Tom Russell

Swinger, when starting out, genuinely is beautiful, but occasionally naughty (6)

Use a chain shot in choppy waters (5,5,3)

He was aiming to...er... take appropriate steps to...you know...maximise the efficiency of the...know what I mean, mate... touring experience for all legitimate stakeholders...maybe...if that makes sense... obviously...mate...

I've checked the website and it appears that Ilford CC now have a 5th XI.

When Root and Smith were batting yesterday, I suddenly recalled Graham Gooch's infamous words in 1986.

You know.

World XI at one end, Ilford 3rd XI at the other.

Here's a puzzle dedicated to the Ilford 3s.

😇😀

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@guerillacricket.bsky.social

Here's a puzzle for late-night test match listeners.

Who's missing from this group of not-so-merry men?

🏏🦆😀

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@wisdencricket.bsky.social
@acscricket.bsky.social
@zaltzcricket.bsky.social

The SCG Ashes test has seen many dramatic moments over the years.

This time, I'll consider it a success if I get to three crossword puzzles.

Here's one in memory of those who didn't quite make it.

Have a good'un everyone.

🏏😎

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social

Simon Brown of Durham.

His test was against Pakistan at Lord's in 1996.

His first wicket was Amir Sohail, lbw playing no shot.

I think he might have got a couple more in the second innings.

England failed to hold on for a draw on the last day.

Doing a McCague.

Without the birthright.

But with more opportunities.

Centenary test vibes at the MCG.

Or, as the MD would say:

"We under-over-prepared, maybe, or another thing, I dunno, 20 percent, or something, my vocabulary isn't great, don't bash the pope"

🫢🤔🏏

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@liebcricket.com
@davidkhopps.bsky.social

The greatest innings ever played in a boxing day test match at the MCG was Alan Mullally's 16 in 1998.

Discuss.

A puzzle below to consider whilst you draft your discussion papers.

Festive cheers to one and all!

😎🦆🏏🎅

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social

YouTube video by a massive zebra Bob Appleyard Interview

I know it was a long time ago and all that.

I know the world has moved on.

But I still think there's a lot to be learned by taking the time to listen to this interview between CMJ and Bob Appleyard.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqIU...

A homage below to the famous "test of many three-fors".

A rare historic time when the English team arrived in Adelaide with a lead and hammered it home.

Also a time when players were more anagramable!

😇😍🏏

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@zaltzcricket.bsky.social

I spent many happy hours playing "flag" during my time as a low quality club cricketer.

Clockwise for runs; anti-clockwise for wickets.

😁

Six wickets in one day fall to legside catches at Adelaide!

I can't help but to recall a horrible pre-lunch moment in 1991 and the silliness which preceded it.

Here's to a good day's night.

🏏😁

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@melindafarrell.bsky.social

Not everyone's favourite cricketer!

I yearn for the days when English medium pacers were outgunned by fiery Australian quicks.

Vice versa is much more depressing.

A puzzle below in homage to some hapless dibbly-dobblies of yesteryear.

Enjoy the game, if you dare!

🏏

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social

Agreed.

The UK has an unhealthy relationship with private education.

I speak from direct experience, having been traumatised at English boarding schools between the ages of 9 and 18.

It's like watching a novice chess player accepting every sacrifice, ending up with a king under attack in the middle of the board and only then focusing on some defensive play.

We'll always have 1986, George.

No one can take that away from us.

😁

The Gabba 1998: I couldn't get a ticket for the first day and spent it in a nearby bar drinking beer with Syd Lawrence. Great fun!

I hope everyone who's there 27 years later is having as good a time.

A puzzle below for the night owls.

😎🏏

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social

Here’s my preview of today’s Test. A crossroads moment for this regime, I think:

I know there's a test match about to get underway in Brisbane.

And it's crucial and all that.

But I can't help thinking about a man with a firecracker square cut and a wonderful moment I was lucky to witness 34 years ago.

Enjoy the game!

@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@georgedobell.bsky.social

I was there on 22 June 1991.

Do you remember the best ever dot ball, which occurred mid-afternoon?

Walsh steaming in from the pavilion end, bowling at full pelt.

Smith hit a savage cut shot in front of square.

Logie dived and stopped it at full stretch.

A wonderful moment!

22 June 1991.

My first time watching test cricket at Lord's.

England 4 down with Marshall, Ambrose and Walsh on the rampage.

Smith was just magnificent.

Excalibur batting.

Fearless in defence.

Brutal in attack.

Forever memorable.

And the most dramatic dot ball in the history of the game.

The five pacemen of the Ashocalypse have ridden into view.

And it was some entrance.

Some of us remember the Gabba test in 1990, but this feels more ruthless.

Don't blink.

Breathe.

Here's something for the first drinks break.

🏏😍

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social

Ashes Fever!

At an unhappy hunting ground for English tourists, will ultra positivity herald a change of fortune?

Or will the hype be followed by hiccups?

Here's a puzzle to remind you of the pace and bounce!

🏏😎

@georgedobell.bsky.social
@geofflemon.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social

Our country created a welfare state in the post-war settlement which was worthy of national pride.

It was substantially dismantled by the regressive privatisations of the 80s and then the loathsome austerity of the 10s.

Perhaps this is what the veteran is referencing?

This person knows A LOT about history.

A voice worthy of listening.

👍👂👂