Freak or genius
India’s superstar fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah no doubt ranks as maybe the greatest and most lethal speedsters of all time. His record of runs per wicket is just over 20 ahead of all the legends from Larwood to Lillee, South Africa’s Donald and Steyn, and West India’s Andy Roberts and Malcolm Marshall. Bumrah, a modern-day batsman’s nightmare, hails from Ahmedabad. He lost his dad when he was only five and was raised by his mother, a schoolteacher. In the game’s long history, he is ranked for economy just behind England’s Sydney Barnes who played tests from 1901–1912. Barnes, like Bumrah, could make the ball talk. He took 189 wickets at only 16.43 and wrecked Australia with 34 wickets in the 1911–12 Ashes series in this country. Barnes was picked for England even though he mostly played club cricket—he did not like the ‘stuffiness’ of his county club Warwickshire.
***
The Ashes saga resumes in Australia in the summer of 2025–26, but then in 2027, there will be a one-off test in March to celebrate 150 years of Australia versus England. All living players from both countries will be invited to attend. Back in 1977, the centenary test, also held at the MCG, was a huge success. More than 275,000 saw an enthralling contest, won by the Aussies by 40 runs—the same margin as in the very first test way back in 1877.
Varia in the USA
Two of my nephews, Jay and Ric Martin, were recently in America—mainly in the south. Just prior to the election, they tried to attend a Trump rally in Las Vegas, but it was packed out. Wherever they travelled, national flags and Republican banners were everywhere. Locals were in no doubt who would win the election. Jay and Ric are knowledgeable guys well abreast of world politics. Both were educated at ACK and Jay’s three children attended as day students from Broadford. One is a soldier, the other a highly valued travelling nurse, and the third studying medicine at Griffith University.
***
ACK and Trinity
A strong win over Trinity has kept ACK First XI well in the hunt to play finals. The Blues won 4/131 to Trinity 130 all out. Mullarvey-Clark was 61 not out in yet another impressive display.
***
Happy Birthday
Kilmore’s Bendigo Bank has just celebrated its 10th birthday since it opened here in 2014. I recall the opening day with a large crowd present for the occasion with the late and esteemed Bruce Nicholls as emcee. Kit Holland told me the birthday would be marked by a small gathering and a cake with 10 candles. Wherever it is situated, the Bendigo Bank is a boom to the area—not only its clients who appreciate the friendly service, but also the many sporting and service clubs it provides sponsorships for—some that would struggle without Bendigo Bank support.
***
Second to the Don
I’ve just been watching the test in Christchurch—New Zealand V England. Happy sell-out crowds at the beautiful Hagley oval enjoying really entertaining cricket. Young Yorkshireman Harry Brook continued his remarkable success story of the past three years with another big century. He averages 50 odd at home in the UK, but away from home his average is over 90, second only to the mighty Don Bradman. Aussie fans will see Brook in action down under when the Ashes saga resumes next November. And yes, it’s the same Harry Brook I saw make a century as a 15-year-old at Sedbergh College, deep in the Yorkshire moorland in 2015. On that day his school coach told me, ‘This boy will become one of England’s greatest batsmen.’
***
Massive following
Indian cricket legend, Virat Kohli—now in the twilight of an incredible career and playing in Australia for the last time—has a massive following worldwide—nearly 300 million
on Instagram alone, but his Bollywood superstar wife has also many millions of fans.
Nearly all the Indian wives or girlfriends are on the tour and more than 10,000 followers have come to Australia from around the globe for the tests. Multi-millions will be pumped into the Australian economy.
***
Smiles all around
The smiling youngsters pictured are happy their school year is coming to a close, and are
looking forward to Christmas and good times with friends and family. Schooldays seem to
pass ever so quickly, then the underworld beckons. It is a troubled world now, and sadly
there are many evil forces at play. Similar to the times prior to World War II. So, for girls
and boys everywhere, make the most of your precious schooldays and enjoy the holidays.
