Author

Sports Benches

Matthew Nicholas, the founder/blogger/vlogger on Sports Benches, is an aspiring cricket player & passionate sports fanatic who lives in Sydney, Australia.

Tennis

2021 Australian Open, Section 3 R3 Men’s Singles Game: Dominic Thiem v Nick Kyrgios

by Sports Benches February 12, 2021

It has been a tough stage 1 encounter between the 3rd seed Dominic Thiem & Nick Kyrgios. It was Kyrgios who touched the halfway lead first 3-2. Before Thiem came back from a slow start by holding back Kyrgios on occasions 4-5. But Kyrgios shut him down for the first stage win unscathed 6-4. Having crossed just 37 minutes in R3 of this game. As the crowd roars at John Cain Arena.

The close battle goes on after the break where Thiem have the early 1st half advantage. In a bid to try and distance himself away from Kyrgios. Kyrgios though catches up to Thiem going into the halfway mark 3-3. And this progress remained still unchanged for a little longer. Where one of them will have to finish first in stage 2. After a few deuce attempts between the two players. Kyrgios overcome this part to lead 5-4 with one point away from winning Stage 2. And Kyrgrios once again has two mini wins v Thiem 6-4. Now Kyrgios is one set away from going to Round 4. While Thiem will need ideas now to get himself back in the race towards a possible Stage 4.

Thiem has the 1st half foundation build up as proven with the early lead in Stage 2-0. Despite a tough series of deuces duels v Kyrigos for these valuable points. As he touched the halfway line first 3-0 to try and bridge his 1st set win. While Kyrgios have played well so far with the deuces battles as of late. But is beginning to lack the momentum behind Thiem. Kyrgios did move away after a slow start to catch up the 3rd seed from Austria 3-5. There is a 2nd half strength seen alone. But not enough time to deny Thiem with the third stage win 6-3. As Kyrgios still has two set wins to his name.

Kyrgios finally took the first point in Stage 4 After he overcame another series of deuce battles. While Thiem kept the 3rd stage momentum to save his game. Both players still side by side at the halfway distance 3-3. Krygios has a few chances with the advantage to reach that 5th point. But just unable to get the finishing done whereas Thiem does in the contrary 6-4. As Thiem came back from behind Kyrgios 0-2 to two straight wins in the 3rd & 4th set. The decider is in between Kyrgios and Thiem in the 5th & final stage.

Just three hours in and both players battling hard to secure this 5th stage win. It will mean a lot to them with the Round 4 ticket in two days. Thiem began to pull the overall lead away from Kyrgios having drawn 3-3. Before he was just one point from winning the 5th stage & this game tonight. And once Thiem got into match point he found a way from out of nowhere after Stage 3 to comeback glory. The final score was done in 3 hours & 18 minutes: 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 & 6-4.

So unlucky from Kyrgios who fired off with two early stage wins to his name. And was one stage win away from finishing this game early at the first attempt. But the momentum began to decline unfortunately. As Kyrgios just unable to find these 2nd half conversions at least to make Thiem hard to catch up. Well played as we wish Nick all the best. Just not his night to exit this journey.

And on Thiem what a performance from the Austrian who is the 3rd seed of the world. Might have lost the first two stages behind Kyrgios. But he kept himself close to him at all times rather than being blown away too easily. Before Thiem found his finishing strategy that was not seen earlier on. And used this improved 2nd half run to outclass Kyrigos that eventually crossed the line 1st.

February 12, 2021 0 comment

Tennis

2021 Australian Open, Section 8 of R2 Singles Game: Pablo Cuevas v Alex De Minaur

by Sports Benches February 11, 2021

Pablo Cuevas and Alex De Minaur fired off side by side with the game at Margaret Court Arena. Where they were both on the same page at 2-2 apiece. But De Minaur took the first stage win with a comfortable 2nd half run that distanced the Uruguayan 6-3. In contrary to Cuevas who only made little gains simultaneously.

De Minaur continued the foundations that carried on from a successful Stage 1 portion. It took very little time to get himself ahead in the points tally. Having checked the halfway point without problems. Before the Aussie No.1 wrapped up a productive 2nd Stage 6-3. With two set wins taken now from De Minaur.

While Cuevas still unable to find the feel needed to catch up to De Minaur. The 2nd half of Stage 1 was the starting point of his fall in this game. And nothing much happened to find the middle ground throughout Stage 2. But Cuevas finally began a way to hold him back immediately after the break. In a bid to deny him a 3rd straight sets win. And give himself a lifeline towards a possible 4th stage.

The progress was there when Cuevas got ahead of De Minaur this time. Having checked the halfway point first. Before he was one point away from winning Stage 3 himself 5-3. But the only weakness Cuevas unable to puzzle is the conversion play. And it is something he fell short in the end. Where De Minaur turned himself around after a poor 1st half of this stage. Before he was on par with Cuevas and narrowly passed him to wrap this game in two hours 7-5. The final score at Margaret Court Arena is 3-6, 3-6 & 5-7. De Minaur will now meet Fabio Fognini in the third round. The Aussie No.1 will have a day off tomorrow. Then he will resume on Friday v the Italian. In the hope of going into the knockout finals week starting on Monday.

February 11, 2021 0 comment

Tennis

Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open Section 7 of R2 Singles Game: Stefanos Tsitsipas v Thanasi Kokkinakis

by Sports Benches February 11, 2021

Stefanos Tsitsipas & Thanasi Kokkanakis fired off side by side. Both players picked up a few early points. Having reached the initial halfway point. When Tsitspas just ahead of Kokkanakis 3-2 in Stage 1.

But Kokkanakis still catches up to the World No.5 from Greece. When Tsitsipas almost got the opening stage win after the 5-4 lead. Before the Australian blocked his possible set point path. Even it means a few successful attempts. As Kokkanakis led to a lifetime with the tiebreaker 6-6.

Where Kokkanakis came back from a near loss at 5-6 to a Stage 1 win 7-6. He wrapped up Tsitsipas in the tiebreaker 7-5 for the 1st set lead unscathed. Having dueled each other for the whole time so far in this game. As we roll onto Stage 2.

The close duel between Tsitsipas & Kokkanakis rolls on having shared 2-2. But Tsitsipas bounced back this time with some progress within the halfway mark. After he passed Kokkanakis for the lead 3-2. Before the World No.5 found his way to deny him a second set win after Stage 2 6-4. While Kokkanakis just went loose in the 2nd half run When he was unable to stop Tsitsipas late in this set.

Unlike the first two stages Tsitsipas proved tip top to make up these conversions easily. Where the comfortable build up base was there to move himself away from Kokkanakis 3-1. Before the Greek did not have problems bridging his 2nd half run. As Tsitsipas proved too easy to outmuscle Kokkinakis for the Stage 3 win 6-1. And with two set wins now Tsitsipas is one stage away from winning this game.

Despite an easy third stage loss Kokkinakis began to re-gain some feel. Where he was able to stay on par with Tsitsipas this time rather than from Stage 3. He was almost a point away from being eliminated from this game at the first attempt. Before Kokkanakis got that 2nd half run ticking at 6-6 going into the tiebreaker. It was a great start from the Aussie to transfer that brilliant Stage 3 form with a big lead 5-1. He was faltering at one point where Tsitsipas began to make up his lost time. But Kokkinankis just closed him down on time with the tiebreaker win 7-5. Despite a few close duels mightly in the deuces section. As he added two stage wins tied with the World No.5 at 7-6 in the 4th set going into the 5th & final stage.

This game crossed past the four-hour mark with another fire off battle between the two players. Where they first tied up 2-2. But Tsitsipas took the lead by gaining two to three more points. While Thanasi Kokkinakis desperately scrambled to save his campaign into the third round. Having faltered again & again. And whoever wins this game will meet Mikael Ymer from Sweden. Kokkinakis did the best he can to close in the 5th seed from Greece. Unfortunately it was too little, too late to save his journey. As Stefanos Tsitsipas able to bridge his 2nd half run in the end. Where he narrowly shut down Kokkinakis for the 5th stage & overall win. In which Tsitsipas earned three stage wins compared to two from Kokkinakis. So Tsitsipas will now meet Ymer in the third round. The final score lasted 4 & 1/2 hours is 6-7 (5-7 tiebreaker), 6-4, 6-1, 6-7 (5-7 tiebreaker) & 6-4.

What an late afternoon game of tennis!! Even it went for a very long time gone past dinner time. Commiserations for Kokkinakis who fired off with the early. Having to duel so close for these valuable points v Tsitsipas. He might have almost lost the game at the first time of asking after the Stage 3 loss. Came back to keep himself in contention after the 4th set tiebreaker. But just feel short when Kokkinakis faltered & eventually ran out of ideas in the end. But Kokkinankis overcame a string of injuries. As well as grandular fever that forced him to sit out of the Aus Open last year. Despite the loss he will come back as a better player as long as he is still fit to play.

While Tsitsipas may have started off slow and steady. And was able to catch up. Despite the narrow loss in the 1st & 4th set. But Tsitsipas kept going with aiming to fire on all cylinders. Having won the 2nd & 3rd set. He almost won at the first attempt of asking before Kokkinankis denied this. Where Kokkinakis turned it into a tiebreaker ahead of the 5th set. Tsitsipas in the end took advantage of the fatigue from Kokkinakis. And finally found a route to get himself out of this situation to come out of top at Rod Laver Arena.

February 11, 2021 0 comment

Tennis

Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open Section 3 of R2 Singles Game: Grigor Dimitrov v Alex Bolt

by Sports Benches February 10, 2021

Another Aussie focus here at Margaret Court Arena in the Australian Open. With a decent fire off from Alex Bolt who opened his account. The momentum is there when Bolt reached the halfway mark 3-2. Just ahead of Grigor Dimitrov from Bulgaria.

It has gone side by side for most of the time though. When Bolt tried his way to shut down the Bulgarian. Having scrambled to touch down the stage 1 win 6-5. But Dimitrov tied Bolt ahead of the tiebreaker. Before he passed Bolt late during an easy tiebreaker 6-1 to go 7-6.

This time Dimitrov has improved the set foundations to kickoff stage 2. Not just an easy first half run to go 3-0. The Bulgarian able to bridge that 2nd half gap with a comfortable conversion. When he won the second stage 6-1. With one more set needed to win this game. While Bolt unable to keep up that momentum from Stage 1. Where Bolt was hassling Dimitrov back then. But unable to find the feel that was punished easily with another set loss.

Dimitrov came from a steady start on the same page with Bolt. Before he executed these conversions too strong against the Aussie in the end. Despite the two consolation points from his opponent in Alex Bolt. As the Bulgarian wrapped up fair and square here at Margaret Court Arena. This game was done in just under two hours. Just before the clock crossed just into midnight earlier today. The final score is 7-6 (6-1 tiebreaker), 6-1, 6-2.

While Dimitrov was super on all cylinders after stage 1. And his next opponent will be Pablo Carreno Busta. It was not the night Alex Bolt wanted to see out. Especially having to face the 18th seed from Bulgaria. He was able to see his weaknesses that almost held him down. After a decent fire off that Dimitrov struggled to launch. At least until the initial halfway mark. Before the pressure went back to Bolt. And unable to find to catch up ever since. As we wish him all the best after the Australian Open.

Night 3 was so thrilling. Especially when Nick Kyrgios was on the cusp of elimination by Ugo Humbert. After he lost the first two sets before Stage 4. But Nick saved two match points. It took within one hour to turn his game around going into Stage 3. And Kyrgios saved the game in style by the three hour mark. Nick will face Dominic Thiem from Austria in Round 3 on Friday. We now roll on to Day 4 here of Grand Slam Tennis! Stay safe out there with the scorching weather feel ahead.

February 10, 2021 0 comment

Tennis

Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open Section 3 of R2 Game: Nick Kyrgios v Ugo Humbert

by Sports Benches February 10, 2021

It has been a close start by the two players in the middle from Nick Kygrios & Ugo Humbert. Where the Aussie & Frenchman went side by side with a point win each as the game goes. So nothing much changed in the first part of stage 1. Even a little longer past halfway.

But Kyrgios just unable to find the finishing tools to get past Humbert for the stage 1 victory 5-7. Having lost a deuce during the 5th point battle. Before a sub-par run in the 6th score saw Kyrgios forced to wait a bit longer. And find a different strategy to make up lost time in order to advance in Round 3 after the first set loss.

The second stage though remains the same momentum as it was from Stage 1. With Kyrgrios made some progress this time with the early lead going at halfway 3-1. As he still needed to stay in the race by holding off Humbert. When the Frenchman began to catch up to Kyrgios point by point. Before Kyrgios bounced back in Stage 2 6-4.

As always so far in this game tonight Kyrgios & Humbert fired off side by side. Both players trying hard to find their middle ground that would eventually end this game first. They are tied 3-3 by the halfway mark in the 3rd set. But Kyrgios unable to bridge that consistency in the 2nd half of this stanza. Whereas Humbert did when he found it not hard to win Stage 3 with two mini wins 6-3.

Humbert finally got the feel needed to fire off with an easy headstart v Kyrgios. The halfway point was there when Humbert checked in first 3-1. Kyrgios may have held the Frenchman back on occasions. Where the Australian desperately scrambled to fight back for the stage 4 win. And still in the running to meet Dominic Thiem in Round 3. Having only registered one set win during Stage 2. With not much progress heard since then. Even though he has raised a few complaints to the umpire. As well as whacking a tennis racket one time after Kyrgios narrowly fell short in the 1st stage.

Kyrgios was almost of the cusp of being flushed away against Humbert in the 1st match point 3-5. With Humbert have two set wins in Stages 1 & 3. But Kyrgios denied not one but both attempts to still be in the game. So he can take it towards a decider in the 5th & final stage. Having taken the late Stage 4 lead off Humbert 6-5. Before the Frenchman bounced back a point 6-6 that leads to a tiebreaker.

Both men shared the lead 1-1 apiece in a race that will go on towards Stage 5 for Kyrgios. Or else have it wrapped up early with Humbert in the box seat. Kyrgios have the upper hand 5-1. Where Humbert needed to find new ideas now to get himself back in the mix. And reach the home stretch by the easiest of margins. But Kyrgios just edged Humbert for the fourth stage win 7-6. As this game is not over yet going into the fifth and final stage.

Kyrgios and Humbert dueled each other out side by side in a race towards the final stage win. Kyrgios have a much better conversion tools to move around this time 3-1. Where Humbert did not give up a fight by beginning to bounce back. While Kyrgios reached the 5th point that is just one away from winning the 5th stage & overall win.

Humbert may have denied Kyrgios his first match point attempt at 3-5. But Kyrgios ended up unscathed in the end. After a first set loss & whacked the racket. As well as a few verbal fights with the chair umpire. Almost got sinked by Humbert out of the Australian Open Tournament during Stage 1. And within one hour Kyrgios came back out of nowhere. Before Kyrgios came home first as the winner.

The final score at John Cain Arena is 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 with the 7-6 tiebreaker & 6-4. Where this game was completed just over the three hour mark. Nick will meet Dominic Thiem from Austria in the third round on Friday. While praises to Ugo Humbert with the foundations built. Having held and tracked down Kyrgios on most occasions. But he just unable to hold on until the end. Even when the Frenchman missed his match point chance in the first place.

February 10, 2021 0 comment

Tennis

Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open Section 8 of R1 Game Report: Stefanos Tsitspas v Gilles Simon

by Sports Benches February 9, 2021

Stefanos Tsitspas fired off to a flying start at Rod Laver Arena. With a comfortable build up base to get past Gilles Simon by the halfway mark. Before the World No.5 from Greece won stage one 6-1. Not hard from Tsitspas to get this done in 25 mins.

While Simon was blown away what the Greek demonstrated earlier on. When the Frenchman struggled mightily with the feel needed. Having unable to catch up with Tsitspas. He only just registered one point against Tsitspas when he first led 5-0.

Simon eventually began to find some ground after the break. So the foundations are there at last from the Frenchman. But still lacks the consistency at large. As Tsitspas again pulled off a big lead with another set win 6-2. Having executed on both ways in just within 60 minutes/one hour. Despite Simon won another late point in Stage 2 after 1-4.

And Tsitspas in the end demonstrated a fantastic performance. Where he has the tools to wrap up a productive game at all times. As the World No.5 makes it to Round 2 of the 2021 Australian Open. The final score is 6-1, 6-2, 6-1. His next opponent will be Thanasi Kokkinakis. He may the Greek heritage through his family bloodline. But Kokkinakis is Australian.

So Tsitspas able to blow out Simon left, right & center. He always found a way to find the middle ground. And extend his lead on each set. Where Simon is on the contrary. Then the Frenchman left little time to bounce back. Despite some small improvements as it progresses. But Simon at large stuck in first/second gear. In a way to put pressure back on Tsitspas. He is age 36 though. As Simon is within the twilight zone before the retirement door.

Day 2 of Australian Open Tennis is now completed. Especially with Australian & Women’s World No.1 Ash Barty got it too easy. When she beat fair and square against Danka Kovincic from Montenegro 6-0, 6-0. Her next opponent is Daria Gavrilova who originally comes from Russia. But now is a naturalised Aussie living in Melbourne. We cannot wait for an thrilling Day 3 dose of Grand Slam Tennis.

February 9, 2021 0 comment

Tennis

2021 Australian Open News, Section 8 of Round 1 Match: Tennys Sandgren v Alex De Minaur

by Sports Benches February 9, 2021

It has been a very close first stage battle right here at John Cain Arena. With American Tennys Sandgren side by side against Australian Alex De Minaur. Both men each won a point as they move up on the same page. Including just past the initial halfway point.

They just could not stop battling with oozes of energy approaching towards the end of Stage 1. With 55 minutes in section 8, first round tie of the 2021 Australian Open. But only one of them will have the early lead rather than shared with each other. Where De Minaur went up 6-5. Before the Australian No.1/overall World No.21 shuts down Sandgreen in a very close margin after the 1st set 7-5.

But Stage 2 changed its pace where De Minaur dominated this mini battle easily. Sandgreen might have registered a point lead earlier on with a fire off during the next run. The American just unable to keep up the momentum he fired back to De Minaur from the previous stage. De Minaur climbed up way ahead to pull further away from Sandgren 6-1. With little time to catch up in the end from Tennys.

And De Minaur went on to wrap up this game with three straight points win against Sandgren. Where Sandgren always have the base to give his opponent some beef. In which does benefit the plalyer himself. But unable to provide the conversions/executions needed to fight De Minaur all the way until the very end. As De Minaur found a very easy 2nd half to advance in Round 2. He will meet Pablo Cuevas from Uruguay who beat Andreas Seppi 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. The final score is done just under two hours of 7-5, 6-1, 6-1.

February 9, 2021 0 comment

Tennis

2021 Australian Open News, Section 3 of Round 1 Singles Game: Frederico Ferreira Silva v Nick Kyrgios

by Sports Benches February 8, 2021

Nick Kyrgios may have fired off behind Frederico Ferreira Silva 0-2. In round 1 of the 2021 Australian Open at John Cain Arena. Where things went slow for the Aussie. But he began to catch up with the Portuguese at the initial halfway point.

It began with 2-2 after Nick overcome a series of tough deuce duels. Might have denied a few early attempts beforehand by Ferreira Silva. But eventually got it done. Before Nick was able to bridge that 2nd half middle ground for the 1st set lead. When he narrowly escaped Ferreira Silva unscathed 6-4 after the 1st stage.

The same momentum carried on during the 2nd set. Despite the early headstart from Ferreira Silva. Where the Portuguese tried to stay ahead with Kyrgios. Having tied with the Australian 3-3. But lost the same consistency as struggled from Stage 1. As Kyrgios bridged a 2nd half end result with another stage win here 6-4.

Kyrgios only needed one more set points to win in three straight sets. And advance in Round 2 of the Australian Open. Where the first half of his run would need some weaknesses to fix after the game. But his next run play after the halfway point was unstoppable. In which helped justified his brilliant start of this journey with the win.

The final result with Nick Kyrgios as the winner: 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. As Frederico Ferreira Silva has to depart the tour very early. There are some foundations shown at all times here. Especially when he gave Nick a hard time via the initial deuce battles. But a lack of middle ground via the finishing let himself down. We wish Ferreira good luck in the future. While Nick will face Frenchman Ugo Humbert in the 3rd round. With night 1 approaching its end at Melbourne Park.

February 8, 2021 0 comment

Tennis

2021 Australian Open News, Section 2 of Round 1 Singles Game: Gael Monfils v Emil Ruusuvuori

by Sports Benches February 8, 2021

Gael Monfils came in as the World No.10 from France. Where the 34 year old will face someone who is young. His name is Emil Ruusuvuori from Finland. This opponent is ranked No.86 at age 21. In a Youth v Experience showdown at Court 13.

Monfils won the first set against Ruusuvuori 6-3. Despite a first point loss against the Finn. Where he wasted no time catching up. And closed in with Ruusuvuori side by side during the opening set 3-3. Before Monfils got it sorted to register this flying start.

But Monfils somehow faded immediately after the initial break. When Ruusuvuori built a great base towards halfway 3-1 ahead of Monfils. Although the Frenchman began to catch up on the areas that fallen apart. But the Finn narrowly shut him down in Stage 2, 6-4.

Nothing much happened during the 3rd set. As Ruusuvuori maintained the same momentum from Stage 2. So the healthy fire off is there. While Monfils unable to rectify his weaknesses that fell behind the Finn. There was some progress began after Ruusuvuori led 3-1. He just fell short once again with another set loss 7-5. With a potential early exit looming at Court 13.

Monfils did his best to have his journey in Melbourne without a fight. He overcame a poor start this time to leapfrog past Ruusuvuori 2-2. And pulled off a great 2nd half middle ground without too much hassle. When Monfils won the 4th set 6-3 as his 2nd mini win. That denied the Finn his straight sets win at the first attempt.

Having seen Monfils & Ruusuvuori won two sets each. That 5th and final stage ended in a standoff. As one of them will be able to advance in the 2nd round. The Finn was able to find the consistency towards the home stretch. Monfils may have denied Ruusuvuori four March points. But the lead margin 6-3 against Monfils is too much work to compensate.

Despite the enormous current ranking Monfils is at right now. It does not mean any guarantees of success. With the Frenchman approaching his twilight years going into age 35. While the World No.86 from Finland punched his ticket for Round 2. As Ruusuvuori has a bright future ahead in the singles. He won three sets to two v Monfils: 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 3-6 & 6-3.

February 8, 2021 0 comment

Cricket

Australia Cricket News with the unveil of Channel 7 cricket crew for 2020-21

by Sports Benches December 3, 2020

Image Reference: Freeimageslive.co.uk

Channel 7 have unveiled their 2020/21 cricket coverage. Despite the fact they have a legal battle v Cricket Australia.

Their style of having a ball by ball Caller & two analysts does not go anywhere. And does the traditional lip microphones.

Tim Lane, Alison Mitchell & James Brayshaw stays on for year 3. There is a list of analysts that will follow them too:

Michael Slater
Ricky Ponting
Damien Fleming
Simon Katich
Greg Blewett (Adelaide Test only)
Trent Copeland

So there is no mention about Glenn McGrath returning there. I am not sure if charity work keeps him busy. Otherwise, he may be a victim of 7’s budget cuts.

Bruce McAvaney may not be there for the Melbourne & Sydney tests. He has covered there on occasions before.

Bruce is one kind of a sporting doyen in broadcasting. But he did not commentate cricket at all & covered the tennis instead.

There will be an international analyst as always to provide opposition insight. And it is not Aakash Chopra from season one.

I think Aakash is unavailable due to quarantine or some other contract. So Sunil Gavaskar takes his place. We hear him for years via the India home coverage.

Sunny was a great batsman back in his day. T20 may not be around at the time. But he proved a dynamite to the bowlers as the opening batsman.

So does an umpire for the first time in Simon Taufel. Even Simon brings with little pro playing experience. But he officiated Club/International games for decades.

The first I have heard when a past coach did commentary. Just look at Mike Hesson over at Sky Sport in New Zealand.

And there is no change with the host of James Brayshaw & Mel McLaughlin. It seems to be there is a lot less analysts.

We know their off field situation which is ongoing right now. I guess 7 will switch to two personnel. So they have one analyst & one play by play caller each in the booth.

Big Bash League

But I do not think they will ditch the three person commentary. Most of the analysts remain unchanged between Test & BBL.

There is a few additional ones around specially for this T20 league at home:

Brad Hodge
Lisa Sthalekar
Brad Hodge
Jason Richardson (Caller)
Andy Maher (Caller)
Alister Nicholson (Caller)
Abbey Gelmi (Host)
Erin Holland (Host)

They are also having an international expert on the ground. Year one was Phil Tufnell. Brendon McCullum did it last year with his test duties in the NZ tour here.

Now 7 is bringing Brian Lara to the fold for BBL10. Brian did not play T20 Internationals back in his day like Sunny.

But he used to be an unbelievable hitter downtown as well. Brian is perfect to use his brains about modern day batting. And show how to use movement v the bowler.

I also do not see 7 borrowing some Fox Cricket crew for the men’s BBL comp. I know they used them a while ago. That was the Women’s BBL that just finished.

But I think they are all sorted to get through this cricket season. At least live on the airwaves & on the green field.

Uncertainty

We will wait and see if Seven wants to cut this contract out. There is no secret that cricket is one of the popular sports here.

Their only enemies to bat against is Cricket Australia. And now the Board Cricket Cricket of India organisation.

Seven is not happy with the international leg began only on Fox Cricket. I know the viewership there has worked well. But they are still unhappy to see that happen.

The original Intetnational schedule would still start by Fox. But Seven did not complain. That is because the T20 World Cup supposed to take place. Channel 9 holds the rights for that tournament.

Then the T20 World Cup became preempted to 2022. So Fox have the box seat for the popular Virat Kohli show.

And Seven will only receive his drawcard for the Adelaide Test opener. He will fly home afterwards for the baby. So that is going to make Seven lose its value.

It is not just the Kohli less show promos that forced them to pay the price. And get to post losses in return. It is also the scheduling they are not impressed.

Airing BBL with no star names while/before the Internationals are worthless. 7 first noticed this issue back in August.

Now I hear Seven wants the National Rugby League in 2023. That is good for them. CEO James Warburton gets along well with this code. And I am sure he will push hard to prize NRL off Channel 9.

But they do not have the maximum funds right now. So Seven needs to go through CA & BCCI first to rip up that contract.

It will go down in a long way as there is no legal right to do. We can only find out what the judges say on this situation.

December 3, 2020 0 comment