Dear Gideon and Pete, it’s exciting to think the Perth Test, Australia v India, is almost upon us. I’m reminded of the time about 20 years ago when Pakistan’s team arrived in Australia. Inzamam-ul-Haq was asked what he thought about a lively WACA pitch and a “baptism of fire” that awaited his side.
He said something along the lines of “I’m not a Christian and I don’t know what you’re talking about”. By the end of this series we are all going to need a bit of Inzy’s laid-back humour to ease tension. GG, take note.
At last, the "real" cricket is about to begin. It should be a fascinating series with real questions to be asked of the Indians following their 0-3 loss to NZ. Can Kohli turn his indifferent form around, can Bumrah carry the visitors pace attack, is Pant back to his destructive best?
And a prickly Indian management response to questions from nosey locals! Is it just a passing "stink" as you say or just another media beatup? Let the cricket speak for itself.
Yes. Neither team looks quite as shiny as they did 12 months ago. Interested to see their new leftie opener, hope our completely new opener can approach his early output.
Loved you both on The Grade Cricketer pod with Sam Perry and Ian Higgins.
Really, liked the way you answered the question on how should a journalist walk a tightrope between having an objective view and being while being close to a player especially if that player is of older generation and is being idolised. The chance of idiolising a player of new generation is very less so that shouldn't be that big a problem. And also, don't you think that an ex cricketer turning into a broadcasters or a journalist and his criticism of a player or a team is more genuine and more reliable because he has gone through it he knows what is the right time when the alarm bells should be ringing and in what measure rather than a journalist who has never played even with distinction at first class level. Is it not better for a non cricketer journalist to play safe and praise and write about a player or a team when they are doing well, that can be acceptable and taken seriously but not his criticism of a player or a team ?
The other thing related to the first part of my comment is that the player journalist like ( Michael Atherton) or broadcaster can be objective in his criticism as he knows the exact time when to criticise in what measure and when is the right time that alarm bells should be ringing for a player much better than a stricto sensu journalist.
At least Ponting and Gambhir are taking pot shots at the opposition. One former Australian ‘opener’ is taking them at our debutant before he even takes guard. I guess he did go to a “good school” so he must know what he’s talking about.
Gus from Canberra here. (met at the Sicilian in Manchester) I briefly spoke to Gideon at the Mike Coward function. With Andrew from Sydney, Chris from Brisbane and Michael from Darwin. During the Adelaide Test, we would like to shout you a drink at the Kentish in North Adelaide.
You will have trouble luring me out of the Exeter. Get in touch when the game starts and we’ll do our best (bloody day night tests make socialising so difficult). I remember the Sicilian. Was that after I’d bought the expensive beer???
I have overstated Gautam’s role in Modi’s government. He was a member not a minister. Thanks to Aditya Roy for pointing that out.
You are welcome, Peter
Dear Gideon and Pete, it’s exciting to think the Perth Test, Australia v India, is almost upon us. I’m reminded of the time about 20 years ago when Pakistan’s team arrived in Australia. Inzamam-ul-Haq was asked what he thought about a lively WACA pitch and a “baptism of fire” that awaited his side.
He said something along the lines of “I’m not a Christian and I don’t know what you’re talking about”. By the end of this series we are all going to need a bit of Inzy’s laid-back humour to ease tension. GG, take note.
Love it.
At last, the "real" cricket is about to begin. It should be a fascinating series with real questions to be asked of the Indians following their 0-3 loss to NZ. Can Kohli turn his indifferent form around, can Bumrah carry the visitors pace attack, is Pant back to his destructive best?
And a prickly Indian management response to questions from nosey locals! Is it just a passing "stink" as you say or just another media beatup? Let the cricket speak for itself.
Yes. Neither team looks quite as shiny as they did 12 months ago. Interested to see their new leftie opener, hope our completely new opener can approach his early output.
GG was never a minister in the Modi Cabinet. He was only a Member of Parliament from his party.
Oops, thanks, I’ll fix that.
A beer at the longest bar in the southern hemisphere! Unfortunately with about four different Taps I believe
Where do u blokes usually go for a beer after a days play at SCG?
It’d be nice to catch up again after the podcasts at Willie the Boatman
Hey
Gideon and Peter
Loved you both on The Grade Cricketer pod with Sam Perry and Ian Higgins.
Really, liked the way you answered the question on how should a journalist walk a tightrope between having an objective view and being while being close to a player especially if that player is of older generation and is being idolised. The chance of idiolising a player of new generation is very less so that shouldn't be that big a problem. And also, don't you think that an ex cricketer turning into a broadcasters or a journalist and his criticism of a player or a team is more genuine and more reliable because he has gone through it he knows what is the right time when the alarm bells should be ringing and in what measure rather than a journalist who has never played even with distinction at first class level. Is it not better for a non cricketer journalist to play safe and praise and write about a player or a team when they are doing well, that can be acceptable and taken seriously but not his criticism of a player or a team ?
The other thing related to the first part of my comment is that the player journalist like ( Michael Atherton) or broadcaster can be objective in his criticism as he knows the exact time when to criticise in what measure and when is the right time that alarm bells should be ringing for a player much better than a stricto sensu journalist.
Would love to say G’day to you blokes when you’re over in Perth! Loved the chat on TGC.
Pint of Swan in order at The Camfield!
At least Ponting and Gambhir are taking pot shots at the opposition. One former Australian ‘opener’ is taking them at our debutant before he even takes guard. I guess he did go to a “good school” so he must know what he’s talking about.
Sounds a bit a 1983 Lexcen keel, or perchance a Lillee aluminium bay…
Gus from Canberra here. (met at the Sicilian in Manchester) I briefly spoke to Gideon at the Mike Coward function. With Andrew from Sydney, Chris from Brisbane and Michael from Darwin. During the Adelaide Test, we would like to shout you a drink at the Kentish in North Adelaide.
You will have trouble luring me out of the Exeter. Get in touch when the game starts and we’ll do our best (bloody day night tests make socialising so difficult). I remember the Sicilian. Was that after I’d bought the expensive beer???
The Exeter is absolutely fine. Good choice.
See you there.