In a version of the game that for so long that Australia has been unable to leave its mark on, the Aussies have finally filled the last open place in the trophy cabinet.
And it seemingly came from nowhere. For many, the green and gold wasn’t even in calculations before the tournament, with reigning champions West Indies, England, India and even Pakistan among the fancies.
You would also have gotten some decent odds on a Trans-Tasman final.
But we managed to fire at the right time in the build-up.
First, like many fans around the country, I have to offer my apologies to Mitch Marsh. The Bison has been a divisive figure among the cricketing public (outside Western Australia, at least) for never seemingly fulfilling his massive potential.
Having shifted up to No.3 in the batting order, he has become a mainstay in the T20 arena and was easily man of the match in the final with his unbeaten 77 from 50 balls as the Aussies went on to win by eight wickets.
David Warner at the top of the order also came back into some form and earned the nod as player of the tournament. Not sure if that was the right call – I actually think Adam Zampa was in with a shout, but hopefully that might provide positive signs for the season ahead.
A big nod to our bothers across the ditch as well, who have now featured in the past two ODI World Cup finals, won the inaugural Test championship and were runners-up here. It’s great to see the Kiwis, under their star skipper Kane Williamson, getting the respect they have well and truly earned.
Now the short-form stuff has finished for now, attention turns swiftly to the Ashes, with the 15-man squad announced earlier this week.
Usman Khawaja and Travis Head are in, and incumbent opener Marcus Harris has also been named. The big question will be about Uzzie, who has the ability to bat in both vacant slots, opener and five, unlike the others.
The return of Jhye Richardson is also fantastic, and the pacey Western Australian looms as first cab off the rank should injury or form disrupt the bowling line-up, especially following the recent retirement of James Pattinson.
With three tests in 23 days, it’s unlikely Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will all play the entire series, and Richo looks in good form.
There has also been a few interesting selections as well for the Australia A side, who will play a practice game against Australia.
After impressing over the back end of last Shield season and the start of this one, young openers Henry Hunt (South Australia) and Bryce Street (Queensland) will be given a chance to show their wares. Matt Renshaw and Sean Abbott are also back in the fold.
There is plenty that can still happen between now and December 8 at the Gabba.
Feeling an AFL draft
WE’RE less than a week away from the two-night NAB AFL Draft next Wednesday and Thursday and there is still plenty bubbling under the surface before the first round of draftees find their AFL home.
This is the second year that clubs can trade draft picks before and during the night, meaning recruiters will have to have completed their due diligence and be flexible if the players they want are suddenly pinched from their grasp.
There has been a fair bit of chatter about the GWS No.2 pick and whether it’s up for grabs. While the Giants so far have rebuffed offers, if a club comes with a Godfather-like scenario on draft night, it could be hard to say no.
As it stands though, it’s likely that pick No.2 will become pick No.4 with bids likely to come on father-son prospects Nick Daicos (Collingwood) and Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs) within the top three selections.
Outside that is where it gets interesting in one of the more even drafts for a while. When I say even, some recruiters have said the top 10 are probably a step above, but from there it’s hard to pick an order, especially with so many kids having played so little football over the past few years thanks to restrictions.
This is also the first draft year when teams are not allowed to bid on Next Generation Academy (NGA) talents within the top 20 picks, following the Bulldogs being able to select Jamarra Ugle-Hagan with the top pick 12 months ago.
This will come as a blow for Melbourne. The reigning premiers look likely to miss out on Mac Andrew. A player of Sudanese background, the 200cm tall athlete can play in multiple positions and, while he is still raw, if he reaches his potential he could be a scary player for opponents.
While Andrew will almost definitely go top 10, it’s a different situation for St Kilda and their two NGA prospects Michito Owens and Marcus Windhager. Both have been talked about as prospects at the back end of the top 20, but there are no concrete rumours that a club is interested so early. The Saints will hope not.
Expect North Melbourne to call out South Australian Jason Horne-Francis as the top selection on Wednesday.
