The Ashes – Adelaide Test: Patience, precipitation and port

by Daryl Schramm

 

Patience is a word fast falling from everyday vocab and living.  Try posting an almanac article on Facebook and there’s limited response.  Post a one-liner and, well, everyone’s a smartarse!

 

All 26 sessions of the Ashes series so far have been won, shared or lost on this patience factor I reckon. Australia is just ahead on this measure so far (luck either way notwithstanding).

 

Both captains were let down by execution (bowling and batting and a little bit by the weather).  Root deserved more from a bowling attack that didn’t help themselves and should have known better.  Then again by poor shot selection and application (attribute lack of patience) of the batting. Smith let down by the bowling to the English tail and the batting at the start of Day 4.  WTF was that batting approach about?  Short balls as stock balls (not shock balls) doesn’t turn me on. I like finesse. Total irritation would best describe the mood around me come the start of the fourth innings of the match.

 

What ifs?  Smith’s decision not to enforce the follow-on was a no-brainer for me. Had we been smarter in the bowling approach they would have been dismissed in 50 overs. Add 20 overs to the night time bowling and it becomes manageable. Root also had his reasons for putting us in.

 

My total financial outlay for 5 days (aside from membership subs) was $23.  Two ports late Sunday, one each for Miandad (me and dad perhaps? – Ed) and a coffee each late Monday.  Was it cold or what??!!  A port at the cricket?  Never!!  Why only $23?  I don’t like being ripped off.  The corned silverside pieces with bread and pickled onions did the job.

 

Now I am feeling melancholy. A sixth celebratory beer, and listening to Radio Margaritaville as I write has capped off a memorable few days.  Great test.  Great event. Kicked off with Friday night at Adelaide Lutheran FC and an early minute today to mow the lawns to prepare for visitors tomorrow night.  Life is good.