ASHES PREVIEW

Can Ben Stokes (pictured) become only the ninth captain in Ashes test history to lead England to a series victory in Australia since way back in 1877.

History says no, but Stokes is a tough no holds barred cricketer as were Douglas Jardine and Len Hutton who led famous victories in 1932-3 and 1954-53. Jardine’s triumph of course come in the infamous bodyline campaign in which Australian players feared for their lives.

Such was the fearsome assault. Jardine had two great express bowlers, Larwood and Voce.

Hutton had Tyson and Statham a pair of the all-time great fast bowlers. In Perth this weekend the Poms will have Mark Wood and Jofra Archer and both can crank up past 90 miles an hour.

Both however are under a fitness cloud. England’s batting can be highly entertaining, often thrilling but the desire to score at a rapid rate will leave most of their line-up vulnerable to Australia’s pace line up. It is rare that England’s Test XI is younger than the Aussies but this time around it will definitely be old Australia v young England.

This will be the youngest team ever to come here for an Ashes series. In Stokes they have a great leader, in Joe Root they have one of England’s greatest bats of all time.

Perth will set the tone for what hopefully will be an enthralling series. For what its worth my tip is for two all with one rain affected draw. However, some are not convinced “Bazball” can survive in Australian conditions and are predicting a 5-0 whitewash. Whatever the result Australia’s team thereafter must be a next generation side with the likes of Campbell Kellaway and Harry Dixon (Vic), Cooper Connolly (WA), Xavier Bartlett (QLD)and Sam Konstas (NSW) in the muse.

***

Below is the Australian team of 1886 in England. It was then a three test series and England won 3-0.

JAMIE’S TRIUMPH

Ace jockey Jamie Melham wrote herself into the record books by being the only female riders to win the Melbourne and Caulfield cups double. She is pictured here with good friend Michelle Payne who rode the winner a decade ago in the Melbourne Cup.

Jamie (nee Kah) and Michelle are forever legends of the Australian turf. It has been a huge year for Jamie with also her wedding and two family funerals. She paid a moving tribute to her late grandfather when accepting the trophy at Flemington.

VARIA

Racing has been a staple in the “bush” down the generations. A fortnight ago, the annual Mortlake Cup meeting took place. A carload of former ACK students made the trip and really enjoyed the day — the people, the hospitality and the friendly welcoming atmosphere. My dad, a shearer and tent boxer with many indigenous boxing friends, loved the race day at Mortlake and near Terang. I still remember my late brother and myself selling racebooks to make a few shillings.



TRIBUTE TO ALAN TRIPP

Son of a well-respected Army officer and his wife, Alan Tripp certainly made his mark in life, becoming an internationally-acclaimed operator in the field of sports betting.

Married to Kate Dow, the latter surname significant in college annals, Alan lives in Yarrawonga where he and Kate regularly hosted Collegians’ reunions at their lakeside property. Classmates of Alan’s era turn up in force with names such as Coates, Comitti, Keenan, Cummins, Brear, Ryan ever prominent.

Alan was a boarder at ACK in the late 60s, hailing from Puckapunyal Army base. His brother Ian also attended the college.

Alan and Kate have raised a fine family, held in high regard. Many organisations and people have been the recipient of Alan’s generosity.

A son, Matthew, took over the business reins from his dad and maintained its success.

From Matthew’s class of 1991 a number of his pals have been employed in the operation. Sam Crimmins, (son of the late Peter), Tom Carroll, John Fisicaro and Brad Fanning (grandson of legendary Melbourne goal-kicker Fred Fanning) are a few who have prospered along the way.

For some years in the 90s and beyond, Matthew brought a cricket XI to Assumption for a ‘friendly’. They were happy occasions made more so by the fact that Alan Tripp came to each game and handed over a welcome donation to assist college cricket.

Alan released a popular book ‘Beating the Odds’ in 2006. The launch at a city hotel attracted a large crowd with notables including Bob Hawke present. A review of the book in the Sydney’s Daily Telegraph stated “Alan Tripp is a man who had lived life like no other man on the planet. He is an Aussie original.”



P.S Son Matthew has played a notable part in Melbourne Storm rugby team’s success.