ROGUE SP0RT GALLERY - OH!NO!NOT ANOTHER RUN-OUT WITH HUSS-PUNTER

 

OCTOBER 2009 EDITION
----------------------- PUNTER AND HUSS DO IT AGAIN
HUSS'S CRICKETING CAREER IS ON THE LINE after his less-than-spectacular batting in the Ashes.
And that appalling run-out at the final match at London's Oval.
Although Big Fred's chuck at the stumps was miraculous.
But Huss was involved in a SECOND run-out with his skipper in the rained-off ODI against India.
And again there was a spectacular whack of the stumps as a fielder threw a deadly accurate ball catching Punter mid-stream.
But, I think Ricky will wear that one Huss.
The Ashes run-out may linger,though.
The twice-failed Ashes in England skipper has slightly redeemed himself in the ODIs.
But, I don't think Ponting will sleep well at night until he actually wins in Britain.
Yep,he'll stay on as captain.
Michael Clarke doesn't seem to be quite his FRISKY old self these days-although to be fair he is carrying an injury.
And Hilditch,Boonie and Merv will probably hang on as selectors thanks to the ODI triumph against the Poms.
Although I think it's time for a change-don't you Andy (Hilditch)?

BIG KEV
IN TURMOIL.
BURLY big-hitting,cross-batting cricket star Kevin Pietersen caused the Poms a MASSIVE upset by walking away from the English captaincy-after overseeing just three Tests.
The reason for the resignation?
South African-born Kev had allegedly fallen out with the squad's coach.
Opener Andrew Strauss was quickly NAMED England's new skipper. Doing a pretty good job-but Straussy still needs to put in more hard yakka to get the Poms' ranking back.
And a Rogue tribute to Andrew Freddie Flintock.
You deserve that knighthood,Sir Fred,which you are certain to get when Gordon Brown (if he's still British PM) and Her Maj roll them out.
AUSSIE SELECTORS
STILL IN A SPIN
OVER SPINNER
COME IN SPINNER - Please.
We desperately need a leggie or offie - don't even mind a Doosra!
Guess Nathan is now front-runner, with Katich in support.
What a DISASTROUS MISTAKE leaving Haurie out of the final Ashes match...on a turning wicket.
This permanent spinner position MUST be fixed or I can seeGREAT to see Melbourne Victory's magnificent season.
the selectors calling on Warnie.
LIFT YOUR GAME, VICTORY
YOU had a great soccer season last year-but what's gone wrong Victory?
I hope you don't follow the Melbourne AFL D's and have one good season followed by a bad one.
Scottish coach Ernie must indeed be wondering what the hell is wrong with his one-time League champion team.
Archie Thompson is finding some fire-power-although he's always heavily marked.
Archie seems to go to pieces when he plays with the Socceroos.
The talent is there - but he just doesn't seem to be able to harnass it on the day.
But, then, the same could be said of Kewell and Celtic champ Scotty McDonald who has been a major disappointment.
*


WHAT'S UP WITH
OUR TENNIS?

(EXCLUSIVE REPORT
BY OUR SPORT
DESK )

SEEMS ONLY LLEYTON,SAM AND CASEY ARE PULLING THEIR WEIGHT.
SO-What's happened to the grand tradition of Aussie tennis 'super-champs.
BUT,there is talent among the youngsters.
Jess Moore is one to watch.
She's in her late teens, but the young Aussie has ALREADY caught the eye of tennis power-brokers.
Critics are saying Moore will be as good as Martina Hingis, who was Jessica's age, when she won tennis glory in Australia.
Moore is already ranked No.29 in world junior tennis.
And her world WTA ranking has surged by an amazing 300 - from 980 in April to 629.
OK, a ranking of 629 may not seem high.
But, don't forget Jess's age - and she only needs to beat a couple of seeded players to send that world ranking soaring again.
Moore showed the Aussie flag by winning the prestige ITF women's tournament in
England - last year.
And she was runner-up in another ITF event in Switzerland.
'I'm on a real high,' says Jessica.
So are we, Jess!
*


WHO WILL SKIPPER THE ROOS?

NOW, MARK VIDUKA,'THE BIG FELLA' 0F AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SOCCER, has announced
HIS RETIREMENT AS TEAM CAPTAIN who will be the fulltime skipper?
Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill - or Timmy Cahill?
Toss up.
But, Cahill is too much in demand in the EPL to take up full-time captaincy ... at least at the moment.
I may be wrong,but I don't think Viduka has actually stated:'I quit as captain of the Socceroos forever' - or words to that effect.
When the popular player went off quietly in the second half of the Roos - Japan Asian Cup Quarter Final clash late last last year, many watching believed they were farewelling the 'Dukes.'
Viduka,32, left the game after an hour, believed to be suffering from heat exhaustion in the sweltering tropical conditions.
Australia lost the game to Japan in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Reporters later asked Viduka if it was his last game for the national squad.
Viduka said:'I don't know...(but) I'm happy I was involved with the Asian Cup.'
Insiders say it is extremely unlikely 'Dukes' will be involved in the 2010 World Cup.
But it would be wonderful if Mark could play a couple of games for the national side - in 2008.
BUT, he has lost none of his form-scoring a 'smasheroo' debut goal for his new north-east British club, Newcastle against arch-rivals Middlesborough- at the start of the English Premier League season.
ALL Aussie soccer fans will never forget Viduka's super three Asian Cup goals.
Good luck whatever you decide regarding your future with the 'Roos, Big Fella.
Your leadership of the SOCCEROOS has been inspirational.

AND SOME SPORTING MOMENTS FROM LAST YEAR...

*

YOUNG BOXERS
TO
'BEEF UP'
THE GAME
(Rogue Exclusive-c Rogue Report 2007)

THE AFL IS ALL SET TO SIGN UP PUNCHY YOUNG BOXERS - to TOP footy clubs, we can reveal.
An AFL insider told The Rogue Report:'It's going to be gloves off - from now on.
'The future of the game lies with players who can fight their way out of trouble - during matches.'
Rogue witnessed an incident where two footballers shaped up - to give each other a GOOD BIFFING - while an actual game was in progress.
The new 'AFL boxing policy' has got the nod from leading coaches, we understand.
A top footy coach was pictured in a metropolitan daily newspaper - in a sparring session during a training session.
I can't see why umpires don't have the power to 'SIN BIN' or 'RED CARD' recalcitrant players ... instead of holding costly lawyer-driven tribunals.
A suspended player can easily be replaced by his club.
But if you 'BOOT OFF' a footballer for ugly onfield misconduct, in the last 5 or 10 minutes during a cliffhanger, and his team loses...
That player won't be too popular in the dressing room after the game.
A greater PENALTY - than suspension by a tribunal, you agree?

*

YOU KEPT THIS GREAT GAME OF CRICKET
ALIVE

BY ROGUE

WITH the GIMMICKY IPL Twenty20 matches about to start, let's spare a thought for those players who kept the traditional game of Cricket- ALIVE.
-WARNIE,GLENN,JUSTIN, DAMIEN & NOW ADAM GILCHRIST-and let's not forget retiring coach,JOHN BUCHANAN.
YOU earn my undying gratitude.
I'm a baby boomer and grew up in the UK -with heroes like Colin Cowdrey and Derek Underwood (who gave me an unforgettable interview).
But migrating to Australia 36 years ago, I grew to love the Australian cricket team.
Thanks, Steve Waugh.
Your superb captaincy made the team into global superstars.
Ponting was handed a team... on a roll.
We won't talk about the Aussie Ashes loss.
Just as I'm not going to talk about the Pommy one.
You men-know better than me - what went wrong-and right.
But I am proud to have lived in this era of great cricket.
Thanks again - guys.

*

WHEN WARNE FILLED THE G.
BY ROGUE

MY WATCH said 2.42 PM (EST) when SHOWMAN SHANE WARNE CAME OUT from a few minutes off-field TO ECSTATIC APPLAUSE FROM THE ALMOST 100,00 CROWD AT THE G - on Boxing Day.
Warne is Melbourne born & bred, the Melbourne Boxing Day Test is the most important event on the Cricket Calendar-and Warne had to do his duty - to his own Barmy Army of fans.
STOP PRESS: 3.18PM (?) Sorry I was IN THE AIR. Warne claimed his 700th wicket - with a RIPPER.
The bowl turned just before Pommy batsman Andrew Strauss sighted it, spun around his leg and clean bowled the middle stump.
An ABSOLUTE CLASSIC.


*
LIVERPOOL HUNT ARCHIE
(sports desk exclusive)

TOP UK soccer team Liverpool are preparing to drop Aussie midfielder Harry Kewell - in favor of Melbourne Victory's striker Archie Thompson.
Liverpool scouts were impressed at the Australian Soccer Cup earlier this year where Thompson blasted an amazing five goals into the back of the net-against a totally outclassed Adelaide United.
The managment of Liverpool are said to be tired of 'carrying' an out-of-form and injury-prone Kewell.
They are believed to be ready to offer 28-year-old, New Zealand-born Thompson a staggering $5 million (AUD) to join Liverpool.
Liverpool scouts were amazed by Thimpson's on-field skills.
'They guy is one of the best talents in the game today,' one scout said after Archie netted his fifth goal.
It's no secret Tottenham ('Spurs') have approached Harry Kewell to move from Liverpool.
This would pave the way for Liverpool to SNAP UP Thompson.
But Manchester United also had scouts at the Melbourne soccer final.
'Man U is very interested in signing Thompson,too,' insiders say.
'They may top Liverpool's bid.'
*

HERE'S HOW ROGUE WILL REMEMBER SOME 0F THE PAST YEARS SP0RTING HIGHLIGHTS.
ALSO SEE ARCHIVES (downpage).

AUSTRALIA READY
T0 KICK
BUTT - IN ASHES

The Australian squad returned with smiles all round from India - after winning an ICC Champions Trophy warm-up.
The Aussies thrashed India by a winning margin of 103 runs in the warm-up.
Andy Symonds top-scored with 78 runs.
This puts them at a psychological advantage over England who are having team troubles.
Bad on-field blunders have enraged the notoriously critical Pommy press.
So, it was incredibly stupid of Messrs Merv Hughes, Mark Waugh and Allan Border to take a SWIPE at our squad.
The consensus among these legends of the game was that Australia was too friendly and not hard-edged enough during last year's Ashes series.
The accusations brought a swift response from skipper Ricky Ponting who said the controversial 2005 series was the FIERCEST CLASH of his cricketing career.
Shane Warne's on-field playfulness with rivals came in for criticism,too.
But, Ponting said he liked his team to play with a 'smile,' too.
*
MEANWHILE, the whisper is that England captain Andrew Flintock might play for Geelong Cricket Club during the Australian summer.
It would be a great boost for the game-if POPULAR Freddie played here...
*
THE FOXTEL PAY-TV NETWORK are going all out to build soccer into the new national game.
The A League got a mighty cash injection of $120 million - as part of a seven-year deal between Australian tycoon and soccer lover Frank Lowy and Fox Sports.
Fox has now three major sports channels - 1,2 & 3 to telecast international and local Aussie cricket, and world, English Premiership League and A League soccer clashes.
So, if you prefer soccer to AFL - the cable network will be a great viewing alternative.

*
AUSSIE cricket selectors have already OUTPLAYED the POMS in a PRE-ASHES tug-of-war.
Our selectors have SNARED cricketing golden boy TROY COOLEY, the bowling coach, who steered the Brits to Ashes victory last year.
Pace ace Cooley will now coach our QUICKS back to form.
Insiders say:The Poms are furious. They've lost a top man to their rivals-just before the Ashes!
*
ON a less chirpy note, OUR cricketers aren't happy with their heavy calendar, according to reports.
Although the Test squad now face almost a six-month lay-off, Gillie and Ponting have hit out at Test and 0DI fatigue in hot countries.
If you'd been in our dressing-room and seen how exhausted some of the players were, I think everyone would be surprised, the Aussie skipper told reporters.

BUT,Rogue argues that there are now plenty of players the Australian selectors can rotate.
After all, Chappelli fought for better pay in the 1970s.
The money for top-ranked players now is certainly better than those lean years.
Gillie didn't have to play the three Bangladeshi 0DIs.
I don't know how the player contract system works.
But, rotation MUST come into play if Test sides are going to keep up the cracking pace.
The cricketers have got to ask themselves:DO we play less - and take home less pay?
Also, cricket gets massive TV coverage on free-to-air and Pay-TV.
Do they want to lose that coverage,too, -by playing less.
OK-it's six months hard yakka, cricketing in hot,humid nations.
But Warnie doesn't play in ODIs and he has Stuart MacGill - and maybe young Dan Cullen as back-up.
Cricket fans enjoy the change of faces on the field.
It's up to the selectors , players and ICC -to come up with a viable timetable during the cricket season.

*
CAN'T SAY I'm sorry to see Aussie cricket selection chief, Trevor Hohns, retire.
Only recently, Rogue was calling for Hohns to walk - after some SILLY decisions.
A batting great agreed, saying Hohns had been in the job too long.
FoxSports reported the legendary Aussie cricketer and commentator as saying:He (Hohns) should go...it's time for fresh ideas.

The blue errupted after Brad Hodge wasn't selected for the South African Test.
The cricket commentator continued:Trevor Hohns has been there for a decade...a long time to be in charge of picking our cricket teams.
There have been some funny slections lately.

IN comes Andrew Hilditch,49, a former opener who played 18 Tests and eight one-dayers from 1975 to 85.
As new chairman of selectors, Hilditch faces the axing of some aging favorites during his administration.

I expect Hohns was stumped when Diz Gillespie (with cropped locks) knocked up a double ton-during a Bangladeshi 0DI!

Traditional Trev would also no doubt have been horrified to see a couple of players, who look like they were escapees from the Sex Pistols, on the field in Bangladesh.
Spiky-haired young spinner Dan Cullen is slowly finding his line-but not many wickets yet.
Maybe not an Ashes prospect...at this stage.
Stuart Clark should win a place in the squad.
He's very much in the mould of McGrath. Reliable, pitches the ball well and can take the wickets when on a roll.

Hilditch,too,will have his time in full glare of the cricketing spotlight during the Ashes.
If Australia lose, I wouldn't like to be in his newly-fitted boots.
*
GET WELL JL.
Justin Langer was cracked on the skull from a Ntini bouncer during the Third South African test.
Great news, Justin's CAT scan was clear.
The 35-year-old opener, playing in his 100th Test, suffered from concussion.
Hope you are back on your feet soon,mate.
*
THE MELBOURNE Commonwealth Games seem to have disappeared quickly from people's memories.
All that cash and razzamatazz,too.
But there's one event which will go down in the record books.
Thursday,March 23,2006 was the day
Jana Pittman joined Cathy,Raelene, et al - AS an AUSSIE TRACK LEGEND.
And the 80,000-strong crowd at the G were on their feet as Pittman WON the 400 metres hurdles final.
She streaked home-with a big smile breaking out as she neared the finish line.
And The Pitbull still had enough puff to do a lap of honor for the ecstatic crowd.
Nine did a magnificent cover.
The slo-mo replays of her going over the hurdles were ART.
Sheer Ballet.
But,just as soon as we've discovered this athletic giant-she may be off.
TO LONDON to live with her new husband British 400-metre hurdler Chris Rawlinson.
On Nine, when questioned about the drama in her life ( see downpage) Pittman said:Tonight,it stops. No more drama.
*
RECORDS were SMASHED in the cricket score books,too.
WHO can forget that amazing run blitz in the Australia/South Africa one-dayer?
Cricket Commentator Tony Grieg was right on the money when he described the 900-run clash between South Africa and the Aussies - as the GREATEST One Day International he had seen.
Yep, that humdinger of a match is already in the record books.
In fact,I lost count of how many records were broken that day.
Good on you,Ponto.
You acted like a great sportsman letting Gibbs take the honor of Man of the Match-after being offered to share the title.
AN unforgettable match which is safely stored on my DVD player...and ready to be watched again shortly!
*
ROGUE 2005 SPORTS
ARCHIVES
c Rogue Report 2006


These archives remain the property of the Rogue Report.
The editor, Rogue, does not mind access to the material for purposes of research, broadcast and use in other publications.
But mention of the Rogue Report would be kindly appreciated.
You can skip these archives and go back to the start of the Rogue Report (hit Main Link button).

Shane Warne helped spark the first war of words when South Africa arrived to tour Australia in late 2005.
Warne said Proteas Graeme Smith's captaincy lacked -imagination or innovation.

Rogue doesn't know about that. But it certainly lacked fielding practice!

Nine repeatedly rubbed it in by showing the dozen or so missed catches during the Test and now the one-dayer-by the Proteas.

Smith replied that Warne's comments were laughable.

The SA captain then accused Warne of failing in his dream to be Aussie skipper.
It bothers Warne tremendously that he's not the Australian captain,he said.

Could be some truth there-Smithy.

Smith continued:It is Warne who regularly does the moves with field positions and he constantly tries to prescribe to Ponting what to do.
He is a real old showman who wants the attention to be focused on him all the time.

Again some truth,Graeme.

But don't forget Warne was largely responsible for saving the Ashes when Ponting went to water.

Ponting is a good skipper when things are going OK-but he doesn't handle pressure well.
Warne is much better when the Aussies are under fire.

Warnie should be vice-captain. But we all know why he isn't.

Anyway, we're into the one-dayers now.
So we'll just have to wait until next month - for the renewed war of words.
The return Three Tests and Five one-dayers between South Africa and Australia kick-off mid-February.
I believe Foxtel is telecasting the whole lot.
Nine has to push its new TV season.
*
WHAT A SMASHING return to form from 24-year-old Marti Hingis against Justine-in Sydney.
She blazed away from the base line,getting Justine on the move in the Sydney square-off.
The irony is that former champ Justine admits Martina was her idol.
This was obvious from her great base line
rallies,too.
The crowd were right behind Hingis who benefitted from the support.
She lost-but in what style.
It was a great game. I've watched my DVD twice and still love the action.
Gee,Martina has filled out. Broad shoulders. A lot more power.
And she played with great confidence.
No wonder, she does well in Australia.
There's none of the taunts,stalking and snide press Hingis gets in Europe.
*
THE 'Roos World Cup victory.

DATELINE***Wednesday,November 16, 2005 *** Sydney 23.55***

I AM still DAZED-like a lot of others-that we're going to Germany.
I haven't recovered from the SHOCK and DELIGHT!

CHAMPION SOCCEROO Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, first-half goal scorer Mark Bresciano and John Aloisi have SENT the team - to GERMANY.
The Soccer Schwarzenegger pulled off TWO MIRACULOUS SAVES against the UROS-in the nail-biting PENALTY SHOOT-OUTS.
Without Mark's goalkeeping genius - we would not be ON OUR WAY.
SOCCER-LOVING fans thank you,mate, -and the other MARH & JOHNNO,of course.
ALSO coach Guus. More later.

HAZZA (Kewell) PRAISE the gods you came on - just at the RIGHT moment.
But watch the temper tantrums,fella.
You came CLOSE to getting a RED CARD.
Bloody stupid to argue with the ref at such a vital stage of the game.
OK-you're HUMAN.
Tired, frayed nerves...but I'm amazed other Socceroo players didn't intervene to COOL things down.
That said.
The Socceroos played like a TEAM that's been together a LONG time-not just AD HOC e.g.scheduling time when they can all practice - at the same time.

Guus must have worked you guys to death.
BUT when Kewell flick passes - without seeing to who - and the ball is NABBED by a Socceroo perfectly in place..you know the TEAM HAS COME TOGETHER.
*
INZIES men defeated the Poms! Some satisfaction to see certain victory snatched from the English TEST team - by a Pakistan ASTONISHING recovery in the last hours of the match on (Wednesday,March 16,06)
WE may see POPULAR Inzie in Australia in future tests-despite RUMORS the Pakistan selectors are planning to dump him - as SKIPPER.
*
AT LAST MACGILLA!
Say no more.
Readers of the Rogue Report will KNOW my feelings about MacGill's non-appearance in Australian Test series.
And what I thought of our selectors' FOLLY.
Please prove Rogue (and,of course, all cricket lovers) RIGHT - in calling for your inclusion in the Windies second and third Tests.

GREAT to see HAYDOS back on form.
But,now , injured Langer is a worry!
Hope the guys can both find form-together!
Preferably- during the Windies Test series.
(first appeared November 1,05)
*
REMEMBER those comments from English coach Fletch about Ponting and Gillie being Aussie BOVVER BOYS.
Well,Rogue was so fired up by his remarks he had to pen a reply.
Interesting to see the Poms aren't finding it so easy against the Pakistanis in their current TEST series. (Telecast on Foxtel's Sports 2 from 3.30pm each day).
Great to see popular skipper INZIE make 50-plus.
Here's the memo I wrote to Fletch.


MEMO TO POMMY CRICKET COACH-
YOU BLOODY TWIT FLETCH

DUNCAN FLETCHER- YOU LOOK A MISERABLE S0D - and YOUR comments Post-ASHES reek of SOUR GRAPES.
Ponting and Gillie using BODY LANGUAGE to threaten UMPIRES?
And FLINTY FREDDIE and BIG KEV, I suppose,too!
Both twice Rick and Gillie's size!
Don't you remember Fletch the big smile Freddie Flintock GAVE GILLIE when he served him up the first ball in the World Series.
And Adam Gilchrist GRINNED back.
It was a great sporting moment.
The gesture from Freddie was blindingly obvious-even to a humorless bloke like you,Fletch.
Freddie's broad grin said:Good to see you again Gillie. Hope we have a great series. But don't BELT me out of the park!
Can you seriously imagine Adam Gilchrist standing over anyone-umpire or player.
You've got to be NUTS mate.
Look-we're sorry we HAMMERED the three of your best men - Armswing Armiston, Freddie and Big Kev.
But none of them have any worries.
Freddie's batting and bowling average in the series was among the top order.
Flintock is on the way to being a multi-millionaire cricketing star...loved as much by the Aussies as his own countrymen.
OK-Fletch you did a great job getting your boys into shape-for the ASHES and even the World Series.
So what the hell is all the whingeing about.
Learn to cop it sweet old boy.
The Australian coach John Buchanan DID.
*
The tele-umpire was an undoubted success during the World Series Test.
But caution must be exercised.
Umpires must use this new technology only when there are really tough decisions.
Rogue realises that umpires experimented with the technology- sometimes already knowing their decison.
But players like Warne who appeal if a blade of grass moves, must be brought to heel if the technology is to work.

TALKING of umpires,sadly missed will be SHEP- even by Shane Warne, who was always respectful to the old boy.

A FOND FAREWELL to you SHEP. I'll NEVER forget the spontaneous affection the PLAYERS showed you-by forming a guard of honor-as you left the pitch at the Oval-after your final match.

SHEP showed that good sportsmanship is not dead - in the PACKER era of cricket.
*
THE new Socceroo coach APPEARS to be SHAPING up well.
But, the 'ROOS have still to meet the South Americans.
SO, I'll RESERVE my JUDGEMENT- of the new GUV.
There HAVE BEEN RECENT reports about a REVOLT when Frankie Farina's team was losing in Germany.
But,I can tell you-it wasn't among the PLAYERS.
I still hold dumped Farina in high esteem.
FARINA DID a GOOD job in GERMANY.
Rogue doesn't ONLY say this.
The PLAYERS did-at the time.
This is despite media reports of some sort of revolt against Frankie.
Star Everton midfielder and Socceroo Tim Cahill (the next Kewell) defended Farina.
Cahill said during the games:All the boys have a LOT OF RESPECT for Frank Farina.
I DON'T THINK Frank could have DONE any MORE than HE HAS.
READ that soccer know-alls Football Federation Australia (FFA)
I could tell you what the two Fs in FFA stand for.
But this is a family blog!
FFA-the Socceros went down FIGHTING to TWO of the world's top teams - Germany & Argentina.
With due respect-not to Woop Woop United or the Black Stump Rangers.
What more,as Cahill, said could have he done. Not even Matt Busby could have done more.
I'd SACK the whole FFA-if it meant bringing back Frank Farina.
(first appeared August,05)
*
A further BLOW to former disgraced Warnie.
Notice Rogue writes:former disgraced Warnie.
SHANE'S not in the DOGHOUSE anymore after virtually saving the AUSSIES single-handed-during the Ashes.
FORMER swimming champ Dawn Fraser SLAMMED Warne for not being WORTHY - to be nominated for a top WORLD SPORTS AWARD.
The prestigious LAUREUS AWARD for the world's top athlete, voted by famed sportsmen such as John McEnroe and Ian Botham, was held in Portugal.
But sole Aussie nominee Warne wasn't there,according to reports.
Dawn Fraser was one of the 40 sporting greats at the Laureus Academy - deciding the most deserving athlete.
He (Warne) didn't get my vote, Fraser was quoted as saying.
Shane doesn't deserve to be there.
I will not vote for anyone who has taken drugs-or been banned for drugs.
I've met Shane.
I can't honestly say whether I like him
or not.
I don't approve of the things he's done -with his mobile phone either.
But we all make mistakes.
Yes,we do Dawn. I bet you wished you had never made those remarks after Warne's Ashes triumph.
Fellow cricketer Beefy Botham stuck up for Warnie - at the awards.
Beefy's DID a great job as commentator on Foxtel. He knows his stuff, he's witty, laid-back and FUN to listen to.
Better than that boring Pommy ASS Boycott on SBS.
*
THE PM's help to CASH-STARVED SBS paid off.
Thanks to Howard,SBS clinched the deal with an amazingly low bid-almost NEXT to NIX for a sporting event of such RAZZAMATAZZ, Rogue understands.
And the multi-cultural broadcaster achieved SPECTACULAR ratings of over two million.
The sweaty palm end to the second Test outrated the the telecaster's World Cup soccer coverage.

The PM may have won popularity from the populace by helping to score the free-to-air Ashes' broadcasting rights - for SBS.
BUT, ABC TV and RADIO desperately need an injection of CASH.
Look at the NUMBER of TV repeats on AUNTY,mainly from the BEEB?
NOTHING home-grown worth TALKING ABOUT.
AND, though a popular broadcaster at my favourite radio station ABC-RN, has told me not to FRET over reports that the network might be stripped of its resources, I'm not terribly reassured.
Personalities are disappearing from RN and repeat broadcasts are starting to CREEP in.

THE DALAI LAMA and CRICKET!
That sounds about as unlikely as WARNIE spending a week in an ASHRAM on a baked bean-free FAST!
But,it nearly happined when HIS saffron-robed HOLINESS was asked to FLIP the COIN at the start of the Pakistan tour of India.
But, the Pakistanis reportedly didn't like the idea of the exiled Tibetan leader doing the honours-and the idea has been SKITTLED!
MAYBE lucky for the DALAI LAMA. HE might have COPPED a BAD THROW from one of INZIE's fielders!
Remember when one of the Pakistani mid-fielders hit the umpire with a lousy throw at stumps. I've never laughed so much.

PIX BELOW: Stripes to the Aussie tennis players. When will you all start winning again?

 

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