Return of the quick men

It’s was around the year 2001, leading up to Australia’s Ashes campaign that there was a great deal of interest in the worlds fastest bowler. Was it Brett Lee or Shoaib Akhtar? Yes. Did either or both of them chuck the occasional missile? Yes. Lee and Akhtar were at the peak of their hype when the two speedsters went head-to-head in the NatWest series prior to the Ashes. I don’t remember the outcome except that Waqar Younis too a truck load of wickets. And since that time, both bowlers have struggled and experienced plenty of lows. I was shocked to see the lard-arsed slacker who carried the drinks on for the World XI at the SCG in October.

How exciting to see both bowlers back and with a vengeance. Shoaib, along with Danish Kaneria spearheaded Pakistan to an emphatic 2-0 series win against the mighty England. Shoaib took crucial late wickets in both matches that Pakistan won and his resurgence must have lifted his team mates. While Shoaib was busy taking 5-71 in finishing off the Poms, Brett Lee was flattening the Kiwis. Lee steam-rolled the New Zealanders with 3 for 5 from six overs (4 maidens). When you consider that three of the five runs were wides, it makes the spell even more remarkable. It was good of the rest of the lads indeed to close out the match so that Lee didn’t have to come back and spoil his figures.

While on the subjects of rebirths, Shane Bond fairly recently made a comeback for the Black Caps. While he had no trouble skittling Bangladesh, the Kiwis and world cricket needs him back and firing against more worthy quarry. Overall, the batsmen have it way too easy these days! Bond missed the first ODI with a hamstring strain but may be right for Wednesday’s match in Wellington.

While following the fortunes on the quick men, here are some updates on Australia’s banished exponents:

Andy Bichel: Still there and still happy. Took 7 for 56 against Victoria and top scored in the first innings (33) and made and important 84
in the second.

Kasper: Took 8 for 44 in the same match as Qld swept the Vics aside after conceding first innings points.

Dizzie: After suffering a broken rib courtesy of Brett Lee, has come back well. Last week took 7-35 on a helpful track against the Vics.

Scott Muller: Still can’t bowl or throw and recently announced he would be staying tight lipped about the whole “Joe the Cameraman (aka Shane Warne)
affair)” but a certain umpire knew all the facts.

Keep up the good work fells. I don’t think Bracken’s going to make the grade and sooner of later the selectors will abandon the all rounder
project, McGrath will hang up his boots and there are going to be positions vacant.