AUSTRALIA V INDIA
Large crowds are likely for the five test series which gets underway in Perth on Friday. Each venue reports high ticket sales with the MCG Boxing Day test set to draw a quarter of a million fans. India has won its past two series in this country, and it brings some really exciting young batsman in Jaiswal and Gill to join veterans Rohit Sharma(c) and Virat Kohli (pictured) then there is the thrilling Rishab Pant, wicketkeeper and thunderous bat. However, the Indians have just lost a rare home series to New Zealand, and this will give the Aussies hope. The Kiwi early bats really took on the Indian bowlers, and Australia should do the same. But whether Khawaja, Labuschagne, and an aging Smith are prepared to do that is the question. Kohli, one of India’s all time greats had a poor series against New Zealand and the Australia media is writing him off. However, he loves batting in this country and will be showing the crowds on his farewell tour that he’s not done yet.
ACK STUNNING WIN
Assumption 1st XI cricketers broke a record with their stunning win over PEGS at the weekend. Replying to the visitor’s 170, the Blues’ openers put on 171 to claim victory. It was the first time in Assumption’s AGSV history that an opposition total has been chased down without losing a wicket. Skipper Mulvaney-Clark was 59 not out and McNicholas hit a superb unbeaten 91. Coach Luke Hamilton will be pleased with his side’s strong start to the season.
BRIGHT FUTURES
Met up with the young trio (pictured) the other day at a local shopping centre. Each is looking forward to Christmas and hopeful of a good year in 2025. Keira (L) is a Year 9 student keen on basketball, Milla (M) has just graduated and is a talented hockey player, and their friend (R) is at uni. He hails from Yokohama in Japan and loves baseball. His parents are tennis fanatics and will be coming to Melbourne in January for the Australian Open.
VARIA
Meeting
The two youngsters; Oscar (5) and Marcus (1) are happy boys. Pictured with mum Hooi, a Kilmore pharmacist, the boys were well-rugged up in the recent cold weather. Oscar loves riding his bike and playing with monster trucks. He will be starting school at Our Lady of The Way in Wallan in 2025. Marcus enjoys exploring new toys and interacting with people. Dad Kee is also a pharmacist based in Wallan.
MEETING MARNUS
Two young Broadford lads Harrison and Logan Wood were delighted to meet Aussie test cricketer Marnus Labuschagne in Perth recently on holiday with their parents the boys went to the WACA to watch Queensland play Western Australia. Marnus will be batting at number 3 in the tests versus India.
