Hobart’s Test match much to celebrate
FROM the first throb of the didgeridoo that introduced the Welcome to Country segment, we knew this would be a thrilling and special Test match.
The sequence that followed – the dulcet melodic Qantas choir’s version of I Still Call Australia Home and the traditional address by Palawa elder Aunty Brenda Hodge alongside Palawa Emerging leader Taylor Wigg and the silent remembrance for Devonport’s tragic Hillcrest School accident – held an appreciative audience in deep respect – and all remained standing for the two national anthems performed by local lasses Georgia Wilkinson and Eloise Martyn – such beautiful voices. Perfect renditions.
All this before the first ball was bowled in Tasmania’s first Ashes Test match – a reality no one ever dreamt would happen.
Yes, Minister Howlett (Mercury Talking Point, Thur 20 Jan), cricket will benefit long after the euphoria of Australia’s 146-run win over England at Blundstone Arena, which generated as much excitement and enthusiasm as did Tasmania’s admission to the Sheffield Shield in 1977 and the Gillette Cup win in 1979.
Such moments in time stand tall in recognition of the many dedicated individuals who as players and administrators battled the odds to ensure Tasmania gained respect as a force in the game and give every Tasmanian cricketer, male or female, the opportunity to play for Australia.
Since those trailblazers Kenny Burns and Charles Eady showed the way back in the 1890s we’ve now become accustomed to celebrate the inclusion of homegrown cricketers in Australian teams, male and female, in all formats of the game.
In addition to those mentioned by the minister, there’s been a plethora of talent produced from both ends of the
island state including Ben Hilfenhaus, James Faulkner, Michael Di Venuto, Xavier Doherty and Kristen Beams to play for Australia.
And not to forget those who moved interstate to get their chance; namely Jack Badcock and Max Walker or Ed Cowan, Colin Miller and Jackson Bird, who relocated here from other states.
Congratulations to the state government and Cricket Australia for gutsing out the decision to move the fifth Test
from Perth, and well done Cricket Tasmania for presenting Bellerive so magnificently.
Congratulations, Pat Cummins and your Australian XI, for such a memorable Test match – a three-day extravaganza that never for one moment failed to capture the excitement and expectation of the supported attendance and viewing audience.
Michael Gandy Tranmere
KEEPING WATCH
THE vision showing Tasmania Police moving on Ashes Test players Nathan Lyon, Travis Head, Joe Root and Jimmy Anderson from an establishment at 6.30 in the morning brings a new meaning to the term “Nightwatchman”.
INTERESTING MOVE
Daniel Webb Glenorchy
BLUNDSTONE A BEAUTY
BLUNDSTONE Arena is one of the world’s finest boutique ovals and, on the back of the standout success of the recent fifth Ashes Test, it truly has come of age.
The announcement of nine ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches being hosted in October is another remarkable coup.
Not only is this fantastic news for Tasmanian cricket fans, but also for the many businesses in Clarence who will directly benefit from the economic and social stimulus these global sporting events generate.
The strategic foresight and dogged perseverance of leading sports administrator Denis Rogers AO and the Clarence City Council to comprehensively transform Bellerive Oval into a worldclass sporting venue has been well and truly vindicated.
Blundstone Arena is the jewel in Tasmania’s sporting crown that showcases our beautiful island across the globe.
Brendan Blomeley Clarence City Council alderman
IN relation to Tim Paine resigning: If Tim was cleared by Cricket Australia of the allegation, why have they accepted his resignation? Could it be that they want someone else?
Ray Muller Ouse