The Sydney Sixers WBBL, Virat Kohli and a summer of cricket at the SCG
A look back at the year that was and looking forward to a stellar season of the sport we love.
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Australian cricket has endured a horror year on and off the field. But this summer offers a chance for healing and fortunately there is a bevy of great action that promises to lure back to the game those who truly love it.
First, a look back at the year that was. It began with promise — the Australian team lifting the Ashes on the hallowed turf of Moore Park’s Sydney Cricket Ground. But a mere two months later the game lay in ruins after the South African ball tampering scandal.
In the aftermath of the controversy the captain and vice-captain, locals Steve Smith and David Warner, were suspended for a year and Cricket Australia was forced to commission twin reviews into the way the game is played and administered. One of the overriding themes to come out of those reviews was that too much importance has been placed on winning at all costs and not enough consideration given to the spirit in which the game is played.
It is an important message that we should all keep in mind over this holiday period — and not least when the backyard cricket games heat up all over town!
Think about the grassroots ways we can all up our game.
* If you nick a ball off your sibling, do the right thing and walk off — display some of Justin Langer’s ‘Elite Honesty.’
* Perhaps before you start sledging your neighbour’s homespun technique consider whether you could encourage them instead.
* Abuse in the game has been condemned so no matter how excited you are when you clean-bowl your mates NO SEND OFFS.
* If at the end of a long day your vision impaired grandparent gives you out on a dodgy LBW just take it on the chin and walk off with a smile.
* Finally, no matter how desperate you are to dismiss your talented relative there is no sandpapering of the ball permitted (maybe you can apply some electrical tape for swing …)
Jokes aside, after a diabolical year for our one true national sport it is important to remember that cricket is as much about the fun times and magic moments created by all of us. The spirit and health of the game does not reside solely with the national team’s performance. It is as much about how us fans embrace the game and the teams we support. Over the Christmas New Year there’s an array of cricket action here in Sydney, spearheaded by the defending champion Sydney Sixers Women’s Big Bash League team and the world’s best batsman Indian Virat Kohli.
World Champion Women in Action
The Australian Women’s team won the World 20 over title in November and many of the outstanding players from that tournament feature in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
The Sydney Sixers team is full of Australian stars including dual international Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy who was recently named outstanding player of the T20 World Cup. Head to Spotless Stadium in Homebush on January 2nd for the local Sydney WBBL Derby between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. Game starts 2.50pm.
Super Couple
Sydney Sixers WBBL players Dane Van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp became the first married couple to bat together in an official national tournament after getting married in South Africa on July 7th this year.
Van Niekerk says “the moment they walk on the field together they are strictly teammates”. We’re going to be looking out to see what other records this super cricket couple can achieve this season. Every Sydney Sixers SCG game has a theme including the clubs’ first Pride match on January 16th. Watch the Sixers Men’s Big Bash team take on the Melbourne Renegades and celebrate the diversity of our community.
Game starts 7.15pm.
Carols at the SCG
A great way to warm up for the festive season celebrations with back to back Big Bash T20 games followed by carols on the turf on December 22. The first 5000 fans at the ground receive magenta Santa hats and Christmas face masks.
Games at 11.10am for the first session and the second at 3.30pm. Carols follow.
Welcome Virat Kohli
This January’s annual SCG New Year’s test match will see the arrival of the world’s best test team, India, led by mega star batsmen, Virat Kohli. Not only does this team possess a heap of big hitting talent but they also bring a legion of dedicated, vibrant and passionate fans.
The test also sees the launch of the ‘Pink Village’ as the atmosphere of the test spills out into Centennial Park According to Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Fan Experience Anthony Everard says it’s all about a “commitment. to innovating” for fans. There will be food and entertainment, all on the doorstep of the SCG. 4th Test Australia versus India SCG: 3-7 Jan, starts 10.30am
*Andrew Menczel is the host of the Cricket Unfiltered podcast
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