Strange days indeed...
Trump's done a bit of a U turn and called upon Republicans to vote to release the Epstein files.
He's probably got a little caveat planned.
The real problem with cricket is on display in Saffie land. The insiders are slamming the pitch, even players involved in the game are out throwing rocks at the curator.
But despite the pitch doing the usual things that aren't expected from a "real wicket", the true problem on display is the loss of will for players to work at the long format game. Both teams have basically give up and turned the game into a 2 x ODI, IPL, BBL, etc., etc., has turned them into sponges, too soft for the tough jobs.
The pitch is ordinary, but it's the sort of pitch a Border or Simpson would scratch out a ton at snail pace, modern players just don't have the will to accumulate big scores in 1s and 2s. The modern players don't want to do it tough, they fly 1st and stay in 5 star, no more tin sheds, wooden benches and cold showers, it's caviar and Krug for then before another early night. More money for less work, it's killing the game!
The end is nigh...
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/republicans-are-abandoning-trump/ss-AA1DBt5E
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/donald-trump-has-lost-control-as-epstein-scandal-engulfs-maga-base-conservative/ar-AA1QrpjJ?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ASTS&cvid=6919119f00a3465ca3bb57bcc2b89914&ei=10
They're not as afraid of him anymore.
There were plenty of lessons to learn from last night, but one really sticks in my mind; you have your better players available and you are much more likely to contend.
When was the last time the boys had a whole list to choose from? Early 1996. That is an entire generation without having our best line-up available.
Not sure what our AFL program can do, but Innes and his minions can see what is required.
That said, can you see anyone who didn't play last night making a case for a spot next week? Skepper is one who comes to mind, even if her form has been pretty ordinary this season. However, 3 weeks ago I was saying that Maddy Guerin was having a less than stellar year. In the last 3 weeks she has been nothing short of brilliant. Last night she had huge numbers: 24 possessions, 11 tackles and 7 clearances. That is Cripps-like.
Of our lowest 4 possessions getters, one was Jess Good who dominated the ruck!
Maddie Hendrie didn't get a lot of ball, but she did her job. I don't think she would be under pressure.
Tara Bohanna only had 7 possessions and scored only 2 points, but there is no way known she'll miss.
Gab Pound? 5 possessions and only 66% game time.
