I pay far too much attention than I should to Twitter.
It was probably this time last week that twitter decreed Michael Clarke selfish and obstinate for declaring himself fit for the Adelaide Test.
By Wednesday evening, according to the ‘soshal meedja’s’ he was a genius, a study in courage and a legend. He was everyone’s mate and an undoubted champion.
He is, according to the outrage society, a top bloke.
For now.
Likewise, David Warner has long been a whipping boy for the Twitterarti. He hasn’t helped his cause along the way with some bell-ended statements and attempted wind-ups of the ‘haters’, but he certainly wouldn’t be the first person with a public profile to not fully understand the social part of social media.
I’m not much of a fan of David Warner. This puts me firmly at odds with most people, but so be it. I’m generally not a fan of people who use a ‘competitive nature’ as an excuse for poor behaviour on and off the field. Was Lenny Hayes any less competitive because he didn’t make headlines for poor sportsmanship? Did David Hille have no desire to compete when he stopped to lend Jamie Charman assistance when he injured his shoulder at Etihad Stadium, as well as the mountain of work he did promoting road safety? Was Andrew Gaze a goofball for always appearing with a smile and a laugh and being able to navigate his way home without incident after a night on the turps?
Warner’s Adelaide Test, however, has been – save for yesterday’s spat with Virat Kohli who could also do with an injection of class at times – has been nothing short of brilliant.
Much has been made of his struggle to come to grips with the loss of his great mate Phil Hughes prior to Tuesday morning’s coin toss. His first innings knock was loaded with emotion, aggression and class.
Conversely, his 102 yesterday was measured, structured and flawlessly executed. He and Steve Smith have set Australia and this Test up for yet another memorable fifth day at the Adelaide Oval.
Play resumes this morning with the home side leading by 363 runs and with five wickets in hand. It wouldn’t be surprising at all if a declaration is announced prior to play.
This Test deserves a grandstand finish. It will be remembered as much for the tragic loss of a young man in the lead-in, as it has for some memorable batting from both sides.
I hope the match itself adds a brighter chapter to the current narrative of this summer’s cricket.
About Steve Baker
"Colourful central Victorian racing identity". Recovering Essendon supporter, and sometime weekend night racing presenter on RSN Racing and Sport.
Great summary and yes quite ironic of the change of perception of Michael Clarke via social media . Warner was not at the front of the que when trams and trains were handed out but geez he can bat . Hopefully today will give the grandstand finish this test match deserves thanks , Steve
Good points Steve. I think we regard our national cricketers with more, probably undeserved, affection than other sporting figures, such as those who play football and tennis. Only a couple summers ago Johnson was viewed as an erratic dud, who’d wasted his talent. Gee, even Watto is now seen more kindly; a benevolent buffoon, like Uncle Terry from A Moody Christmas.
I liked the cricket, but the commentators on nine.. Holy.. Have they been paid to advertise beer every two minutes and fit it in their commentary, i think so. Really poor channel nine.. See ya later warne and tubby, sold out totally