It was 14 months ago that the Australian cricket team watched on as England claimed cricket's most prized trophy - for the first time since 1987. Australian players say that day was the first day of the campaign to regain "The Ashes".
62 weeks later, and the first day of the Ashes series went overwhelming in Australia's favour. The excitement was almost tangible as Australia piled on the runs to vigorously take the upper hand at the very start of the series.
Of course, no-one knows what will take place over the remaining four and three-quarter matches of the series. But if the first day is anything to go by - it would seem that the focus, the enthusiasm, the determination and the single-mindedness of the Australian team over the past year and a bit will serve them well during this summer's series.
While the Australian team is an exceptional group of people, I think the same philosophy applies to many people. Having a purpose, and passionately pursuing it, can bring about some extraordinary results - and that doesn't just apply to the cricket field.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Holding Out for a Hero
It all started with two words. One started with F and the other with C. Delivered by the Newcastle Knights' Andrew Johns at one of the match officials was enough to see him suspended for two matches.
In the aftermath of that decision, there were the usual discussions about what is and isn't acceptable sporting behaviour. People talked about 'heat of the moment', the competitive nature of professional sport, and the adrenalin rushing through players' veins.
There was a lot of talk about respect for officials. There were rhetorical questions about whether the standards are different for local sport compared to national top-level televised sport. This led to the old favourite "What message does this send to young kids".
The theory is that youngsters admire Andrew Johns for his football ability, and spend their Saturdays (as well as countless afternoons and school lunch hours) trying to emulate his feats. So when the guy swears at a touch judge on national television, people are concerned that young players will also copy that behaviour.
Ideally, these kids would be able to separate the good skills from the poor behaviour; adopting one and steering clear of the other. However, this expecting a lot from young minds.
The problem starts when we idolise people who don't deserve it. Don't get me wrong, Johns is a high-quality rugby league player, and deserves respect for that. But when push comes to shove, he's a guy in his 30's, who's barely had a real job, has already been 'through' one marriage, and is looking at number two. For anyone, child or otherwise, to think "This is the guy I want to model myself on", would be questionable.
In my personal opinion, if anyone's looking for ideas on life from a guy in his early 30's, a better place to look might be the life of Jesus. Sure, if you're looking for advice on kicking synthetic rubber around a sports oval, listen to the words of Andrew Johns. But if you're looking for tips on life, it might be better to look in a little book called the Bible, and hear what Jesus has to say.
In the aftermath of that decision, there were the usual discussions about what is and isn't acceptable sporting behaviour. People talked about 'heat of the moment', the competitive nature of professional sport, and the adrenalin rushing through players' veins.
There was a lot of talk about respect for officials. There were rhetorical questions about whether the standards are different for local sport compared to national top-level televised sport. This led to the old favourite "What message does this send to young kids".
The theory is that youngsters admire Andrew Johns for his football ability, and spend their Saturdays (as well as countless afternoons and school lunch hours) trying to emulate his feats. So when the guy swears at a touch judge on national television, people are concerned that young players will also copy that behaviour.
Ideally, these kids would be able to separate the good skills from the poor behaviour; adopting one and steering clear of the other. However, this expecting a lot from young minds.
The problem starts when we idolise people who don't deserve it. Don't get me wrong, Johns is a high-quality rugby league player, and deserves respect for that. But when push comes to shove, he's a guy in his 30's, who's barely had a real job, has already been 'through' one marriage, and is looking at number two. For anyone, child or otherwise, to think "This is the guy I want to model myself on", would be questionable.
In my personal opinion, if anyone's looking for ideas on life from a guy in his early 30's, a better place to look might be the life of Jesus. Sure, if you're looking for advice on kicking synthetic rubber around a sports oval, listen to the words of Andrew Johns. But if you're looking for tips on life, it might be better to look in a little book called the Bible, and hear what Jesus has to say.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Pelleton
I was watching the Tour de France. It was the mountain stage, which I can imagine is the most challenging of the tour. At the time, there was a large group of riders (which i'm told is called the "Peleton") and another four riders (more spread out) about a minute in front of the large group.
As the race continued, one of the riders from the large group decided that time was running out and he should make a move. If he was going to win the stage, he could no longer be content to stick with the large group. He had to break away and pursue what he wanted - first place.
Of course, there are reasons why it's usually a good tactic to stick with the group. It's easier to ride in the 'slipstream' of other riders, and the presence of the other riders is helpful in 'pacing' one's own ride. Being in a group of riders can be a good thing.
But, as in life, there come times when we have to be different from the crowd to achieve some thing worthwhile. Sometimes what the crowd is doing is not the thing we want to be doing, could be doing, or should be doing. These are the times we have to have the courage to break free from that the group and be who we can be.
As the race continued, one of the riders from the large group decided that time was running out and he should make a move. If he was going to win the stage, he could no longer be content to stick with the large group. He had to break away and pursue what he wanted - first place.
Of course, there are reasons why it's usually a good tactic to stick with the group. It's easier to ride in the 'slipstream' of other riders, and the presence of the other riders is helpful in 'pacing' one's own ride. Being in a group of riders can be a good thing.
But, as in life, there come times when we have to be different from the crowd to achieve some thing worthwhile. Sometimes what the crowd is doing is not the thing we want to be doing, could be doing, or should be doing. These are the times we have to have the courage to break free from that the group and be who we can be.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Queenslander!
In rugby league, it has been a great week for Queensland. The annual 3-match series with New South Wales is now level, following a 30-6 win by the Queenslanders. This is exciting for a number of reasons. It sets up a 'decider' in a few weeks time. But there's more to it than that.
The game itself was a wonderful experience (particularly for Queensland supporters). Throughout the history of the State of Origin contests, Queensland is perennially the underdog and this match was no different.
Many said that (in game one) Queensland was lucky to go down by just a point (17-16) and that they had been massively outplayed by the "Blues". With the side for game two considered to be even weaker, due to injuries, some experts (particularly those south of the border) were calling this the weakest Queensland team ever.
The other thing that is consistent throughout State of Origin is the 'Queensland spirit'. It's what keeps Queensland in the contest. It doesn't matter if everyone is writing them off. It doesn't matter if the opposition is huge. It doesn't matter if they have more experience.
Queensland, at their best, just go at 100% and do everything they can. They play well as a team, support each other, and never give up. It's truly an inspiration.
The game itself was a wonderful experience (particularly for Queensland supporters). Throughout the history of the State of Origin contests, Queensland is perennially the underdog and this match was no different.
Many said that (in game one) Queensland was lucky to go down by just a point (17-16) and that they had been massively outplayed by the "Blues". With the side for game two considered to be even weaker, due to injuries, some experts (particularly those south of the border) were calling this the weakest Queensland team ever.
The other thing that is consistent throughout State of Origin is the 'Queensland spirit'. It's what keeps Queensland in the contest. It doesn't matter if everyone is writing them off. It doesn't matter if the opposition is huge. It doesn't matter if they have more experience.
Queensland, at their best, just go at 100% and do everything they can. They play well as a team, support each other, and never give up. It's truly an inspiration.
ps. The last time a Queensland team was labelled 'the worst ever' was in 1995. Queensland went on to win that series 3-0.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Socceroos - A Comeback Win
It was with much jubilation that i watched Australia's match with Japan in the World Cup. Of course, most of that jubilation was crammed into the last ten minutes, as Australia scored 3 quick goals to turn a potential 0-1 loss into an inspiring 3-1 win.
A day or two later (the days seem to blur when sleep is just slotted in between soccer matches) i was talking to a friend about the match. We talked about how exciting the match was - and how it was impossible to go to sleep afterwards - even though it was around 1am in Australia. We came to the conclusion that - apart from the great result - it was the circumstances that made it so unbelievably exciting.
If Australia had scored those three goals early in the first half, held a 3-0 lead for the majority of the match, and conceded a consolation goal right at the end, it would still have been 3-1, but somehow not quite as heart stopping. For some reason, winning means so much more when it's preceded by an hour of staring down the barrel at a loss.
A day or two later (the days seem to blur when sleep is just slotted in between soccer matches) i was talking to a friend about the match. We talked about how exciting the match was - and how it was impossible to go to sleep afterwards - even though it was around 1am in Australia. We came to the conclusion that - apart from the great result - it was the circumstances that made it so unbelievably exciting.
If Australia had scored those three goals early in the first half, held a 3-0 lead for the majority of the match, and conceded a consolation goal right at the end, it would still have been 3-1, but somehow not quite as heart stopping. For some reason, winning means so much more when it's preceded by an hour of staring down the barrel at a loss.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Referee!
Last week i was watching the final of soccer's Champions League. It was quite an exciting match, and after Arsenal had taken an early lead, Barcelona came back to equalise, and then to win the match 2-1.
After the game (ie. immediately after) Arsenal complained about the refereeing, claiming that one of Barcelona's goals should not have been allowed, and that Barcelona were allowed to get away with unfair play.
Whether or not these claims are true - I don't know. I'm not an expert on soccer refereeing, and don't claim to be. I am interested more in what wasn't said than what was said.
Earlier in the match, Barcelona managed to get the ball in the net, but were denied a goal. Also a questionable decision - but in Arsenal's favour. In their assessment of the referee, this incident seems to have gone unnoticed.
I find it interesting that as human beings we tend to pay much more attention to the times when we don't get what (we think) we deserve - and not so much attention when we get what we don't deserve.
In life (as in soccer) some things go for us, some against us. We can get upset over the things that go against us - and become angry and bitter (no offence, Arsenal). Or we can appreciate that there are just as many 'fors' as 'againsts', that these things generally do balance out - and get on with the game. Personally, I reckon "Play On!"
After the game (ie. immediately after) Arsenal complained about the refereeing, claiming that one of Barcelona's goals should not have been allowed, and that Barcelona were allowed to get away with unfair play.
Whether or not these claims are true - I don't know. I'm not an expert on soccer refereeing, and don't claim to be. I am interested more in what wasn't said than what was said.
Earlier in the match, Barcelona managed to get the ball in the net, but were denied a goal. Also a questionable decision - but in Arsenal's favour. In their assessment of the referee, this incident seems to have gone unnoticed.
I find it interesting that as human beings we tend to pay much more attention to the times when we don't get what (we think) we deserve - and not so much attention when we get what we don't deserve.
In life (as in soccer) some things go for us, some against us. We can get upset over the things that go against us - and become angry and bitter (no offence, Arsenal). Or we can appreciate that there are just as many 'fors' as 'againsts', that these things generally do balance out - and get on with the game. Personally, I reckon "Play On!"
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Up to the Challenge
In recent cricket matches there have been some exceptionally high scores by some teams. It started off with Australia breaking - in fact smashing - the world record for the highest team total in a one-day match. Their total was 434. Until that day no-one had even made 400.
Of course, that record lasted just 4 hours, as South Africa replied with 438 to win one of the more amazing - and perhaps bizarre - games of cricket in recent memory. [scorecard]
And then in the final of Australia's national cricket competition, Queensland declared their innings closed at 900, to defeat Victoria by an innings an 354 runs. A greater margin would be hard to imagine.
So what's the reason behind this sudden run of high scores? What takes Australia from being bowled out for 93, to breaking the world record? How did South Africa manage to surpass such an amazing score? How does Queensland make the highest score ever made in an Australian cricket final?
We could put it down to small cricket grounds or poor bowling, but there's always been a plenty of each of those. I reckon the answer lies in motivation. Australia had trailed 2-0 in that 5 match series. Determined to win the series, and having clawed themselves back to a 2-2 scoreline, it was vital to make a big total - lest all their efforts be in vain.
For South Africa, who had led the series 2-0, it would be heart-breaking to let it slip. The challenge had been set. They knew that to win the match they would have to perform at a level far above that which had ever been required before. And they did!
Queensland, with players away in that Australian side, also had to perform well above their average if they were to win the final. Parts of the state had also been savaged by Cyclone Larry - and the players dedicated their performance to the victims of that disaster. The result was a massive innings in which four players exceeded 150 - the only time this has ever happened in national or international cricket.
So it would seem that phenomenal feats are possible when we put our minds to it. So why doesn't this happen more often. Is it that we (as human beings) are generally slackers? Or is it that under exceptional circumstances we can summon up the strength, focus and determination to do things that would otherwise be impossible? I don't know the answer. I'm not sure i ever will. But i'll tell you this - it certainly makes for entertaining cricket!
Of course, that record lasted just 4 hours, as South Africa replied with 438 to win one of the more amazing - and perhaps bizarre - games of cricket in recent memory. [scorecard]
And then in the final of Australia's national cricket competition, Queensland declared their innings closed at 900, to defeat Victoria by an innings an 354 runs. A greater margin would be hard to imagine.
So what's the reason behind this sudden run of high scores? What takes Australia from being bowled out for 93, to breaking the world record? How did South Africa manage to surpass such an amazing score? How does Queensland make the highest score ever made in an Australian cricket final?
We could put it down to small cricket grounds or poor bowling, but there's always been a plenty of each of those. I reckon the answer lies in motivation. Australia had trailed 2-0 in that 5 match series. Determined to win the series, and having clawed themselves back to a 2-2 scoreline, it was vital to make a big total - lest all their efforts be in vain.
For South Africa, who had led the series 2-0, it would be heart-breaking to let it slip. The challenge had been set. They knew that to win the match they would have to perform at a level far above that which had ever been required before. And they did!
Queensland, with players away in that Australian side, also had to perform well above their average if they were to win the final. Parts of the state had also been savaged by Cyclone Larry - and the players dedicated their performance to the victims of that disaster. The result was a massive innings in which four players exceeded 150 - the only time this has ever happened in national or international cricket.
So it would seem that phenomenal feats are possible when we put our minds to it. So why doesn't this happen more often. Is it that we (as human beings) are generally slackers? Or is it that under exceptional circumstances we can summon up the strength, focus and determination to do things that would otherwise be impossible? I don't know the answer. I'm not sure i ever will. But i'll tell you this - it certainly makes for entertaining cricket!
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