The Roar » Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au Your Sports Opinion Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:19:13 +0000 en hourly 1 BenjaminConkeyhttp://feedburner.google.com The best rebuilding cricket team ever http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/nZZlRilEQ_8/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/01/07/the-best-rebuilding-cricket-team-ever/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:00:38 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=26808 When Australia walked onto the ‘GABBA against Sri Lanka in November 2007, it was the start of a new era. No Warne and no McGrath. All the talk was how this team was going to regularly take 10 wickets. Immediately the critics were hushed as Australia won the match by an innings and 40 runs. [...]

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The Australia team celebrates the dismissal of Pakistan's Kamran Akmal Mitchell Johnson on day 4 of the second test at the SCG in Sydney on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)

The Australia team celebrates the dismissal of Pakistan's Kamran Akmal Mitchell Johnson on day 4 of the second test at the SCG in Sydney on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)

When Australia walked onto the ‘GABBA against Sri Lanka in November 2007, it was the start of a new era. No Warne and no McGrath. All the talk was how this team was going to regularly take 10 wickets. Immediately the critics were hushed as Australia won the match by an innings and 40 runs.

Brett Lee stepped up to the challenge, taking eight wickets, and Mitchell Johnson was the new boy on the block making his debut.

It’s been 26 months since that first examination of the new Australian cricket team, and their incredible win against Pakistan at the S.C.G proves that a winning mentality is hard to shake.

It’s also the determination to avoid defeat at all costs, which has been indoctrinated by skipper Ricky Ponting.

They have slipped in the World Rankings, and the winning percentage has declined. But when you look at the numbers, Australia is still an extremely difficult side to overcome.

The Aussies have played 31 Tests since Warne and McGrath called it quits, and have lost just eight times. They’ve won 7 of the 10 series played.

No bad for a side that’s rebuilding!

Some may call the most recent victory lucky. Others will claim Pakistan lost the second test rather than Australia winning it. But the fact that Australia had any chance at all needs to be applauded.

I hope all International Test teams were watching Australia’s performance, because it’s a great lesson in the value of staying in a contest.

Too often we see teams play for a draw or even appear to accept defeat after being bundled out for a cheap score in the first innings. But you never get that feeling with Australia.

Even when the Aussies lost by an innings to South Africa last year, they were positive in defeat. On that occasion, it looked like South Africa would record one of its biggest victories after leading by more than 400 on the first innings.

That was until Mitchell Johnson arrived, scoring 123 not out in 103 balls. It might not have saved the Test, but it was a sign that you can never discount Australia.

Pakistan found that out yesterday morning, when Peter Siddle dug in with Michael Hussey sharing in a record partnership.

Nathan Hauritz then proved his worth as a match-winning spin bowler, enticing Mohammad Yousuf into one too many aggressive strokes, before opening up the tail with the wicket of Misbah-Ul-Haq. Credit to Ricky Ponting for sticking with Hauritz, who was smashed by Yousuf in the over before tea.

And what about Johnson?

He just keeps taking wickets. Right-hand batsmen must have nightmares about his bowling. That unique angle across the batsman is like hypnosis. Players know they shouldn’t take the bait, but they can’t help it. The good news for Johnson is that the selectors have forgotten about his Ashes performances.

The only weak link appears to be Marcus North in the middle order.

Nathan Hauritz has more runs this summer than the struggling West Australian. He will get another chance after the win, but he better make use of any opportunity he gets, and his fielding needs to improve as well.

Australia have played supposedly weak opposition this summer, but you still have to get the results on the board. At 5 for 139 against the West Indies in Adelaide, Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin batted for 20 overs to force a draw.

Then in the following Test, the Aussies refused to panic with the Windies on 3 for 196 chasing 359 for victory. Ponting brought in the field and kept Nash in the 40s for an eternity, which put the pressure on Deonarine, who finally succumbed for 82.

The rest is history.

This mental toughness continues to amaze me (which I assumed would diminish in the new era), no doubt it amazes Australia’s opposition too.

One gets the feeling that the rebuilding phase might be slowly heading towards the domination spectrum. This is no longer a team of champions, but a bunch of very good cricketers who can still beat anyone, even when it’s not their day.

Roaring Hot

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/01/07/the-best-rebuilding-cricket-team-ever/feed/ 9 http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/01/07/the-best-rebuilding-cricket-team-ever/ The hype is right for a Tiger masterclass http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/9lnwZWb9mtc/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/10/the-hype-is-right-for-a-tiger-masterclass/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:10:40 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=25126 Thirteen-years ago Eldrick Tont ‘Tiger’ Woods graced our shores. Despite, having no majors to his name, he was already a rising star. Two years later, his visit to Australia for the President’s Cup was well documented. The Footy Show did a parody of a fake Tiger Woods at a driving range in Sydney, duffing every [...]

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Tiger Woods watches his drive off the 5th tee during the second round of the Memorial Tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, Friday, June 4, 2004. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

Tiger Woods watches his drive off the 5th tee during the second round of the Memorial Tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, Friday, June 4, 2004. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

Thirteen-years ago Eldrick Tont ‘Tiger’ Woods graced our shores. Despite, having no majors to his name, he was already a rising star. Two years later, his visit to Australia for the President’s Cup was well documented.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/10/the-hype-is-right-for-a-tiger-masterclass/feed/ 9 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/11/10/the-hype-is-right-for-a-tiger-masterclass/ Sports adminstrators Twittery about players using the Internet http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/PTtSBbb6QNE/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/09/03/sports-adminstrators-twittery-about-the-internet/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:19:31 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=23004 Twitter training might just become part of media skill development for the modern athlete, if it isn’t already. Once you get past the “I had toast for breakfast” tweets, athletes tend to open up online, and sports administrators don’t necessarily like it. It’s different when a microphone is shoved in one’s face after sporting triumph [...]

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]]> NSW opening batsman Phillip Hughes speaks at a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009. Hughes is in line to make his Test debut for Australia later this month after being named in a 14-man squad for the tour of South Africa. AAP Image/Tracey NearmyTwitter training might just become part of media skill development for the modern athlete, if it isn’t already. Once you get past the “I had toast for breakfast” tweets, athletes tend to open up online, and sports administrators don’t necessarily like it.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/09/03/sports-adminstrators-twittery-about-the-internet/feed/ 4 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/09/03/sports-adminstrators-twittery-about-the-internet/ Sutcliffe versus McAvaney, the battle of the sport gurus http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/8RkNUs__wTk/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/14/sutcliffe-versus-mcavaney-the-battle-of-the-sport-gurus/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:30:37 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=22312 As a Generation Y sport lover, I’ve seen the faces of Bruce McAvaney and Ken Sutcliffe on television from day one. Both are great at what they do. They are like a brand in their own right. The face of sport on Channel Seven versus the face of Sport on Channel Nine. A pepsi versus [...]

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Sydney, February 10, 2005. (l-r) Steve Liebmann, Ken Sutcliffe and Ian Ross at Steve Liebmann's farewell party at the Intercontinental Hotel. Steve Liebmann co hosted Channel Nine's Today Show for twenty years, today was his last appearance on the popular morning show. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Sydney, February 10, 2005. (l-r) Steve Liebmann, Ken Sutcliffe and Ian Ross at Steve Liebmann's farewell party at the Intercontinental Hotel. Steve Liebmann co hosted Channel Nine's Today Show for twenty years, today was his last appearance on the popular morning show. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

As a Generation Y sport lover, I’ve seen the faces of Bruce McAvaney and Ken Sutcliffe on television from day one. Both are great at what they do. They are like a brand in their own right.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/14/sutcliffe-versus-mcavaney-the-battle-of-the-sport-gurus/feed/ 6 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/14/sutcliffe-versus-mcavaney-the-battle-of-the-sport-gurus/ Forget all-rounders, stick to playing specialists http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/kyYFVTZGdw8/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/07/forget-all-rounders-stick-to-playing-specialists/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:52:23 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=22057 One interesting aspect of this Ashes series is that none of the all-rounders have suceeded in both disciplines in the same match. When Flintoff has bowled well, his batting has eluded him. And vice-versa. Shane Watson’s last Test was the same, with vast differences between his batting and bowling form. In between saying ‘tw*t’ on [...]

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Australia's Shane Watson plays a shot off the bowling of England's Graeme Swann on the first day of the third cricket test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, England, Thursday, July 30, 2009. AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

Australia's Shane Watson plays a shot off the bowling of England's Graeme Swann on the first day of the third cricket test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, England, Thursday, July 30, 2009. AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

One interesting aspect of this Ashes series is that none of the all-rounders have suceeded in both disciplines in the same match. When Flintoff has bowled well, his batting has eluded him. And vice-versa.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/07/forget-all-rounders-stick-to-playing-specialists/feed/ 5 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/07/forget-all-rounders-stick-to-playing-specialists/ Channel Nine ‘Still the One’ for ruining sports coverage http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/xTj4oYpgT_0/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/19/channel-nine-still-the-one-for-ruining-sports-coverage/#comments Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:44:12 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21219 I know many out there say “just get pay television if you want to watch sport.” But some sporting events should be left sacred for as long as possible – like the British Open. Channel Nine has once again let down sport lovers, with one of the most bizarre and ridiculous scheduling decisions of all-time. [...]

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]]> I know many out there say “just get pay television if you want to watch sport.” But some sporting events should be left sacred for as long as possible – like the British Open.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/19/channel-nine-still-the-one-for-ruining-sports-coverage/feed/ 17 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/19/channel-nine-still-the-one-for-ruining-sports-coverage/ Webber’s first win was breathtaking http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/sK5ctS0gsNk/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/14/webbers-first-win-was-breathtaking/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:07:51 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=21036 It seemed fitting that Mark Webber’s first win in Formula One was anything but straight-forward. His victory wipes away eight years of misfortune as reliability problems have followed his cars like a disease. His bad luck has been so frequent that journalists could almost save a story template and insert the reason why he didn’t [...]

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Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber of Red Bull Racing sits in his car as he prepares to practice for the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, Friday March 27, 2009. The Australian Grand Prix will take place on March 29. (AAP Image/Martin Philbey" title="Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber of Red Bull Racing sits in his car as he prepares to practice for the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, Friday March 27, 2009. The Australian Grand Prix will take place on March 29. AAP Image/Martin Philbey

Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber of Red Bull Racing sits in his car as he prepares to practice for the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, Friday March 27, 2009. The Australian Grand Prix will take place on March 29. (AAP Image/Martin Philbey" title="Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber of Red Bull Racing sits in his car as he prepares to practice for the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, Friday March 27, 2009. The Australian Grand Prix will take place on March 29. AAP Image/Martin Philbey

It seemed fitting that Mark Webber’s first win in Formula One was anything but straight-forward. His victory wipes away eight years of misfortune as reliability problems have followed his cars like a disease. His bad luck has been so frequent that journalists could almost save a story template and insert the reason why he didn’t finish a particular race.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/14/webbers-first-win-was-breathtaking/feed/ 3 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/14/webbers-first-win-was-breathtaking/ England are their own worst enemy http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/d5wZS3-eDRk/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/12/england-are-their-own-worst-enemy/#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:53:10 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=20948 A flat deck and a flat England attack. There’s no denying the Sophia Gardens pitch has been batsmen friendly, but England made it look even easier to bat on with impatient bowling. Apart from the odd spell by Flintoff and Anderson, England have been ordinary. Their decision to pick two spinners seemed reasonable, but Panesar [...]

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]]> A flat deck and a flat England attack. There’s no denying the Sophia Gardens pitch has been batsmen friendly, but England made it look even easier to bat on with impatient bowling. Apart from the odd spell by Flintoff and Anderson, England have been ordinary.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/12/england-are-their-own-worst-enemy/feed/ 1 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/12/england-are-their-own-worst-enemy/ Phil Hughes treated like Bradman by the English http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/8X7wtA1GGLM/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/04/phil-hughes-treated-like-bradman-by-the-english/#comments Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:11:44 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=20680 Seventy-odd years ago, former Surrey and England captain Percy Fender noticed Don Bradman step away from a short pitched ball on a news reel. It was footage from Australia’s 1930 tour of England. Word got around to Douglas Jardine, that this Bradman may not be perfect afterall. And so Bodyline was born. Today, that ‘news [...]

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NSW opening batsman Phillip Hughes speaks at a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009. Hughes is in line to make his Test debut for Australia later this month after being named in a 14-man squad for the tour of South Africa. AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy

NSW opening batsman Phillip Hughes speaks at a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009. Hughes is in line to make his Test debut for Australia later this month after being named in a 14-man squad for the tour of South Africa. AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy

Seventy-odd years ago, former Surrey and England captain Percy Fender noticed Don Bradman step away from a short pitched ball on a news reel. It was footage from Australia’s 1930 tour of England. Word got around to Douglas Jardine, that this Bradman may not be perfect afterall.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/04/phil-hughes-treated-like-bradman-by-the-english/feed/ 12 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/07/04/phil-hughes-treated-like-bradman-by-the-english/ Which way will The Ashes swing this time? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/W07FJibzp0I/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/30/which-way-will-the-ashes-swing/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:16:17 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=20514 It might be a little simplistic to say that swing will decide the Ashes, but that’s exactly what happened four years ago. Australia was undone by Jones, Flintoff and Hoggard, who made the Duke ball talk with reverse swing. England was then completely outplayed in the 2006-07 series. What was most interesting was their lack [...]

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Australia's bowler Stuart Clark celebrates the wicket of West Indies batsman Dwayne Bravo. AP Photo/Andres Leighton

Australia's bowler Stuart Clark celebrates the wicket of West Indies batsman Dwayne Bravo. AP Photo/Andres Leighton

It might be a little simplistic to say that swing will decide the Ashes, but that’s exactly what happened four years ago. Australia was undone by Jones, Flintoff and Hoggard, who made the Duke ball talk with reverse swing.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/30/which-way-will-the-ashes-swing/feed/ 15 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/30/which-way-will-the-ashes-swing/ Tips for surviving the next three months of sport http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/neUpoqKuo44/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/19/tips-for-surviving-the-next-three-months-of-sport/#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:42:15 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=20129 From this morning, my world gets a little hectic with the US Open golf for a couple of days. Throw in some Wimbledon for two weeks. Then The Ashes, Tour de France, British Open, Formula One, and the Tri-Nations rugby. You get the picture. Of course, many of these events are scheduled at ungodly hours, [...]

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Greg Norman of Australia waves as he walks down the 18th fairway during the third round of the British Open Golf championship, at the Royal Birkdale golf course, Southport, England, Saturday, July 19, 2008. AP Photo/Paul Thomas

Greg Norman of Australia waves as he walks down the 18th fairway during the third round of the British Open Golf championship, at the Royal Birkdale golf course, Southport, England, Saturday, July 19, 2008. AP Photo/Paul Thomas

From this morning, my world gets a little hectic with the US Open golf for a couple of days. Throw in some Wimbledon for two weeks. Then The Ashes, Tour de France, British Open, Formula One, and the Tri-Nations rugby. You get the picture.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/19/tips-for-surviving-the-next-three-months-of-sport/feed/ 7 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/19/tips-for-surviving-the-next-three-months-of-sport/ The anniversary of our first World Cup triumph http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/lTFiR7XVN3U/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/12/lest-we-forget-the-anniversary-of-our-first-world-cup-triumph/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:45:46 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=19854 Has it really been three years? June 12, the anniversary of our first goal in a World Cup, the anniversary of our first win in a World Cup, and the anniversary of football officially arriving in Australia (I call November 2005 unofficial). Last year, a friend who owns every sports DVD imaginable, came up with [...]

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The Australian Socceroos' Mark Viduka kicks the ball in the Australia v Japan opening Group F match at the Soccer World Cup in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Monday, June 12, 2006. This is Australia's first World Cup finals appearance in 32 years. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

The Australian Socceroos' Mark Viduka kicks the ball in the Australia v Japan opening Group F match at the Soccer World Cup in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Monday, June 12, 2006. This is Australia's first World Cup finals appearance in 32 years. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Has it really been three years? June 12, the anniversary of our first goal in a World Cup, the anniversary of our first win in a World Cup, and the anniversary of football officially arriving in Australia (I call November 2005 unofficial).

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/12/lest-we-forget-the-anniversary-of-our-first-world-cup-triumph/feed/ 6 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/12/lest-we-forget-the-anniversary-of-our-first-world-cup-triumph/ It’s the surface variables that makes tennis so special http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/hX7I69RNAvY/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/05/its-the-surface-variables-that-makes-tennis-so-special/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:10:36 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=19574 Two of the greatest tennis players of all time have one major blimp on their resumes: Sampras never won the French Open, and neither has Roger Federer. The Fed-express may well change that come Sunday night, but isn’t it remarkable that a court surface can alter things so much. Federer can handle the top spin [...]

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Pete Sampras smiles at Switzerland's Roger Federer - AP Photo/Vincent Thian

Pete Sampras smiles at Switzerland's Roger Federer - AP Photo/Vincent Thian

Two of the greatest tennis players of all time have one major blimp on their resumes: Sampras never won the French Open, and neither has Roger Federer. The Fed-express may well change that come Sunday night, but isn’t it remarkable that a court surface can alter things so much.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/05/its-the-surface-variables-that-makes-tennis-so-special/feed/ 6 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/05/its-the-surface-variables-that-makes-tennis-so-special/ Who should really be our most marketable sports stars? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/vMWXhFVee14/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/29/who-should-really-be-our-most-marketable-sports-stars/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 15:46:39 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=19280 Apparently Ricky Ponting is our most marketable sports star, Grant Hackett second, Glenn McGrath third and Adam Gilchrist fourth. Three cricketers and a swimmer. While Hackett was in the Olympics, most countries will have forgotten him, and apart from the cricketing nations, no one would know our Aussie cricketers. But they’re on our list. They’re [...]

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Australia's Andrew Symonds reacts after scoring a century. AP Photo/Gautam Singh

Australia's Andrew Symonds reacts after scoring a century. AP Photo/Gautam Singh

Apparently Ricky Ponting is our most marketable sports star, Grant Hackett second, Glenn McGrath third and Adam Gilchrist fourth. Three cricketers and a swimmer.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/29/who-should-really-be-our-most-marketable-sports-stars/feed/ 19 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/29/who-should-really-be-our-most-marketable-sports-stars/ Hey selectors, let the public pick the Ashes squad http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/ONupeH1L4Co/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/22/hey-selectors-let-the-public-pick-the-ashes-squad/#comments Thu, 21 May 2009 15:12:18 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=19039 Welcome back to ‘Who’s going to the old dart?’, where you decide which cricketers will be heading to England for The Ashes. We’ve thrown out the selectors and given you, the armchair expert, the chance to form our army to win that tiny urn. So far you’ve chosen six players: Simon Katich, Phil Hughes, Ricky [...]

Article link: Hey selectors, let the public pick the Ashes squad. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

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Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer walk out onto the ground - AAP Image/Jenny Evans

Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer walk out onto the ground - AAP Image/Jenny Evans

Welcome back to ‘Who’s going to the old dart?’, where you decide which cricketers will be heading to England for The Ashes. We’ve thrown out the selectors and given you, the armchair expert, the chance to form our army to win that tiny urn.

Read More...


]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/22/hey-selectors-let-the-public-pick-the-ashes-squad/feed/ 7 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/22/hey-selectors-let-the-public-pick-the-ashes-squad/ Gayle doesn’t like cricket but he loves Twenty20 http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/YA4GOV6KHRw/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/16/gayle-doesnt-like-cricket-but-he-loves-twenty20/#comments Fri, 15 May 2009 20:27:16 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=18794 Chris Gayle has received a fair bit of criticism for his comments about Test Cricket. He admitted that he doesn’t like the traditional five-day format, preferring the whizz-bang action of Twenty20s. Andrew Strauss questioned his commitment when he turned up just two days before the first Test against England at Lords. It now puts the [...]

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West Indies batsman Chris Gayle leaves the field after being bowled by England's Stuart Broad during the second day of the first Test match between England and West Indies at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, May 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle leaves the field after being bowled by England's Stuart Broad during the second day of the first Test match between England and West Indies at Lord's cricket ground in London, Thursday, May 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Chris Gayle has received a fair bit of criticism for his comments about Test Cricket. He admitted that he doesn’t like the traditional five-day format, preferring the whizz-bang action of Twenty20s.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/16/gayle-doesnt-like-cricket-but-he-loves-twenty20/feed/ 6 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/16/gayle-doesnt-like-cricket-but-he-loves-twenty20/ Let’s test today’s champions using yesterday’s equipment http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/GrFOmGOvn-Y/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/13/lets-test-todays-champions-using-yesterdays-equipment/#comments Tue, 12 May 2009 15:22:56 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=18683 There’s been some interesting sporting experiments in recent years: Nadal and Federer playing on a half-clay, half-grass court; the ICC World XI playing Australia in a Super Test and three one-day internationals; and the golfing obsession of seeing how the best females would go on the men’s tour. They didn’t really prove much. We already [...]

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Tiger Woods watches his drive off the 5th tee during the second round of the Memorial Tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, Friday, June 4, 2004. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

Tiger Woods watches his drive off the 5th tee during the second round of the Memorial Tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, Friday, June 4, 2004. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

There’s been some interesting sporting experiments in recent years: Nadal and Federer playing on a half-clay, half-grass court; the ICC World XI playing Australia in a Super Test and three one-day internationals; and the golfing obsession of seeing how the best females would go on the men’s tour.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/13/lets-test-todays-champions-using-yesterdays-equipment/feed/ 3 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/13/lets-test-todays-champions-using-yesterdays-equipment/ United Arab Emirates is the future hub of world sports http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/GiuqyApHu-k/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/01/united-arab-emirates-is-the-future-hub-of-world-sports/#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:49:19 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=18213 The United Arab Emirates is on the verge of becoming the world’s most powerful sporting hub. If Australia doesn’t get the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022, we may well be fighting against the UAE into the future. And I don’t like our chances. While our country is struggling with global downturn, the UAE [...]

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England cricket team holds practice in Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Dec. 5, 2008. AP Photo/Carl Abrams

England cricket team holds practice in Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Dec. 5, 2008. AP Photo/Carl Abrams

The United Arab Emirates is on the verge of becoming the world’s most powerful sporting hub. If Australia doesn’t get the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022, we may well be fighting against the UAE into the future. And I don’t like our chances.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/01/united-arab-emirates-is-the-future-hub-of-world-sports/feed/ 21 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/01/united-arab-emirates-is-the-future-hub-of-world-sports/ Mistakes in league? It must be the ball’s fault http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/wmXH34DEVSQ/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/23/mistakes-in-league-it-must-be-the-balls-fault/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:11:36 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=17843 As I sat in Canberra Stadium last Friday night watching the Brumbies’ thrilling one point win over the Bulls, it dawned on me that there was hardly any dropped ball. Well, a miniscule amount considering how expansive the Brumbies played for much of the game. It was a typical Autumn night in Canberra, with dew [...]

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Tigers Benji Marshall (centre) gets a pass away during the NRL Rugby League, Round 16, Penrith Panthers V Wests Tigers game in Sydney, Saturday, June 24, 2006. AAP Image/Action Photographics/Jonathan Ng

Tigers Benji Marshall (centre) gets a pass away during the NRL Rugby League, Round 16, Penrith Panthers V Wests Tigers game in Sydney, Saturday, June 24, 2006. AAP Image/Action Photographics/Jonathan Ng

As I sat in Canberra Stadium last Friday night watching the Brumbies’ thrilling one point win over the Bulls, it dawned on me that there was hardly any dropped ball. Well, a miniscule amount considering how expansive the Brumbies played for much of the game.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/23/mistakes-in-league-it-must-be-the-balls-fault/feed/ 21 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/23/mistakes-in-league-it-must-be-the-balls-fault/ Johan Botha throws up problems with ICC policy http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/6VJLmlSCq5Q/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/16/johan-botha-throws-up-problems-with-icc-policy/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:37:47 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=17509 If only Ian Meckiff was playing international cricket today. The man was effectively no-balled out of cricket by the human eyes of umpire Colin Egar. Now the computer takes over to determine if a player goes beyond the new magical mark of 15-degrees. But how effective is this process? South African Johan Botha in 2006 [...]

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South Africa's Johan Botha bowls a delivery while Australia's Ricky Ponting looks on during their One Day International series match at the MCG in Melbourne, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. AAP Image/Joe Castro

South Africa's Johan Botha bowls a delivery while Australia's Ricky Ponting looks on during their One Day International series match at the MCG in Melbourne, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. AAP Image/Joe Castro

If only Ian Meckiff was playing international cricket today. The man was effectively no-balled out of cricket by the human eyes of umpire Colin Egar.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/16/johan-botha-throws-up-problems-with-icc-policy/feed/ 31 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/16/johan-botha-throws-up-problems-with-icc-policy/ A scandal of poultry proportions http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/bQej5-dU2_Q/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/10/a-scandal-of-poultry-proportions/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:05:51 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=17281 It’s early days in the latest football misdemeanour, an AFL scandal already dubbed, Chicken-Gate. If you haven’t heard the news yet, the Kangaroos AFL team are in trouble after making a sex video about a Rooster. I’ve just seen a short clip of the video. It’s nothing more than grown men acting like kids. It’s [...]

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]]> It’s early days in the latest football misdemeanour, an AFL scandal already dubbed, Chicken-Gate. If you haven’t heard the news yet, the Kangaroos AFL team are in trouble after making a sex video about a Rooster.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/10/a-scandal-of-poultry-proportions/feed/ 32 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/10/a-scandal-of-poultry-proportions/ ONE HD is a major let down to regional viewers http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/CYXhroc9omI/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/03/one-hd-is-a-major-let-down-to-regional-viewers/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:16:50 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16973 The constant reminders that Channel Ten’s ONE HD was only X number of days away was cruel. Very cruel. It was like an April Fools joke to regional viewers. When the day finally arrived, we were left with a message saying “Southern Cross Ten wishes to advise viewers that the ONE HD Channel is currently [...]

Article link: ONE HD is a major let down to regional viewers. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Sydney FC fans celebrate a goal. AAP Image/Paul Miller

The constant reminders that Channel Ten’s ONE HD was only X number of days away was cruel. Very cruel. It was like an April Fools joke to regional viewers. When the day finally arrived, we were left with a message saying “Southern Cross Ten wishes to advise viewers that the ONE HD Channel is currently only available in metropolitan areas. We apologise for any inconvenience.”

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/03/one-hd-is-a-major-let-down-to-regional-viewers/feed/ 23 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/04/03/one-hd-is-a-major-let-down-to-regional-viewers/ Simon Katich is Australia’s best spin bowler http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/0aGctCP15SU/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/26/simon-katich-is-australias-best-spin-bowler/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:48:19 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16688 Who is better than Katich at the moment? He spins the ball. He gets bounce. But most importantly, he’s left-handed. For some reason, the world’s elite batsmen have historically struggled against the lefties, and especially lefties who bowl wrist spin. Even Brian Lara couldn’t read Brad Hogg’s wrong-un (possibly because he was distracted by his [...]

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]]> Australia's bowler Simon Katich, third from right, with teammates, celebrates after dismissing South Africa's batsman Paul Harris, unseen, for 5 runs on the fifth and final day of the second test match at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Tuesday March 10, 2009. AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

Who is better than Katich at the moment? He spins the ball. He gets bounce. But most importantly, he’s left-handed.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/26/simon-katich-is-australias-best-spin-bowler/feed/ 11 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/26/simon-katich-is-australias-best-spin-bowler/ My favourite sporting anthems http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/V71XUqkHNAk/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/19/my-favourite-sporting-anthems/#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:57:50 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16446 I never used to like our national anthem. There was always something so bland about it, even when the best singers tried to put a unique rendition together. But when the Australian national anthem was belted out via Sydney’s Olympic stadium PA in November, 2005, 80,000 fans changed my opinion of Advance Australia Fair. I’d [...]

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]]> Australian Socceros applaud the crowd after their 1-0 win over Greece at the MCG in Melbourne, Thursday, May 25, 2006. This is Australia's first of three lead up games ahead of their World Cup competition which commences in Germany on June 12. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

I never used to like our national anthem. There was always something so bland about it, even when the best singers tried to put a unique rendition together.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/19/my-favourite-sporting-anthems/feed/ 60 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/19/my-favourite-sporting-anthems/ Ban alcohol advertising in rugby league first http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/x0sc8plGdCk/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/12/ban-alcohol-advertising-in-rugby-league-first/#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:16:03 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=16230 I understand Phil Gould’s suggestion that extreme measures may be necessary to ban players from drinking alcohol. But what about the copious amount of alcohol advertising and sponsorship in the game? Surely this would need to be banned as well. When Brett Stewart returns to league and eventually wins his first man-of-the match award, it [...]

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]]> Manly Sea Eagles' Brett Stewart scores a try during their World Club Challenge rugby league match against Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road Stadium, Leeds, England, Sunday, March 1, 2009. AP Photo/Paul Thomas

I understand Phil Gould’s suggestion that extreme measures may be necessary to ban players from drinking alcohol. But what about the copious amount of alcohol advertising and sponsorship in the game?

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/12/ban-alcohol-advertising-in-rugby-league-first/feed/ 23 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/12/ban-alcohol-advertising-in-rugby-league-first/ Australia’s bowlers go back to the future with aggression http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/JbsX7mXw7Dk/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/04/australias-bowlers-go-back-to-the-future-with-aggression/#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:53:41 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=15851 In Perth, a little more than two months ago, Peter Siddle looked like another Scott Muller at the WACA. He was ordinary at best. But just when you thought he couldn’t bowl he found something in Melbourne, and now in South Africa he looks the real deal. Mitchell Johnson is receiving most of the credit [...]

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]]> Australia's pacer Mitchell Johnson, center, is congratulated by teammates after taking the wicket of Jamaica Select XI's batsman Nikita Miller, unseen, during the first day of a cricket tour match in Trelawny, northern Jamaica, Friday, May 16, 2008. AP Photo/Andres Leighton

In Perth, a little more than two months ago, Peter Siddle looked like another Scott Muller at the WACA. He was ordinary at best. But just when you thought he couldn’t bowl he found something in Melbourne, and now in South Africa he looks the real deal.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/04/australias-bowlers-go-back-to-the-future-with-aggression/feed/ 7 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/03/04/australias-bowlers-go-back-to-the-future-with-aggression/ The most dominant players in the history of club football http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/NZrgdVJZ3xY/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/26/the-most-dominant-players-in-the-history-of-club-football/#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:21:19 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=15666 There’s no ‘I’ in team. At least that’s what coaches say, and most of the time they are correct. But on rare occasions in the world game a sensational talent comes along who single-handedly scores victories for his side. This to me is what makes a one-man team, not a player who has a high [...]

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]]> Liverpool's Steven Gerrard scores from the penalty spot against Athletico Madrid during their Champions League, Group D, soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008. AP Photo/Paul Thomas

There’s no ‘I’ in team. At least that’s what coaches say, and most of the time they are correct. But on rare occasions in the world game a sensational talent comes along who single-handedly scores victories for his side.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/26/the-most-dominant-players-in-the-history-of-club-football/feed/ 13 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/26/the-most-dominant-players-in-the-history-of-club-football/ World Club Challenge harder to win than NRL grand final http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/BQdOpVGe62M/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/19/world-club-challenge-harder-to-win-than-nrl-grand-final/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:53:08 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=15382 The rugby league World Club challenge has to be the ultimate test for any NRL team. I say the ultimate test because in the NRL Grand Final, at least teams have form on their side going into the match. When Manly lines up against the Leeds Rhinos at the beginning of next month, it will [...]

Article link: World Club Challenge harder to win than NRL grand final. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Leeds Rhinos Jamie Peacock, right, and Ryan Bailey, left, tackle Melbourne Storm's Anthony Quinn during their World Club Challenge Rugby League match at Elland Road Stadium, Leeds, England, Friday Feb. 29, 2008. AP Photo/Paul Thomas

The rugby league World Club challenge has to be the ultimate test for any NRL team. I say the ultimate test because in the NRL Grand Final, at least teams have form on their side going into the match.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/19/world-club-challenge-harder-to-win-than-nrl-grand-final/feed/ 16 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/19/world-club-challenge-harder-to-win-than-nrl-grand-final/ Captain Ponting is blinded by the White http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/q-W3LBl2Xp0/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/13/ponting-is-blinded-by-the-white/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:24:23 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=15213 We’ve all had a bit of a laugh about what Cameron White is doing in the Australian team, but if you analyse his statistics, he really hasn’t done too much wrong. Let’s start with his batting. He’s scored 13 first class hundreds and three domestic limited overs centuries, but the highest White has batted in [...]

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]]> Australian bowler Cameron White, right, is congratulated by captain Ricky Ponting after he took the wicket of Indian batsman Sourav Ganguly, unseen, on the second day of the second cricket test match between India and Australia, in Mohali, India, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008. AP Photo/Gautam Singh

We’ve all had a bit of a laugh about what Cameron White is doing in the Australian team, but if you analyse his statistics, he really hasn’t done too much wrong.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/13/ponting-is-blinded-by-the-white/feed/ 9 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/13/ponting-is-blinded-by-the-white/ Why do athletes have to be good role models? http://feeds.theroar.com.au/~r/BenjaminConkey/~3/GC6-RqGMtXQ/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/05/why-do-athletes-have-to-be-role-models/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:13:45 +0000 Benjamin Conkey http://www.theroar.com.au/?p=14917 It turns out that Michael Phelps, the man who captured eight incredible gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, can also smoke a bong. Wow, amazing! Thankyou News of the World. I feel so much better about myself now that I know an Olympic champion is on the wacky tobaccy. Great for Phelps isn’t it? It [...]

Article link: Why do athletes have to be good role models?. Written by , on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

]]> Michael Phelps. Image by Vironevaeh

It turns out that Michael Phelps, the man who captured eight incredible gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, can also smoke a bong. Wow, amazing! Thankyou News of the World. I feel so much better about myself now that I know an Olympic champion is on the wacky tobaccy.

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]]> http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/05/why-do-athletes-have-to-be-role-models/feed/ 25 http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/02/05/why-do-athletes-have-to-be-role-models/