Steve Smith Celebrates a Century Against India (credit ABC News - Aus)
90,000 Aussies, 36 Celsius heats, 3-0 down,
23 fewer wickets and the big names not performing. The label ‘underdog’ is often
overused in sport. Not here.
It’s a short
stay in Melbourne for me, but a trip to an Ashes test at the MCG has long been
on the bucket list, and I couldn’t care less that they are 3-0 down.
In 2013, I
stayed up for two nights of the Melbourne test match during Crimbo Limbo and
whilst England managed to show an incredible ability to snatch a thumping
defeat from the jaws of hope in that match, the Barmy Army just didn’t stop
singing.
In the face
of bitterly disappointing performances and embarrassing defeats, the English
fans have shown unwavering support over the last 8 test matches in Australia. Australia
lead the head to head in those test matches 8-0-0.
This may be
alcohol fuelled, in part, but it also shows an amazing spirit that epitomises
English sport. Whatever happens, the English fans will make their voices heard,
but in a dignified and respectful way, never going to the extent of some of the
World’s sports fans, but always making an impact.
And judging
by the behaviour of England’s players in the last few months, the Barmy Army
have drunk nothing like as much
England have the most famous supporters club in the World (credit: The Sun)
Since I
arrived here I’ve met a fair few Australians. They all say roughly the same
thing. ‘What a long way to come.’, ‘Sorry mate, you’ve lost.’, and then ‘So
you’ll be with the Barmy Army?’
Even
non-cricket fans have mentioned the Barmy Army. It’s basically the only thing
they know about English cricket. It’s incredible for a nation to be defined by
its supporters to so many. Shame that doesn’t matter on the scoreboard.
I won’t use
this to vent my opinions on what is wrong with English cricket. Follow me on
Twitter if you want my pearls of stupidity.
But do I
think England will win this test match? Probably not. Nevertheless that doesn’t
make me think for one minute that this won’t be a fantastic and incredibly
enjoyable test match, and I’ll be right in the middle of an unbelievable
atmosphere.
On tosses,
England lead 3-0. On tossers, they definitely trail, but that still hasn’t
stopped Australia from ending their hopes before Christmas.
Australia,
led by Steve Smith who has batted with so much ease that his potential hand
injury is less of a ‘scare’ and more just ‘fair’, seem to be in so much control
that David Warner has actually said he wants more chat from the English
players.
David Warner is not popular among English Cricket Fans (Credit: Telegraph)
He may not
get it from the players, but he can be sure to get it from the crowd.
Merry
Christmas Everyone…
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