Testing times, courage and funny one-liners

A Boxing Day Test win would just be the tonic to get a few more supporters back after a less than productive 12 months.

WELL DONE: Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has been the star in recent Test matches. Picture: A.M. Ahad

BOMBER'S BLAST

HIP hip hooray, Australia is back in the winner's circle after success in the Second Test against India.

After some poor performances of late, the Aussies have delivered an all-round solid performance on a testing Perth pitch.

The batters didn't set the world on fire but showed some grit and fight that was once the Aussie calling card.

Khawaja was a prime example of a man with determination and a solid mindset by top scoring against some fine Indian bowling.

The Aussie fast bowlers all took their turn at sending an Indian back to the pavilion but undoubtedly our best was Nathan Lyon. He was simply superb and currently sits in fourth position on our greatest wicket-takers list behind Dennis Lillee, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

A Boxing Day Test win would just be the tonic to get a few more supporters back after a less than productive 12 months.

While great performances were produced on the field, the star off the field was Kerry O'Keeffe in the commentary box. He had everyone in stitches with his classic one-liners.

Quick thoughts

HERO of the week: Kelly Slater showed why he is regarded as one of the greatest on a surf board by producing a ride that had to be seen to be believed. After falling off his board while in the middle of a barrel, he grabbed the board and sensationally rode out of the barrel as if nothing had happened. What a champion.

Villain of the week: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been the villian to the club's fans for far too long this season and has finally received his marching orders. The "Special One'' is no longer.

No Christmas card exchange: Wayne Bennett (Brisbane Broncos)-Anthony Siebold (South Sydney); Anthony Griffin-Phil Gould; Julen Lopetegui-Real Madrid; Cricket fans-Dave Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft; Nick Kyrgios-Tennis Australia; Bernard Tomic-Tennis Australia; Tim Paine-Virat Koholi; Quade Cooper-Brad Thorn; Connor McGregor-Khabib Nurmagomedov; Laurie Campbell- Goodna FC; Andrew Bradshaw-Andrew Gaff; Matt O'Connor-Leicester Rugby. Late inclusions: Shane Flanagan-Todd Greenberg; Justin Pascoe-Todd Greenberg.

Bomber's best: I ended the year on a quiet note with my horse tip being scratched. I hope if you followed my best each week that you had a productive year. I ended on the right side of the ledger and came home with a bang.

Thank you: This is my last column for 2018 and I would like to thank all those readers who religiously read my column each week.

I really enjoyed writing these articles and I hope you enjoyed reading them.

While this is my final column of the year it doesn't mean that no sport will be taking place over the Christmas period.

For all those lounge lizards you still will have the choice of Test cricket, BBL, Sydney to Hobart, NBA, NBL, NFL, A League, EPL plus much more.

What will 2019 bring in the sporting world.

Merry Christmas to all and a safe New Year.

Originally published as Testing times, courage and funny one-liners