John Harms
I love when there is an Ashes series in England. Reminds me of when I was your age, and used to listen in bed. No tele then – 1972.
I lived in a country town in Queensland. Oakey had an ancient cinema (The Olympia) with canvas seats (like deck-chairs) and holes in the roof so you could see the stars. On the last day of the last Test, Australia was chasing. We went to see Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines (get it out on video) and when we came home in the frost we sat in front of the lit oven and listened as Paul Sheahan (that’s Mr Sheahan to you, from Melbourne Grammar) and Rod Marsh got the runs.
I always used to keep this score in my ABC Cricket Book.
I imagine some of you have been watching into the wee small hours. This will be a great Test match at Headingley.
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August 6th, 2009 at 9:31 am
I love the sound of the ‘Olympia’ John. Have you ever been to the Somerville open air cinema in Perth? On balmy summer’s evenings you sit on deckchairs amongst fragrant pine trees, or picnic on the lawn with a good wine and nibbles, watching international movies with good friends. It’s one of my favourite things to do…no cricket though.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:53 am
G’day John,
Hopefully our paths will cross during the next week. The cricket is interesting isn’t it? Am I wrong in saying it’s not as aggressive as it used to be. Take out a couple of Flintoff spells and there doesn’t seem to be the spice of yesteryear. And what is it with the sweepers? Looks more like a one day game between the 15th and 40th overs. Hope to see you and chew the fat.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
I go back even further. I remember climbing into my parents’ bed in the 50’s late at night and listening to what we thought was “live” commentary of the cricket from England. Was it Alan McGillvray? I only found out years later that these sessions were recorded with McGillvray tapping the pencil on top of the table to replicate the sound of the ball hitting the bat!
August 8th, 2009 at 1:34 am
James
Nice to hear from you.
Reckon you might be on to something re the Test series. Opening morning was deplorable. Lack of zing.
However I really thought the situation was set up beautifully for Headingley - for a real test of the cricketers - and that’s what we’re getting. IT is midnight, day one, as I sit here, stewing in the juices of Geelong’s loss, but enjoying the aggressive Australian approach on a hostile track.
Looking forward to catching up.
JTH