Sheffield Shield Day 2 - NSW v. South Australia
My day started with the lovely train journey down the Central Coast into Sydney Central Station then a bus on Elizabeth Street to Anzac Parade and a short walk to the SCG. It was already floodlit . It was a cool, drizzly grey morning more reminiscent of many at TB. Smiling gatemen greeted me and as I reached for some money from my pocket I was told : ''It's free mate...''. Due in part to the extensive redevelopment and the expected paltry 'crowd' I wandered in towards the only stand available - the Ladies Pavilion next to the Members' Pavilion. This was cricket heaven - proper cricket , a small but seemingly knowledgeable and friendly group of watchers and none of those butterflies in your stomach you often get when watching Notts batting
It was Day 2 , Day 1 had seen the hosts dismiss ladder topping South Australia for 181 and struggled to 1-24 overnight. Now NSW proceeded to lose wickets with regularity in bowler friendly conditions. Sayers was performing particularly well for South Australia whose caps and numbers/letters on shirts were in bright red. The ball was seaming and curving around so the notion that the SCG is just a spinner's wicket should be reviewed. NSW captain Rohrer added to the LBW count of 4 when triggered on 1. The Blues lunched 6 wickets down still trailing South Australia by over 80.
Having gorged on a meat pie I meandered around the SCG museum [again free] . There were some lovely large black and white photos of SCG from bygone years. These drew my eye as did the baggy green caps, balls and gear from the 20s and 30s. A large wooden sign DOUG WALTERS STAND hung on the back wall. Photos from the Bodyline series and modern stuff to make a visit a must.
The post lunch session saw the tall Trent Copeland and O'Keefe play enterprisingly for 40 and 46 respectively. Also Sandhu drove and cut well for his 45. He is another Aussie pace prospect and recently dismissed Alex Hales in the recent Australia A v. England Lions. NSW ended their innings on 219 all out-a commendable recovery. South Australia had a moderate session after tea and finished on 4-93. NSW will look to take early wickets on Day 3 [Saturday morning] to press home their present advantage
I had a good discussion with Peter Bannigan , a sports photographer, working with NSW cricket media. He hopes to send on some pics which I will forward. He told me of the story of the statues and busts behind the pavilion at the SCG . Richie Benaud's statue is pictured. Peter said that Richie had mentioned to him that he used to park his car in the space now occupied by his statue. Richie's car? A 1960s Sunbeam Alpine in blue. Richie has had it re-sprayed beige.The car is still used by Richie and lovingly cared for and garaged at his home in Coogee [pronounce Cudjie] .He has it serviced by the same bloke he purchased it from.
Another side story to my cricketing times here in Australia concerns the Central Coast Over 60s and indeed 70s! Their captain a very amiable Gordon Ives has been selected as Australia's Over 70s captain for their [English] summer tour including 3 Tests and numerous other fixtures. I will try to obtain their itinerary.
Finally Carolyn and I are off to Canberra tomorrow and whilst on the road aim to visit Bowral and the Bradman museum there
Cheers Andy
Some photos from Peter Bannigan.
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