Ian West

WHAT a way to banish the memories of that horrendous 5-0 drubbing on the last tour. Four fabulous days at the MCG saw the Ashes retained in the most emphatic of fashions.

The Boxing Day atmosphere in the stadium lived up to all the hype. I was perched almost at the top of the Great Southern Stand, row Z level 4, presenting a breathtaking view of Melbourne as well as the cricket.

It also proved a great position to watch thousands of disgruntled Aussies suddenly deciding they had endured enough on that first day.

The mass evacuation was likened to rats deserting a sinking ship, but I prefer the analogy of a plug being pulled out of a bath – right down to the gurgling noises being made as they were sucked through the exits!

A WORLD record crowd was expected on day one but the attendance peaked at just over 84,000 as thousands of Melbourne CC members failed to take up their reserved seats, creating quite a debating point.

There is a 20-year waiting list to become a member yet there were masses of unoccupied seats in prime viewing areas.

‘Abuse of privilege’ was a phrase regularly heard, although many locals were somewhat more descriptive!

IT WAS great to get back among the Barmy Army on the final day. They created a brilliant atmosphere as the final rites were administered and even though the match was wrapped up by midday the celebrations continued long into the Melbourne night.

A few did consider invading the pitch to mob the team, but with the game nearing its conclusion numerous messages were flashed up on the giant screen warning that anyone trespassing on the ground would be fined $7,000. One bloke near us said he would be celebrating on the field no matter what – until his mate suggested that whilst he might not care about the consequences his wife could well have a different opinion.

THE Aussie press are in full self-combust mode now. A complete overhaul of cricket from top to bottom is being called for, and the problems being cited at grassroots level bear an uncanny resemblance to those put forward in the English game some 25 years ago – a significant drop in the amount of cricket being played in schools, numerous counter attractions for youngsters, a fall in the standard of league cricket, and modern day living pressures that mean many are unable to commit fully to the sport.

Matches in the Dandenong DCA competition are on a 160 over basis spread across two weekends. They can develop into two innings matches if time permits, although it rarely does as teams can bat for a full 80 overs on the first Saturday.

The games often fizzle out and finish early on the second weekend and there are situations when a batsman can go three weeks between competitive knocks, with bowlers facing similar bouts of inactivity.

With only 11 full league matches in a season, and little cup cricket to speak of, the lack of match play contrasts sharply with summers back home.

WHILE they possibly have a few things wrong over here the Aussies can still teach us a thing or two, not least about making top level cricket accessible to the man in the street.

I saw all four days at the MCG for £60 – I would struggle to get in one day’s Test match viewing at that price in England.

RICKY Ponting’s spat with the umpires received far less prominence over here than it did back home. On Sky it caused David Lloyd to renew his call for red and yellow cards in cricket.

Those who are coming around to the same conclusion could do worse than have a word with the NYSD League, who pioneered such a system several years ago.

It was covered in detail by the Wisden magazine and The Northern Echo. It does not involve the brandishing of cards, but it has undoubtedly proved its value in reining in abusive language and dissent.

ON now to the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney Harbour, and then over to the SCG after a couple of days’ recuperation. It’s tough, but somebody’s got to do it!