TV ads on Barmy Army heckling
I haven't seen them on TV yet but apparently there are some amusing Australian TV ads featuring the Barmy Army heckling Aussies. You can catch them at YouTube: hecklers at the pub, on the bus and while getting a traffic ticket. It reveals an interesting insight into the Australian psyche post-2005 Ashes. The Corridor blog suggests England supporters got to Australia last year and we're worried about a possible Barmy Army invasion this year. Fair call. When the tickets came out, all the kerfuffle was about limiting the number available to Poms (and also getting through to buy some in the first place, lousy ticket website). And recently Cricket Australia unveiled plans to neutralise the Barmy Army with colour. Turns out it'll cost us Aussies close to $100 to do our patriotic duty and buy the official green-and-gold T-shirt. Makes me wonder whether Cricket Australia are merely cashing in on our passion and patriotism. Oh, well, won't stop me from buying the damn shirt nonetheless.
| Posted by JC on Mon 25 Sep |  3 comments |
Monty Panesar sees shrink to prepare for Australia
The only thing more satisfying than driving an opposition team to the psychiatrist couch mid-series is when the opposition gets psychological help even before the series begins. In this case, Monty Panesar is seeking psychological help to help him deal with the expected abuse from Aussie crowds. The irony is this kind of news is the perfect fuel for an abusive crowd and will only make matters worse. The media have been discussing all the crowd abuse Panesar will receive that we'll almost feel obliged to fulfil expectations. To be honest, I'm wondering just how far Aussie crowds will take it. With fear inducing current affair shows and xenophobic politicians, there's a climate of racism going around in Australia at the moment. Hopefully the abuse will be limited to his fielding, batting and generally just being a Pommie bastard.
| Posted by JC on Thu 21 Sep | 2 comments |
Ponting one temper tantrum away from Ashes ban
Following his tantrum in Australia's victory over the West Indies in the DLF cup, Ricky Ponting is one dummy spit away from possible ICC suspension which could extend even into the Ashes series. Perhaps Ponting is looking to position himself as the heir apparent to Allan Border's mantle of Captain Grumpy but it just doesn't wash in the modern PC era. Still, Ponting loses his temper over the craziest things. Getting provoked by a cheeky Duncan Fletcher and losing his cool in Bangladesh of all places. And this time was for a dodgy wide call. Pick your battles, Punter!
And I don't think it's any coincidence that England are travelling to Australia with their largest ever Ashes squad. They say it's comprised of officials, medics, attendants, etc. But we all know the real reason why the squad is so large. Duncan Fletcher has stocked up on as many substitute fielders as he can squeeze onto a plane. When Ricky Ponting first comes into bat at the Gabba, he can expect to encounter Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison bowling from both ends, Geraint Jones wicketkeeping... and 8 substitute fielders. Duncan Fletcher will be leaning on the gate winking, smirking, waving... hell, probably mooning Ponting as he walks in and out of the ground.
| Posted by JC on Fri 15 Sep | 1 comments |
Australia's plan to neutralise Barmy Army
A home series is always a big advantage but just how much advantage will Australia have if 40,000 Barmy Army fans are invading our grounds this year? Cricket Australia have devised a cunning new plan to neutralise the huge numbers of English fans... colour! They're encouraging Aussies to turn up in green and gold (which I never really understood considering neither colour is on our flag). And yes, they'll be launching replicas of the team's one day uniform and selling bucketloads of green and gold merchandise at the grounds. But let's not be cynical - it's not about money, it's about patriotism! But why do they need to come up with a strategy anyway? Wasn't that whole "Australian Cricket Family" supposed to limit the number of Poms getting through the gates?
Personally, I'm more concerned about the singing. The Barmy Army have a wide repertoire of stirring anthems. Who will forget Jerusalem at the Oval? How do we counter that? "Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi" will get pretty old after the 100th time. I know by the end of the Sydney Olympics, I was nearly bleeding from the ears everytime the crowd started the chant. What Cricket Australia need to do is hire John Williamson to pen a few iconic folk songs. Or that bloke who sang "C'mon Aussie C'mon" (not Shannon Noll, anything but that!)
| Posted by JC on Tue 5 Sep | 1 comments |
