Anyone thinks of the crowd? |
Australia’s no-spinner-in-Sydney episode brings to light the importance of winning at all costs, never mind if the spectator out there will be bored watching pacemen in operation most of the time
Spectators line up outside the Members stands ahead of Day Three of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6. Pic/Getty Images
Australia broke tradition at the start, as well as at the end of the 2025-26 Ashes. In November, they opened the series at Perth and not Brisbane for the first time since 1982-83.
Last Sunday, the hosts took the field without a specialist spinner for the first time in a Sydney Test in 138 years.
Australia’s No-spinner-in-Sydney episode brings to light the importance of winning at all costs never mind if the spectator out there will be bored watching pacemen in operation all the time when England bat. They say there is no better sight than a fast bowler running in and letting the ball fly. But doesn’t the introduction of a spinner create a buzz too? And shouldn’t those who come and watch be treated to some variety? Isn’t the Australian cricket team being kind of selfish? The above questions may border on the absurd to some and that’s fine but will they also disagree that Test cricket must be a bouquet of variety?
Spinner-turned-television commentary Kerry O’Keeffe wasn’t impressed and did not miss an opportunity to use humour to drive home his point.
“If they don’t........