Sydney Test '12

The SCG hosted it's 100th test this week, and what a test it was! An amazing innings, and captain's display, by Michael Clarke. Great batting by both Ponting and Hussey. Bowling brilliance by Pattinson and Hilfenhaus. And the anticipation, and as yet non-complete, of Tendulkar trying to reach his 100th International 100.

Being in Sydney for NYE, and having dropped down to 4 days a week at work, I managed to squeeze in Day 1 of the match. I sat with Little Banksy, who grabbed tickets for us both in the front row of the sun drenched Messenger Stand.

With the Indians winning the toss, we settled in the brief morning shade with the Sachin anticipation. A pretty exciting and eventual first session had the Aussie's on top...and us ducking downstairs in search of shade for the middle session.

Taking up standing spots in front of the bar, and chatting to those around us, we watched as the Aussie bowlers pulled the Indians apart, and the Aussies came in to bat. Leaving the ground at the end of the day with Ponting and Clarke building their 1st innings'.

Walking out of the ground we happened upon Belinda and Belinda, and Wizden, ready to hit the pub to mark B's birthday. We walked the short distance from the group to The Local Taphouse, for rooftop drinks with the Waving The Flag group in town for the test. Always good!

Flying back to Victoria that night, and driving very late back to Ballarat, and managing to put in an appearance at work, all my attention was on the cricket for the next 3 days. I ducked home for "lunch" on Day 2 to catch Ricky reaches his century, which was a lovely moment as he scrambled across on his belly for a risky single. And then I dunked home again to watch Clarkey reach 300...and then declare 29 runs later.

I listened to Day 4 as I was working from our Geelong office, to see out an impressive Aussie win, by an innings and 68 runs! Our cricket success has returned! And our new Captain has earnt his stripes this match!