I've been back and forth on how best to wrap 2023.
2022 resulted in a two-part summary, and I believe it went well. This year, on Friday, just gone, I started a four-part extended abstract. This morning, 2nd January, I back-tracked and settled on a simple 'my best ten posts' of 2023, judged subjectively by popularity and by my enjoyment in the research and writing of the post. The order is not significant; it is just numbered one through ten. I hope you enjoy it.
Also, I always try to respect your time, but, can I ask one favour of you; a highlight of writing SpeakingNick is feeling your willingness to read my work, and here’s the kicker: I believe this post would be perfect to share with friends who might not be familiar with what we are doing here. I will place some share buttons, and please, do not feel obligated.
1. BBL12: Gilchrist Slams The Stars .. and a Finals preview.
When Fox Sports anchor Kath Loughnan put Aaron Finch on the spot seeking comment about his cross-town BBL rivals, the Melbourne Stars' abysmal season, the Melbourne Renegades captain wisely played with a straight bat. But former player Adam Gilchrist held nothing back, directly questioning the Stars' team culture and commitment in an awkward TV moment highlighting the conflicts of interest when current players are co-opted as pundits. The Stars were awful in BBL12, and Melbourne's white-collar team continues to be outplayed by its blue-collar rival.
2. The Beauty of Australian Cricket...
Australian Test cap #465 will forever belong to Todd Murphy. 'Murph' is a kid—an awful term, but relevant here—close to my 'cricket heart'. In a sentence, I've coached the VIC U19 Country Team for several years; our best finish was with Murph as captain; we lost narrowly to NSW Metro at the WACA (I think 2019). He's a ripper. Murphy's selection perfectly encapsulates the beauty and opportunity of Australian cricket—you are never more than two steps away.
3. To write like Neville Cardus…
Yer kidding yourself. As if. More chance of it snowing. Give yer head a shake. Turn it up. All Manchester colloquialisms, bar one. Let me know which.
I'm not sure what came over me there; for an afternoon, though, I thought I might try to emulate one of Manchester's finest. Forget L. S. Lowry, I say, what about the great Neville Cardus? In truth, it was self-indulgent. So, I'll let you be the judge. The only comparisons would be that we're both self-taught and know where Rusholme is!
4. What happened to Golf...LIV and the PGA matched together by a guy called PIF
What has happened to golf? It’s almost as confusing as herding cats. This golf post uses a prom night metaphor to characterise the fractured partnership between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf as awkward yet inevitable in modern sports where personal success and money outweigh tradition and allegiance. It declares winners and losers—the spin doctors, Phil Mickelson, Greg Norman and the Saudis can claim victory. At the same time, Rory McIlroy and golf itself emerge battered, with even Collin Morikawa having to learn the news on Twitter.
5. A decade later, Brenton "Les" McDonald reflects on three consecutive premierships, and a missed opportunity.
This was the most-viewed post of 2023—not due to ‘brother of’ merit, no, it was down to the legend of, ‘Les’ McDonald.
Brenton “Les’’ McDonald is the younger brother of Australian men’s cricket coach Andrew “Ronnie’’ McDonald, in case you didn’t know.
Or, as Les would prefer, Ronnie is the elder brother of Les, retired cricketer and scratch golfer of considerable repute.
No spoilers here, just enjoy the read.
6. Australia swept aside by India…
India's Cheteshwar Pujara remains a true gentleman of the game. Playing in his 100th Test, Pujara quietly skipped down the pitch and gently lofted Todd Murphy into the vacant mid-wicket region; the boundary represented the affable Pujara perfectly. There was still respect toward his opposition; in this case, an off-spinner 98 matches his junior. India had retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy, and Australia were pushing crap uphill. Pat Cummins, his team, selectors, and coaching staff are under a glaring spotlight. The scoreline reads 2-0, the series trophy remains with India, and there's more than a week until they can start thinking about getting back on the bike. It's a mess.
7. Time in the middle with Graham Gooch
Graham Gooch has to be one of my favourite people in cricket. I was fortunate to cross paths during my time at Durham; Goochie was our remote batting coach, so to speak. Great memories: hopping on the train to London, then out to Chelmsford for two days of, "That's it, move together, bottom half and hands, do it again, and again, and again." Anyone who knows him understands he was a tireless worker in everything he did—a great man. I hope you enjoy this interview with the venerable Graham Gooch. Oh, and there's the dinner at his Mother's place with her two sisters, enough food to feed an army—that story's for another time or the archive. Also, in case you didn't know, Gooch amassed 44,846 runs from 581 first-class games with 128 centuries.
8. An Ashes Preview...
I intended to steer as far away from the 'normal' review as possible, which was challenging as the Ashes was one of the most anticipated meetings on the 2023 sporting calendar. As for predictions, there may be a few, but these are likely to be unfounded. I was poking fun, of course—with strange and awkward analogies. Bazball gets a run—really. Yes, and how Australia might counter the English prophecy. Back to Bazball, my favoured definition is: "Bazball is when two New Zealanders get together and have a crack at running English cricket, with a dude who could be mistaken for an All Black hooker, (Rob Key)." The series was captivating and not without its share of controversy.
9. From Adelaide to Ahmedabad…
Under Pat Cummins' captaincy, the Australian cricket team has enjoyed a stellar 2023, even if the games periphery does not always acknowledge it. The post celebrates Australia's come-from-behind 50-over World Cup triumph, overcoming two early defeats to stun hosts India in the final. Marnus Labuschagne and player of the match, Travis Head, produced a match-winning century partnership after Australia were in trouble at 3-47. Head epitomises Cummins' ideal player, willingly absorbing pressure before taking the game on. You have to spare a thought for Team India after being sent "to all points of the compass" before falling at the final hurdle.
America's 4th July: A tri-lateral look at the 2023 Ashes.
Once regarded as the quintessential American holiday, 4th July is now attached to a nation becoming increasingly challenging to identify with. America finds itself rapidly shedding its skin and trying to transform itself into something new, but what exactly that will be was the question. And English cricket is in a similar state as it acclimatises itself with Bazball. Then, there was 'Bairstow-gate' to navigate, an assignment the MCC membership failed miserably.
There you have it. Please share with whoever you think might enjoy the read. And, as always, thank you for being there in 2023—2024 will be better again.