, but I really don’t think much has changed, a coat of paint in the dressing sheds perhaps.
Whilst the excitement and nervous energy of starting a new season is not as high as it once was, it’s great to be still playing and hopefully contributing.
The game is a lot younger these days and why I believe it’s so important to have as many experienced players as possible supporting and helping the youngsters.
It’s terrific to see several players in their 50s out on the park, challenging themselves and guiding the youngsters.
Tony Clark at Bankstown, Phil Melville at Northern District and Steve Wark at St George are incredibly into their 5th decade of continual grade cricket. I, along with Simon Waddington at Manly, Brett James at Sutherland, Mark Lewis at Western Suburbs, Matt Lewis and Trevor Whittall at Campbelltown have all had a spell and returned. There may well be others in their 50s playing NSW Premier Cricket and apologise if I’ve missed including you. I also know of many others contributing greatly I country cricket NSW.
It starts again tomorrow. In 1985 I needed a Gregory’s to get to Blick. Hopefully the lads will stick around for a beer or soft drink after the game. Giddy up, cricket is back.
Next game we played Northern District at Blick, and I was run out for 27 and it was my last game at Blick Oval.
But now 38 years later I’m back baby.
Tomorrow, round one of the 2023-24 NSW Premier Cricket season and I’ve got the privilege of skippering Western Suburbs 3rd grade against Hawkesbury at Blick Oval.
The past 2 seasons I've captained Western Suburbs 2nds and now I’m returning to where it all started.
I can’t be sure, but I really don’t think much has changed, a coat of paint in the dressing sheds perhaps.
Whilst the excitement and nervous energy of starting a new season is not as high as it once was, it’s great to be still playing and hopefully contributing.
The game is a lot younger these days and why I believe it’s so important to have as many experienced players as possible supporting and helping the youngsters.
It’s terrific to see several players in their 50s out on the park, challenging themselves and guiding the youngsters.
Tony Clark at Bankstown, Phil Melville at Northern District and Steve Wark at St George are incredibly into their 5th decade of continual grade cricket. I, along with Simon Waddington at Manly, Brett James at Sutherland, Mark Lewis at Western Suburbs, Matt Lewis and Trevor Whittall at Campbelltown have all had a spell and returned. There may well be others in their 50s playing NSW Premier Cricket and apologise if I’ve missed including you. I also know of many others contributing greatly I country cricket NSW.
It starts again tomorrow. In 1985 I needed a Gregory’s to get to Blick. Hopefully the lads will stick around for a beer or soft drink after the game. Giddy up, cricket is back.
question
Q: Jason Swift played first class cricket for the Canberra Comets, he won a premiership in NSW Premier Cricket and is now a Match Referee for the England and Wales Cricket Board.
JJ Swift is one of the games characters, a funny man and a highly respected team mate to all who played with him.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
My last game of grade cricket! Winning the first grade title with Easts in 2003/04. An amazing game to win after being 5-15 on the first morning.
JJ Swift is one of the games characters, a funny man and a highly respected team mate to all who played with him.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
My last game of grade cricket! Winning the first grade title with Easts in 2003/04. An amazing game to win after being 5-15 on the first morning.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1541/jason-swift-dig-in-bide-your-time-and-the-rewards-will-come
blog post
Jason Swift played first class cricket for the Canberra Comets, he won a premiership in NSW Premier Cricket and is now a Match Referee for the England and Wales Cricket Board.JJ Swift is one ...
question
Q: At the end of May 2023 Mac Jenkins embarked on a journey to India to deliver cricket programs to young kids.
For 10 days Mac helped, guided, and supported the young children and found himself learning so much more.
Tell us about your recent trip to India?
I travelled to India, specifically Delhi and Ghaziabad to deliver cricket programs and activities to underprivileged children in the Delhi NCR region.
During my time there I set up base and ran clinics at the Seva Group Foundation, which is an NGO (Non-Government Organisation) that works for children who are orphaned, abandoned, or whose families are unable to care for them.
For 10 days Mac helped, guided, and supported the young children and found himself learning so much more.
Tell us about your recent trip to India?
I travelled to India, specifically Delhi and Ghaziabad to deliver cricket programs and activities to underprivileged children in the Delhi NCR region.
During my time there I set up base and ran clinics at the Seva Group Foundation, which is an NGO (Non-Government Organisation) that works for children who are orphaned, abandoned, or whose families are unable to care for them.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1510/mac-jenkins-inspiring-journey-to-india
blog post
At the end of May 2023 Mac Jenkins embarked on a journey to India to deliver cricket programs to young kids.For 10 days Mac helped, guided, and supported the young children and found himself ...
question
Q: Pencil had been scoring for Wests Firsts since he was 13. It was customary at Western Suburbs to be awarded your First Grade cap after you’d played 3 first grade games for the club. Pencil, was more than a scorer, and quite rightly wore his first grade cap No. 447 with a great deal of pride.
On many occasions as the captain indicated we were batting, I’d pack up my keeping gloves and head up to the scorer’s box and sit with Pencil. I'd watch him prepare for the day ahead. It was a work of art, everything in order and 447 sitting on top..
In what I remember to be my 2nd or 3rd game in Firsts, we’d been in the field for an hour or so, when I experienced a “what the f…..” moment as I noticed Pencil walking around the ground with no pen or paper - he was strolling, free as a bird.
For those who don’t know Pratten Park, the scorer’s box is about mid-wicket and some 15 metres from the boundary. It’d be a good 6 – 7-minute walk... about two overs.
I made a gesture to first slip..... “he never misses a thing” was the reply.. He was that good.
On many occasions as the captain indicated we were batting, I’d pack up my keeping gloves and head up to the scorer’s box and sit with Pencil. I'd watch him prepare for the day ahead. It was a work of art, everything in order and 447 sitting on top..
In what I remember to be my 2nd or 3rd game in Firsts, we’d been in the field for an hour or so, when I experienced a “what the f…..” moment as I noticed Pencil walking around the ground with no pen or paper - he was strolling, free as a bird.
For those who don’t know Pratten Park, the scorer’s box is about mid-wicket and some 15 metres from the boundary. It’d be a good 6 – 7-minute walk... about two overs.
I made a gesture to first slip..... “he never misses a thing” was the reply.. He was that good.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/126/pencil-the-sharpest-one-of-the-gang
question
Q: Andrew Inwood is the Global CEO of CoreData and a passionate cricket fan. Tell us a little about the business and the service it provides the community.
CoreData is a research and consultancy business which focusses on banking, superannuation and asset management. Our job is to take the data from the markets, the customers and consumers and derive meaning from it. It’s my stated goal to help my customers grow and to help consumers make better decisions about money.
Who are the 3 cricketers from any era you’d like to invite to a BBQ?
You’d have to have Keith Miller there – for a yarn – it would be great just to listen to him, Shane Warne would be an absolute laugh – he’d have enough stories for a movie or two and Ian Botham. That would be a great BBQ.
CoreData is a research and consultancy business which focusses on banking, superannuation and asset management. Our job is to take the data from the markets, the customers and consumers and derive meaning from it. It’s my stated goal to help my customers grow and to help consumers make better decisions about money.
Who are the 3 cricketers from any era you’d like to invite to a BBQ?
You’d have to have Keith Miller there – for a yarn – it would be great just to listen to him, Shane Warne would be an absolute laugh – he’d have enough stories for a movie or two and Ian Botham. That would be a great BBQ.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1489/andrew-inwood-keith-miller-tops-my-bbq-guest-list
blog post
Andrew Inwood is the Global CEO of CoreData and a passionate cricket fan.Let’ ...
answered
Q: I see batters using the squirrel grip on their bats in NSW Premier Cricket. Is someone able to help me understand what the benefit is?
A: Hi Mark
I was intrigued by your question as I too would like to know more about the squirrel grip.
I reached out to one of the players I know who uses it in NSW premier Cricket and this was their feedback.
Hey mate,
Everyone would have a slightly different reason for the squirrel.
My initial reason was to close my face slightly as a left hander, I had a very open blade and at the time wanted to focus on batting long periods.
It is used for my top hand (most use it for bottom hand) I place the V of my top hand on the squirrel and then almost pincer grip my bottom hand.
I have found this gave me better access to hitting the ball straight down the ground.
It is glued on and can be glued on at different positions on the handle, I have mine .5 of an inch off centre to the right.
I was intrigued by your question as I too would like to know more about the squirrel grip.
I reached out to one of the players I know who uses it in NSW premier Cricket and this was their feedback.
Hey mate,
Everyone would have a slightly different reason for the squirrel.
My initial reason was to close my face slightly as a left hander, I had a very open blade and at the time wanted to focus on batting long periods.
It is used for my top hand (most use it for bottom hand) I place the V of my top hand on the squirrel and then almost pincer grip my bottom hand.
I have found this gave me better access to hitting the ball straight down the ground.
It is glued on and can be glued on at different positions on the handle, I have mine .5 of an inch off centre to the right.
question
Q: Paul Rofe made his first-class debut for South Australia during the 2000-01 season.
In 70 first class games Rofe took 218 wickets at an average of 31.66 with best figures of 7 for 52. He took 5 wickets in an innings on 8 occasions.
Rofe played 41 Limited Over games taking 41 wickets at an average of 34.09 with best figures of 3 for 23.
Paul Rofe played for East Torrens District Cricket Club and Adelaide Cricket Club in South Australian Premier Cricket.
What were your strengths as a player?
I was always very fit and bowled the same pace in the 1st and last over of the game. I went 50 straight 1st class games without an injury, so the team relied on me a lot during that era. It was a lot of fun and I always enjoyed being the workhorse, knowing I would be called on to bowl a large percentage of the overs.
In 70 first class games Rofe took 218 wickets at an average of 31.66 with best figures of 7 for 52. He took 5 wickets in an innings on 8 occasions.
Rofe played 41 Limited Over games taking 41 wickets at an average of 34.09 with best figures of 3 for 23.
Paul Rofe played for East Torrens District Cricket Club and Adelaide Cricket Club in South Australian Premier Cricket.
What were your strengths as a player?
I was always very fit and bowled the same pace in the 1st and last over of the game. I went 50 straight 1st class games without an injury, so the team relied on me a lot during that era. It was a lot of fun and I always enjoyed being the workhorse, knowing I would be called on to bowl a large percentage of the overs.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1465/paul-rofe-enjoyed-being-the-workhorse
blog post
Paul Rofe made his first-class debut for South Australia during the 2000-01 season.In 70 first class games Rofe took 218 wickets at an average of 31.66 with best figures of 7 for 52. He took ...
answered
Q: Apart from trying to hit the ball harder how do I get more power in my batting to hit the ball through the field. I’m 17 and wanting to play grade cricket this season.
A: Along with Bryan's terrific feedback there are a number of technical aspects of batting that will help you generate more power and timing in your shots.
Firstly, it’s important you’re holding the bat correctly. Here’s some good advice from a previous question about batting grips -
Also, I found this cool video from Tom Scollay at Cricket Mentoring that might also help.
Best of luck making the grade team this season.
Firstly, it’s important you’re holding the bat correctly. Here’s some good advice from a previous question about batting grips -
https://www.cricconnect.com/question/102/my-son-is-12-and-his-hands-are-wide-apart-when-he-grips-the-bat-hersquos-a-left-hander-and-it-looks-awkward-and-i-want-to-help-but-donrsquot-have-any-real-ideais-there-some-advice-i-can-get-to-help
Also, I found this cool video from Tom Scollay at Cricket Mentoring that might also help.
Best of luck making the grade team this season.
https://youtu.be/xDAfXrthXeI?si=jKwHr5D2MX0jFvzm
answered
Q: Our son played under 14 representative cricket last season and did trial for a club’s green shield team for this season. Unfortunately, he missed out but a number of his team mates made the squad.
A few parents of the kids have been persistent with wanting our son to play green shield with them and it’s upsetting him as the coaches of the club have said the squads have been selected.
What should we do to help him?
A few parents of the kids have been persistent with wanting our son to play green shield with them and it’s upsetting him as the coaches of the club have said the squads have been selected.
What should we do to help him?
A: Firstly, please continue to encourage your son and let him know he has his whole career and journey in front of him. He is only 14 and as hard as it is to accept, it sounds like he will have another opportunity to play green shield next season.
The most important people to listen to at the club are the coaches and selectors of the green shield team. The green shield competition is a very competitive competition in NSW Premier Cricket and each club is managed and have coaches in positions who know cricket.
Make sure you ask the coaches for feedback on what your son needs to work on to improve his game. It may be quite simple, and he may have missed out on the squad for team balance and therefore not his ability.
I suggest it might be wise to listen to other parents with caution. If they’re not part of the management of the club, a coach or selector and despite what are hopefully good intentions they have no influence over team selections.
Follow the direction and advice of the coaches and club. They’ll be willing to help.
There will always be other teams your son can play in to score lots of runs, takes lot of wickets or dismissals if he’s a wicket keeper. He might be a bit nervous playing with new team mates but cricket always has good people involved and he’ll soon start to enjoy himself.
Please harness his desire to play, improve and enjoy his cricket. If you need further advice or guidance, please don’t hesitate to make contact.
All the best to you and your son. Good luck.
The most important people to listen to at the club are the coaches and selectors of the green shield team. The green shield competition is a very competitive competition in NSW Premier Cricket and each club is managed and have coaches in positions who know cricket.
Make sure you ask the coaches for feedback on what your son needs to work on to improve his game. It may be quite simple, and he may have missed out on the squad for team balance and therefore not his ability.
I suggest it might be wise to listen to other parents with caution. If they’re not part of the management of the club, a coach or selector and despite what are hopefully good intentions they have no influence over team selections.
Follow the direction and advice of the coaches and club. They’ll be willing to help.
There will always be other teams your son can play in to score lots of runs, takes lot of wickets or dismissals if he’s a wicket keeper. He might be a bit nervous playing with new team mates but cricket always has good people involved and he’ll soon start to enjoy himself.
Please harness his desire to play, improve and enjoy his cricket. If you need further advice or guidance, please don’t hesitate to make contact.
All the best to you and your son. Good luck.
question
Q: David Dillon grew up in the bush in NSW and followed his father’s footsteps to play for Western Suburbs in Sydney Grade Cricket.
He’s cricketing journey has had many travels and as one of his team mates from Bathurst has said, “In another life, he would’ve been a great author. The often humorous and much-loved team man, David Dillon.
What was the best thing about growing in Bathurst and playing senior cricket against the older guys?
I remember playing 6th Grade in Bathurst against men when I was 13 on ant-bed pitches with coir matting at the Showground. Blokes like Scotchy Armstrong, Snags O’Conner and on our side, we had the dynamic pair of Barry Quigs and Ronny Croucher, who had their own version of caught Marsh bowled Lillie. After initially being terrified, by these were big physically imposing blokes, you soon realised that you could compete and that was the bit I loved the most. Competing against the men gave you a huge amount of confidence when you went back to juniors. The sound of a big loud “Howzaat” from men was so different to the squeaky U13 version, so you feel the extra pressure and men play smarter.
He’s cricketing journey has had many travels and as one of his team mates from Bathurst has said, “In another life, he would’ve been a great author. The often humorous and much-loved team man, David Dillon.
What was the best thing about growing in Bathurst and playing senior cricket against the older guys?
I remember playing 6th Grade in Bathurst against men when I was 13 on ant-bed pitches with coir matting at the Showground. Blokes like Scotchy Armstrong, Snags O’Conner and on our side, we had the dynamic pair of Barry Quigs and Ronny Croucher, who had their own version of caught Marsh bowled Lillie. After initially being terrified, by these were big physically imposing blokes, you soon realised that you could compete and that was the bit I loved the most. Competing against the men gave you a huge amount of confidence when you went back to juniors. The sound of a big loud “Howzaat” from men was so different to the squeaky U13 version, so you feel the extra pressure and men play smarter.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1439/david-dillon-a-little-humour-carries-you-a-long-way
blog post
David Dillon grew up in the bush in NSW and followed his father’s footsteps to play for Western Suburbs in Sydney Grade Cricket.He’s cricketing journey has had many travels and as one of ...
question
Q: When you consider Phil Wells scored 10,025 runs at an average of 42.12 and was a member of 5 premiership winning teams you’d have to say he was mightily unlucky not to have played first class cricket for NSW.
Phil scored 21 hundreds and 55 half centuries in 294 innings from 2005 to 2019
Let’s find out more about the little run machine.
Who are the 3 best spinners you’ve played against in NSW Premier Cricket?
Greg Matthews, Anthony Kershler, Stuart MacGill
Phil scored 21 hundreds and 55 half centuries in 294 innings from 2005 to 2019
Let’s find out more about the little run machine.
Who are the 3 best spinners you’ve played against in NSW Premier Cricket?
Greg Matthews, Anthony Kershler, Stuart MacGill
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1426/phil-wells-runs-and-premierships
blog post
When you consider Phil Wells scored 10,025 runs at an average of 42.12 and was a member of 5 premiership winning teams you’d have to say he was mightily unlucky not to have played first class cri ...
question
Q: Cricket can be the loneliest of all team sports. Yes, you’re part of a team but when you break it down it’s simply one bowler against one batter surrounded by 10 others whose sole objective is to remove the batter from his cherished position.
The batter job is to blunt the bowler, preserve their wicket and score runs on behalf of their batting partner at the other end and 9 team mates watching from the sidelines.
For cricket fans, it’s theatre and can be a show you don’t dare miss.
I asked a cricket fan to choose the one bowler from any era they’d like to see take on one batter from any era.
Their answer was – Allan Donald v Steve Smith.
What a match up that would be, and there’s been so many memorable match ups throughout the years
In asking others the same question, there are some fascinating responses. Let’s take a look.
The batter job is to blunt the bowler, preserve their wicket and score runs on behalf of their batting partner at the other end and 9 team mates watching from the sidelines.
For cricket fans, it’s theatre and can be a show you don’t dare miss.
I asked a cricket fan to choose the one bowler from any era they’d like to see take on one batter from any era.
Their answer was – Allan Donald v Steve Smith.
What a match up that would be, and there’s been so many memorable match ups throughout the years
In asking others the same question, there are some fascinating responses. Let’s take a look.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/652/ball-v-bat-all-time-cricket-matchups
question
Q: Neil Maxwell made his first grade debut for Northern District in 1985 and has since gone on an incredible cricket journey.
As an all-rounder Neil played 35 first class and 27 one day cricket games for Victoria and NSW. He played for Australia A against the West Indies and has represented Fiji, the country of his birth on numerous occasions.
Off the field cricket Neil’s contribution to cricket has been extensive. His business, marketing and entrepreneurial skills are very highly regarded in Australia and Internationally and he is currently the Chairman of Sydney Cricket Club.
As an all-rounder Neil played 35 first class and 27 one day cricket games for Victoria and NSW. He played for Australia A against the West Indies and has represented Fiji, the country of his birth on numerous occasions.
Off the field cricket Neil’s contribution to cricket has been extensive. His business, marketing and entrepreneurial skills are very highly regarded in Australia and Internationally and he is currently the Chairman of Sydney Cricket Club.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/280/neil-maxwell-never-give-up-you-can-change-the-game
answered
Q: We have a young wicket keeper in our club who moves really well to his left but struggles moving to his right. Last season he missed a few catches with the balls going between himself and first slip off right hander batters. He didn’t have the same problem with left hand batters.
Can we ask what training drill we could help him with leading into this season?
Can we ask what training drill we could help him with leading into this season?
A: Hi Tim
I agree 100% with Tim E feedback.
Two quick things you could look out for with your keeper especially if he has one leg stronger and more dominant than the other.
1. When the bowler bowls the ball check to see if the keeper makes any initial commitment to the left with his left foot before his moves to the right.
If his first step is to the left and he could be locking himself into a position which makes it harder to go right and extend further to take what could be considered regulation catches.
He may not be aware of his first step.
2. Check his stance and feet to see if they’re parallel straight down the wicket to the bowler or if they’re pointing slightly to the right of the bowlers left shoulder and the right of mid-off. If he’s having trouble moving to the right, it may help generate the movement and power he needs.
The opposite can apply for a left-hand batter.
As Tim mentioned, footwork is critical and please keep encouraging your keepers.
I agree 100% with Tim E feedback.
Two quick things you could look out for with your keeper especially if he has one leg stronger and more dominant than the other.
1. When the bowler bowls the ball check to see if the keeper makes any initial commitment to the left with his left foot before his moves to the right.
If his first step is to the left and he could be locking himself into a position which makes it harder to go right and extend further to take what could be considered regulation catches.
He may not be aware of his first step.
2. Check his stance and feet to see if they’re parallel straight down the wicket to the bowler or if they’re pointing slightly to the right of the bowlers left shoulder and the right of mid-off. If he’s having trouble moving to the right, it may help generate the movement and power he needs.
The opposite can apply for a left-hand batter.
As Tim mentioned, footwork is critical and please keep encouraging your keepers.
answered
Q: My son is only 12 and I’d like to ask about the best way to teach him how to hold a cricket bat.
Also, should he backlift be straight towards the wicket keeper or on an angle towards the slips. Thank you
Also, should he backlift be straight towards the wicket keeper or on an angle towards the slips. Thank you
A: The best way to teach a young player how to hold a cricket bat is to lay the bat face down on the ground.
Ask your son to form a v shape between the thump and forefinger of both hands and pick the bat up. If he is a right-handed batter, his right hand will be on the bottom and left hand at the top.
He can line his grip up with the spine of the bat. If he is right-handed move both hands (the v shape) fractionally to the left. If left-handed move fractionally to the right.
That’s the traditional grip and a great place to start.
Now ask your son to take his batting stance keep the same grip. His back lift, and it’s only a personal opinion, should be towards say 2nd slip.
This will allow him to play both off and leg side shots and keep the bat relatively straight at such a young age.
There are many videos available on YouTube to help – this one by former England batter Mark Ramprakash I found to be quite useful
Ask your son to form a v shape between the thump and forefinger of both hands and pick the bat up. If he is a right-handed batter, his right hand will be on the bottom and left hand at the top.
He can line his grip up with the spine of the bat. If he is right-handed move both hands (the v shape) fractionally to the left. If left-handed move fractionally to the right.
That’s the traditional grip and a great place to start.
Now ask your son to take his batting stance keep the same grip. His back lift, and it’s only a personal opinion, should be towards say 2nd slip.
This will allow him to play both off and leg side shots and keep the bat relatively straight at such a young age.
There are many videos available on YouTube to help – this one by former England batter Mark Ramprakash I found to be quite useful
https://youtu.be/6lygWef9NMI
question
Q: Clint Keble started his cricket journey in Frankston as an 8-year-old and some 45 years later he still loves the game and contributes greatly on and off the field.
He played first grade premier cricket in Victoria for Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club and Hawthorn Waverley Cricket Club. In 22 first grade games for the two clubs, he scored 399 runs at an average of 21with the highest score of 56 not out. He also took 4 wickets at 26.50.
We’ll learn more about where Clint has played throughout his journey but it’s important to acknowledge his terrific contribution to Toombul District Cricket Club in Queensland Premier Cricket. Clint is Toombul DCC 4th grade captain and his experience, knowledge, communication skills and competitiveness is so important to the development of younger players.
Clint also plays Veterans Cricket for Queensland.
He played first grade premier cricket in Victoria for Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club and Hawthorn Waverley Cricket Club. In 22 first grade games for the two clubs, he scored 399 runs at an average of 21with the highest score of 56 not out. He also took 4 wickets at 26.50.
We’ll learn more about where Clint has played throughout his journey but it’s important to acknowledge his terrific contribution to Toombul District Cricket Club in Queensland Premier Cricket. Clint is Toombul DCC 4th grade captain and his experience, knowledge, communication skills and competitiveness is so important to the development of younger players.
Clint also plays Veterans Cricket for Queensland.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1403/clint-keble-back-yourself
blog post
Clint Keble started his cricket journey in Frankston as an 8-year-old and some 45 years later he still loves the game and contributes greatly on and off the field.He played first grade premi ...
question
Q: Michael Nalesnyik is a Mortgage Broker and the Director of Loan Market at Bendigo and Macedon Ranges in Victoria.
Michael played Premier Cricket in Victoria for South Melbourne (3 seasons), Melbourne University (5 seasons) and Footscray (2 seasons).
From 2003-04 to 2014-15, Michael played 87 first grade games across the 3 clubs scoring 967 runs at an average of 13.43 with his highest score 69.
With the ball Michael bowled 1,852 overs taking 61 wickets at 30.36 with best figures of 4 for 8.
Michael played Premier Cricket in Victoria for South Melbourne (3 seasons), Melbourne University (5 seasons) and Footscray (2 seasons).
From 2003-04 to 2014-15, Michael played 87 first grade games across the 3 clubs scoring 967 runs at an average of 13.43 with his highest score 69.
With the ball Michael bowled 1,852 overs taking 61 wickets at 30.36 with best figures of 4 for 8.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1399/michael-nalesnyik-train-hard-fight-easy
blog post
Michael Nalesnyik is a Mortgage Broker and the Director of Loan Market at Bendigo and Macedon Ranges in Victoria.Michael played Premier Cricket in Victoria for South Melbourne (3 seasons), M ...
question
Q: In 2014 Wisden Cricket Almanack picked their 5 greatest women cricketers, Belinda Clark was selected.
Belinda Clark was born in Newcastle, NSW, and the third of four children in a very active and sporting family. Belinda is often referred to as one of the pioneers on Women’s Cricket around the world.
In 2011 Belinda became the 2nd women to be inducted in the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame and in 2014 she became the first women to be inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
In 2018 Belinda was awarded an Order of Australia medal. The best Australian Women’s International Cricketer of the year is named in her honour ‘Belinda Clark Medal’
Belinda Clark scored 919 runs in 15 Test matches for Australia at an average of 45.95 and hit 2 centuries and 6 half centuries. She scored a century on her Test debut in 1991 against India. Belinda is Australian Women’s Test player number 119.
Belinda Clark was born in Newcastle, NSW, and the third of four children in a very active and sporting family. Belinda is often referred to as one of the pioneers on Women’s Cricket around the world.
In 2011 Belinda became the 2nd women to be inducted in the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame and in 2014 she became the first women to be inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
In 2018 Belinda was awarded an Order of Australia medal. The best Australian Women’s International Cricketer of the year is named in her honour ‘Belinda Clark Medal’
Belinda Clark scored 919 runs in 15 Test matches for Australia at an average of 45.95 and hit 2 centuries and 6 half centuries. She scored a century on her Test debut in 1991 against India. Belinda is Australian Women’s Test player number 119.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/81/belinda-clark-dont-die-wondering
question
Q: Jim Robson, “Jungle” to all, has been involved in cricket in Sydney since he arrived from Goulburn back in 1974.
Jungle’s played cricket for University of NSW for 32 years, he was a NSW selector and for 16 years he was the manager of the SCG Indoor Cricket Centre. He also has two sons who can play the game.
Jungle played first grade cricket for UNSW from 1974 to 1996 scoring 8,567 runs at an average of 30.37 including 6 centuries and 45 half-centuries. He also took 186 wickets. In all grades Jungle scored 13,616 for UNSW.
Jim also plays Veterans Cricket and recently toured New Zealand with the NSW Over 60s team.
Jungle’s played cricket for University of NSW for 32 years, he was a NSW selector and for 16 years he was the manager of the SCG Indoor Cricket Centre. He also has two sons who can play the game.
Jungle played first grade cricket for UNSW from 1974 to 1996 scoring 8,567 runs at an average of 30.37 including 6 centuries and 45 half-centuries. He also took 186 wickets. In all grades Jungle scored 13,616 for UNSW.
Jim also plays Veterans Cricket and recently toured New Zealand with the NSW Over 60s team.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1374/jim-robson-quotjunglequot
blog post
Jim Robson, “Jungle” to all, has been involved in cricket in Sydney since he arrived from Goulburn back in 1974.Jungle’s played cricket for University of NSW for 32 years, he was a NSW ...
question
Q: Phil Melville arrived in Sydney from Armidale in Northern NSW in 1989 to play Sydney Grade Cricket for Mosman Cricket Club. 34 years on and Phil continues to take wickets in both grade and veteran’s cricket.
Leading into the 2023/24 Phil has taken 710 grade wickets in Sydney. He took 440 wickets for Mosman Cricket Club and so far, has taken 270 wickets for Northern District Cricket Club.
Phil is a prominent member of Over 50s cricket in Australia and the very proud owner of NSW Blues cap number 30 and Australian Over 50s cap number 49.
Phil was selected in the Australian Over 50s World Cup team to your South Africa that was sadly cut short after a couple of games due to Covid.
Leading into the 2023/24 Phil has taken 710 grade wickets in Sydney. He took 440 wickets for Mosman Cricket Club and so far, has taken 270 wickets for Northern District Cricket Club.
Phil is a prominent member of Over 50s cricket in Australia and the very proud owner of NSW Blues cap number 30 and Australian Over 50s cap number 49.
Phil was selected in the Australian Over 50s World Cup team to your South Africa that was sadly cut short after a couple of games due to Covid.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1342/phil-melville-keep-on-keeping-on
blog post
Phil Melville arrived in Sydney from Armidale in Northern NSW in 1989 to play Sydney Grade Cricket for Mosman Cricket Club. 34 years on and Phil continues to take wick ...
question
Q: NSW Combined Catholic Colleges cricket team - 1985
Back Row – Michael Kemp (Assistant Manager), Adam Johnson, Grant Doorey, Andrew Shaw, Craig Culnane, Anthony Waddell, John Saint, Brother Bernard (Manager)
Front Row – Paul Foster, Andrew Fitzhenry, Michael Chee Quee (Vice-Captain), Paul Ryan (Captain), Brett Elliott, Stephen Dignam, Silvano Ciaschetti
Back Row – Michael Kemp (Assistant Manager), Adam Johnson, Grant Doorey, Andrew Shaw, Craig Culnane, Anthony Waddell, John Saint, Brother Bernard (Manager)
Front Row – Paul Foster, Andrew Fitzhenry, Michael Chee Quee (Vice-Captain), Paul Ryan (Captain), Brett Elliott, Stephen Dignam, Silvano Ciaschetti
question
Q: One of the key ingredients in the art of captaincy is to ask questions and challenge the opposing captain and team into doing things they otherwise wouldn’t normally do.
The Ashes series between Australia and England is two days into the 4th test, and I’ve been fascinated by how Ben Stokes, as England captain, has got into the minds of Australia.
Forget Bazball, it’s Ben Stokes.
Australia is playing unrecognisable Australian cricket.
The Ashes series between Australia and England is two days into the 4th test, and I’ve been fascinated by how Ben Stokes, as England captain, has got into the minds of Australia.
Forget Bazball, it’s Ben Stokes.
Australia is playing unrecognisable Australian cricket.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1304/ben-stokes-has-australia-playing-unrecognisable-australian-cricket
blog post
One of the key ingredients in the art of captaincy is to ask questions and challenge the opposing captain and team into doing things they otherwise wouldn’t normally d ...
question
Q: I only remember Australian batters like Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and Michael Clarke all walking off the field relatively quickly after they'd been dismissed.
Of course, they'd have been disappointed and frustrated at not being able to score more runs. It was their job and what they trained so hard to do.
But for whatever reason, they made a mistake, received a good ball, got mixed up on a silly run out or were on the wrong end of a dubious decision; that's cricket. It's part of the game.
What is also part of the game is when your turn to bat has ended, walk off the field quickly as it's now an opportunity for your team mate to take strike and score runs.
This may sound a little obscure, but my reasoning stems from observing the 'slow walk-off' from a couple of the Australian batters after they've been dismissed.
Are they any more disappointed and frustrated than their predecessors? I doubt it.
Hopefully, the 'slow walk off' doesn't become the norm for men, women, boys, and girls in state, premier, club, community, and junior cricket.
As a good mate used to share with the batter who'd just been dismissed, "off you pop."
Of course, they'd have been disappointed and frustrated at not being able to score more runs. It was their job and what they trained so hard to do.
But for whatever reason, they made a mistake, received a good ball, got mixed up on a silly run out or were on the wrong end of a dubious decision; that's cricket. It's part of the game.
What is also part of the game is when your turn to bat has ended, walk off the field quickly as it's now an opportunity for your team mate to take strike and score runs.
This may sound a little obscure, but my reasoning stems from observing the 'slow walk-off' from a couple of the Australian batters after they've been dismissed.
Are they any more disappointed and frustrated than their predecessors? I doubt it.
Hopefully, the 'slow walk off' doesn't become the norm for men, women, boys, and girls in state, premier, club, community, and junior cricket.
As a good mate used to share with the batter who'd just been dismissed, "off you pop."
question
Q: Ranbir Singh was born into a family of cricket fans in India before moving to the United Kingdom firstly as a player but now as an accredited umpire with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
He’s an Automotive Engineer by profession but has a deep love of cricket, it’s tradition and the many of life lessons he’s learned from being involved in the game.
Cricket is an incredible game and teaches us lessons that help us prepare for life's challenges. Stay calm, the game of cricket is full of pressure moments stay calm and execute your skills. When everyone's losing their head, keep yours. Take It one ball at a time, don't get ahead of yourself in cricket or in life. Complacency there is no place for it, never underestimate your competition
He’s an Automotive Engineer by profession but has a deep love of cricket, it’s tradition and the many of life lessons he’s learned from being involved in the game.
Cricket is an incredible game and teaches us lessons that help us prepare for life's challenges. Stay calm, the game of cricket is full of pressure moments stay calm and execute your skills. When everyone's losing their head, keep yours. Take It one ball at a time, don't get ahead of yourself in cricket or in life. Complacency there is no place for it, never underestimate your competition
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1276/ranbir-singh-stay-clam-your-turn-will-come
blog post
Ranbir Singh was born into a family of cricket fans in India before moving to the United Kingdom firstly as a player but now as an accredited umpire with the England and Wales Cricket Board. ...
answered
Q: What’s your Australian Test team for the 4th Ashes test at Old Trafford.
Here’s mine
Khawaja
Labuschagne
Smith
Head
Marsh
Green
Carey
Neser
Cummins
Starc
Murphy
Warner has been a wonderful player, but his time has come. He has been lucky that he is playing in an era where there are no Australian batsmen outside the top 6 who average 40 in first class cricket.
I would consider opening with Green as I’m conscious Justin Langer started opening in similar circumstances and other players who were pushed up the order through necessity and opportunity include David Boon, Shane Watson, Simon Katich and Usman Khawaja. I would keep Head and Marsh in the middle order.
I would hope Green doesn’t listen to his captain and coach if they tell him to bowl 6 short balls an over.
Hazelwood is unlucky but Neser’s form is irresistible.
I think Murphy is a great prospect but if he is not effective at Old Trafford I would consider drafting in Maxwell for The Oval.
What’s your team?
Here’s mine
Khawaja
Labuschagne
Smith
Head
Marsh
Green
Carey
Neser
Cummins
Starc
Murphy
Warner has been a wonderful player, but his time has come. He has been lucky that he is playing in an era where there are no Australian batsmen outside the top 6 who average 40 in first class cricket.
I would consider opening with Green as I’m conscious Justin Langer started opening in similar circumstances and other players who were pushed up the order through necessity and opportunity include David Boon, Shane Watson, Simon Katich and Usman Khawaja. I would keep Head and Marsh in the middle order.
I would hope Green doesn’t listen to his captain and coach if they tell him to bowl 6 short balls an over.
Hazelwood is unlucky but Neser’s form is irresistible.
I think Murphy is a great prospect but if he is not effective at Old Trafford I would consider drafting in Maxwell for The Oval.
What’s your team?
A: Hey Dean,
I like your thought process but call me crazy, for this test I’m sticking with Warner. You’re 100% right though, no one is averaging 40 or more and knocking the door down to replace him.
If Warner’s not going to play, then I’d choose Renshaw.
Warner needs to clear his mind as does Labuschagne.
I’m confused as to how the bowlers have been used so far so I’d look at Marsh and Green to back up two quicks and then choose Murphy. Why he only bowled 2 overs in the 2nd innings of the 3rd test was confusing.
If the skipper lacks confidence in Murphy and and I cant see why he would, the way the series has been played I’d be drafting Maxwell into the team.
Warner/ Renshaw
Khawaja
Labuschagne
Smith
Head
Marsh
Green
Carey
Cummins
Starc
Murphy/ Maxwell. If Maxwell, he bats 8 and Carey moves to 9.
I like your thought process but call me crazy, for this test I’m sticking with Warner. You’re 100% right though, no one is averaging 40 or more and knocking the door down to replace him.
If Warner’s not going to play, then I’d choose Renshaw.
Warner needs to clear his mind as does Labuschagne.
I’m confused as to how the bowlers have been used so far so I’d look at Marsh and Green to back up two quicks and then choose Murphy. Why he only bowled 2 overs in the 2nd innings of the 3rd test was confusing.
If the skipper lacks confidence in Murphy and and I cant see why he would, the way the series has been played I’d be drafting Maxwell into the team.
Warner/ Renshaw
Khawaja
Labuschagne
Smith
Head
Marsh
Green
Carey
Cummins
Starc
Murphy/ Maxwell. If Maxwell, he bats 8 and Carey moves to 9.
question
Q: Recently I was asked how a team, club or association can be more professional and build the standards and culture to be more successful.
In my opinion, irrespective of the standard or level of cricket or the purpose for which people play, everything starts at the selection table.
Suppose the selectors of a cricket team select the players they believe will act and perform in the team's best interest. In that case, the desired outcomes of professionalism and standards sort themselves out.
Problems start, fester and can cause untold issues when selectors bow to self-interest, agendas, politics, or anything other than selecting players on performance or outside the purpose of the team and its ambition.
In my opinion, irrespective of the standard or level of cricket or the purpose for which people play, everything starts at the selection table.
Suppose the selectors of a cricket team select the players they believe will act and perform in the team's best interest. In that case, the desired outcomes of professionalism and standards sort themselves out.
Problems start, fester and can cause untold issues when selectors bow to self-interest, agendas, politics, or anything other than selecting players on performance or outside the purpose of the team and its ambition.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1270/cricket-selectors-set-the-standards-culture-and-professionalism
blog post
Recently I was asked how a team, club or association can be more professional and build the standards and culture to be more successful.It is a great question and one I'm sure where we all h ...
question
Q: In the first innings of the 3rd Test Cummins had the confidence to give Murphy the ball when Stokes was in full flight and I thought he did well under pressure dismissing Stokes and taking 1 for 36 off 7.3 overs.
I’m really intrigued as to why Murphy only bowled 2 overs in the 2nd innings and now why are people seemingly ruling him out of the 4th Test and for Australia not to have a frontline spinner?
I’m really intrigued as to why Murphy only bowled 2 overs in the 2nd innings and now why are people seemingly ruling him out of the 4th Test and for Australia not to have a frontline spinner?
question
Q: Tom Shiner, right arm leg spinner. A character, competitor, irreverent, a magician and the Charlie Chaplin of Sydney Grade Cricket of the 1980s and 90s.
I had the good fortune to play against Tommy and enjoyed the battle immensely. I had the greater fortune of playing with Tommy at Western Suburbs in 1992/93 and 1993/94.
Keeping to Tom was fun. He could bowl all the balls the very best leg spinners speak of. He’s accuracy, pace, spin and zip off the wicket, fooled many and often.
Many speak of Tom talent and performances and how unlucky he was not to play for NSW. Cricket can or does have a funny way of bracketing or typecasting players. Could he have trained harder and worked on his batting and fielding more? Of course he could’ve, but give him the ball and ask him “can we win”….. “just give me the f&^%ing ball, “ and he’d waddle in and deliver.
It would seem Tommy got better with age and as he hit 30, maybe cricket was not a high priority but I would have loved to seen him given the opportunity to play under captains like Ian Chappell, Mark Taylor or Dirk Wellham in first class cricket.
I had the good fortune to play against Tommy and enjoyed the battle immensely. I had the greater fortune of playing with Tommy at Western Suburbs in 1992/93 and 1993/94.
Keeping to Tom was fun. He could bowl all the balls the very best leg spinners speak of. He’s accuracy, pace, spin and zip off the wicket, fooled many and often.
Many speak of Tom talent and performances and how unlucky he was not to play for NSW. Cricket can or does have a funny way of bracketing or typecasting players. Could he have trained harder and worked on his batting and fielding more? Of course he could’ve, but give him the ball and ask him “can we win”….. “just give me the f&^%ing ball, “ and he’d waddle in and deliver.
It would seem Tommy got better with age and as he hit 30, maybe cricket was not a high priority but I would have loved to seen him given the opportunity to play under captains like Ian Chappell, Mark Taylor or Dirk Wellham in first class cricket.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/57/tom-shiner-the-quirky-magician
question
Q: On Sunday 9 July 2023, the NSW Over 50s and 55s pre-season cricket squads trained at the Carl Sharpe Cricket Centre at Wade Park in Orange.
The indoor centre opened in November 2020 is a terrific facility and one of the best I’ve seen in NSW. The lighting is excellent, the run ups for the bowlers is very accommodating and there’s plenty of room for some small fielding drills as well.
If any clubs, academies, teams from Sydney or in regional areas of NSW are looking for a preseason weekend away to train and build momentum heading into a season, I highly recommend Orange and the Carl Sharpe Cricket Centre.
The indoor centre opened in November 2020 is a terrific facility and one of the best I’ve seen in NSW. The lighting is excellent, the run ups for the bowlers is very accommodating and there’s plenty of room for some small fielding drills as well.
If any clubs, academies, teams from Sydney or in regional areas of NSW are looking for a preseason weekend away to train and build momentum heading into a season, I highly recommend Orange and the Carl Sharpe Cricket Centre.
question
Q: When asked about his most memorable moments in grade cricket Kersh responds simply, “it’s the friendships and still being in touch with mates I’ve met throughout 30 plus years of playing in Sydney. “
Anthony Kershler played his first-grade game in 1984 as a 15-year-old in Balmain’s 4th-grade team against Penrith at Rance Oval, Werrington near Penrith. He was the left arm off-spinner and his wicketkeeper on the day was a young Mark Atkinson. “Atko” went on to forge a tremendous first-class career in Australia playing 94 Sheffield Shield games for Tasmania.
“Kersh” as he was affectionately known played 421 first grade games in Sydney Grade (NSW Premier) Cricket and retired at the age of 46 in December 2015.
He took 742 wickets at an average of 25.06. He bowled 6485 overs, 1547 maidens and took 18, 5 wicket hauls. His best was 7 for 22.
Anthony Kershler played his first-grade game in 1984 as a 15-year-old in Balmain’s 4th-grade team against Penrith at Rance Oval, Werrington near Penrith. He was the left arm off-spinner and his wicketkeeper on the day was a young Mark Atkinson. “Atko” went on to forge a tremendous first-class career in Australia playing 94 Sheffield Shield games for Tasmania.
“Kersh” as he was affectionately known played 421 first grade games in Sydney Grade (NSW Premier) Cricket and retired at the age of 46 in December 2015.
He took 742 wickets at an average of 25.06. He bowled 6485 overs, 1547 maidens and took 18, 5 wicket hauls. His best was 7 for 22.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/447/anthony-kershler-cricketrsquos-my-happy-place
question
Q: Back to Sunday 31st March and it’s 8.00am and Whooly arrives at Bankstown Oval for what is the last day of the NSW Premier Cricket Season, the Grand Final.
Michael Wholohan had been Penrith’s Club Coach since 2003 and their First Grade team had not won the Belvedere Cup (Premiership) since 1982-83, some 36 years.
The NSW Premier Cricket Grand Final is played over 3 days.
For the first two days, Penrith and Sydney University had played tough cricket. Sydney University had been bowled out for 207 and at the end of day 2, Penrith had just passed their score but had lost 9 wickets.
With 90 overs still to play, the final was still in the balance and the game of cricket has a funny way of playing tricks on players’ minds.
Michael Wholohan had been Penrith’s Club Coach since 2003 and their First Grade team had not won the Belvedere Cup (Premiership) since 1982-83, some 36 years.
The NSW Premier Cricket Grand Final is played over 3 days.
For the first two days, Penrith and Sydney University had played tough cricket. Sydney University had been bowled out for 207 and at the end of day 2, Penrith had just passed their score but had lost 9 wickets.
With 90 overs still to play, the final was still in the balance and the game of cricket has a funny way of playing tricks on players’ minds.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1251/run-whooly-run
blog post
At 1.30am on Sunday 31 March 2019 and the coach couldn’t sleep. He was anxious, nervous, and unsettled. He decides the best course of action was to burn off some energy and heads off on what beca ...
question
Q: In season 1999-2000 my good fortune was elevated when Scott Thompson decided to leave Bankstown and join St George. I’d been at St George since 1994/95 and when Thommo joined the Dragons I was the lucky first grade captain.
When Thommo joined St George he’d already played first class cricket for NSW and won 4 premierships with Bankstown.
Fast bowler, dynamic batsman, athlete, competitive, professional and a winner. Thommo influence over young cricketers and people such as Graeme Rummans, Nathan Pilon, Brett Van Diensen, Nathan Catalano, James Turner, Chadd Porter, Peter Wooden, Brendan Hill, Paul Pratt, Jon Shaw, Hamish Solomons and many others can never be understated. The boys absolutely loved him, so did I.
In Thommo's first season with St George, we won the 1999/2000 Limited Overs competition. We unfortunately lost the Belvedere Cup Final against Bankstown in the same however we went one better the following season when we defeated Waverley (Eastern Suburbs) to be the 2000/01 Premiers.
When Thommo joined St George he’d already played first class cricket for NSW and won 4 premierships with Bankstown.
Fast bowler, dynamic batsman, athlete, competitive, professional and a winner. Thommo influence over young cricketers and people such as Graeme Rummans, Nathan Pilon, Brett Van Diensen, Nathan Catalano, James Turner, Chadd Porter, Peter Wooden, Brendan Hill, Paul Pratt, Jon Shaw, Hamish Solomons and many others can never be understated. The boys absolutely loved him, so did I.
In Thommo's first season with St George, we won the 1999/2000 Limited Overs competition. We unfortunately lost the Belvedere Cup Final against Bankstown in the same however we went one better the following season when we defeated Waverley (Eastern Suburbs) to be the 2000/01 Premiers.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/62/scott-thompson-inspirational
answered
Q: Carey stumps Bairstow and the Spirit of Cricket
In almost every game of cricket at any level around the world, you will see a wicket keeper standing back to the fast and medium pace bowlers. At some stage during an innings, the wicket keeper will take the ball the batter either let's go or misses and, in the same motion under arm it back towards the stumps in the hope the batter is out of their crease.
It's been happening since the game began and every wicket keeper, including all our favourite test keepers, have done it at some stage.
Why now, when Alex Carey, in the same motion, does it in a test match for Australia against England and Jonny Bairstow strangely walks out of his crease and is run out are some people so upset and screaming from the rooftops?
In almost every game of cricket at any level around the world, you will see a wicket keeper standing back to the fast and medium pace bowlers. At some stage during an innings, the wicket keeper will take the ball the batter either let's go or misses and, in the same motion under arm it back towards the stumps in the hope the batter is out of their crease.
It's been happening since the game began and every wicket keeper, including all our favourite test keepers, have done it at some stage.
Why now, when Alex Carey, in the same motion, does it in a test match for Australia against England and Jonny Bairstow strangely walks out of his crease and is run out are some people so upset and screaming from the rooftops?
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1241/carey-stumps-bairstow-and-the-spirit-of-cricket
A: I'd suggest case closed
https://vimeo.com/842039943
question
Q: Carey stumps Bairstow and the Spirit of Cricket
In almost every game of cricket at any level around the world, you will see a wicket keeper standing back to the fast and medium pace bowlers. At some stage during an innings, the wicket keeper will take the ball the batter either let's go or misses and, in the same motion under arm it back towards the stumps in the hope the batter is out of their crease.
It's been happening since the game began and every wicket keeper, including all our favourite test keepers, have done it at some stage.
Why now, when Alex Carey, in the same motion, does it in a test match for Australia against England and Jonny Bairstow strangely walks out of his crease and is run out are some people so upset and screaming from the rooftops?
In almost every game of cricket at any level around the world, you will see a wicket keeper standing back to the fast and medium pace bowlers. At some stage during an innings, the wicket keeper will take the ball the batter either let's go or misses and, in the same motion under arm it back towards the stumps in the hope the batter is out of their crease.
It's been happening since the game began and every wicket keeper, including all our favourite test keepers, have done it at some stage.
Why now, when Alex Carey, in the same motion, does it in a test match for Australia against England and Jonny Bairstow strangely walks out of his crease and is run out are some people so upset and screaming from the rooftops?
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1241/carey-stumps-bairstow-and-the-spirit-of-cricket
blog post
In almost every game of cricket at any level around the world, you will see a wicket keeper standing back to the fast and medium pace bowlers. At some stage during an innings, the wicket keeper wil ...
question
Q: Damien Meek - never give up
Mateship! If you think you can’t, prove you can’t by making it….because you can……..I did
It meant that you can obtain your dream. Even if your dream had been modified since 12 years old and the team you made is the Over 50s. I believe that it worth more. More because I managed to hold on to that dream, chase it down, staying fit, focused all that way. When I got it, I just cried, cried in front of selectors and my wife who pushed me.
Mateship! If you think you can’t, prove you can’t by making it….because you can……..I did
It meant that you can obtain your dream. Even if your dream had been modified since 12 years old and the team you made is the Over 50s. I believe that it worth more. More because I managed to hold on to that dream, chase it down, staying fit, focused all that way. When I got it, I just cried, cried in front of selectors and my wife who pushed me.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1233/damien-meek-never-give-up
blog post
NSW Over 50s v Queensland Over 50s in the Australian National Championships in Adelaide on 24 November 2022.The rules in the Over 50s National Championships stipulates batters have to retire ...
question
Q: As the pre-season training schedules were being planned for the 1996/97, Petersham like all Premier Clubs did and do, contacted their players to check if they were ready for the pre-season.
It was during the call to Greeny when he informed the caller, he was transferring to St George when he was told “you’ll never play higher than 5th grade there. “
Fast forward for 17 seasons and Steve Green decided to retire after the 2012/13 first grade grand final between St George and Sutherland.
He retired with a tremendous sense of pride and satisfaction. He played 202 first grade games for St George and took 383 wickets at an average of 19.3 including 17 x 5 wicket hauls. He is also a 4-time premiership-winning player, a Life Member and achieved one of the most celebrated careers at the St George District Cricket Club.
It was during the call to Greeny when he informed the caller, he was transferring to St George when he was told “you’ll never play higher than 5th grade there. “
Fast forward for 17 seasons and Steve Green decided to retire after the 2012/13 first grade grand final between St George and Sutherland.
He retired with a tremendous sense of pride and satisfaction. He played 202 first grade games for St George and took 383 wickets at an average of 19.3 including 17 x 5 wicket hauls. He is also a 4-time premiership-winning player, a Life Member and achieved one of the most celebrated careers at the St George District Cricket Club.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1231/steve-green-dedicated-and-skillful
blog post
Why would you go to St George, you’ll never play higher than 5th grade there?”That was the question and statement from a Pe ...
question
Q: Ed Cowan made his first-class debut for Oxford Marylebone Cricket Club University against Middlesex in April 2003 and in a 15-year first-class career he played 143 games scoring 10,097 runs at an average of 41.81 including 25 centuries and 48 half-centuries. Highest score of 225.
He played for Australia, Australia A, British Universities, Gloucestershire, New South Wales, Nottinghamshire, Oxford MCCU, Sydney Sixers, Tasmania
Cowan is the proud owner of Australian test Cricketer No 427 and played 18 Tests. He scored 1,001 runs at an average of 31.58 with his highest score 136 being his only test century. He scored 6 half-centuries for Australia.
Over time one of Ed Cowan greatest strengths was how well his knew his game. It’s fair to say it served him very well as his successful career would indicate.
In June 2013 before the Ashes tour in England Ed took the time to provide an insight in a video with Australian Cricketers Association into his approach to batting and the mental battle batsmen face every time they take guard.
Great coaching and an insightful tool for cricketers at any level.
He played for Australia, Australia A, British Universities, Gloucestershire, New South Wales, Nottinghamshire, Oxford MCCU, Sydney Sixers, Tasmania
Cowan is the proud owner of Australian test Cricketer No 427 and played 18 Tests. He scored 1,001 runs at an average of 31.58 with his highest score 136 being his only test century. He scored 6 half-centuries for Australia.
Over time one of Ed Cowan greatest strengths was how well his knew his game. It’s fair to say it served him very well as his successful career would indicate.
In June 2013 before the Ashes tour in England Ed took the time to provide an insight in a video with Australian Cricketers Association into his approach to batting and the mental battle batsmen face every time they take guard.
Great coaching and an insightful tool for cricketers at any level.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1227/ed-cowan-shares-his-approach-to-batting
blog post
Ed Cowan made his first-class debut for Oxford Marylebone Cricket Club University against Middlesex in April 2003 and in a 15-year first-class career he played 143 games scoring 10,097 runs at an a ...
