General

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Stephen O’Keefe has informed the club that he will return to his junior club Hawkesbury for the upcoming 2023/24 season.
The man known as ‘SOK’ has been an extremely valuable member of our club since his arrival in 2009/10. His influence on our senior playing group has been immense, especially over the last few seasons.
He has helped game day warm up of our lower grade teams at Grahams Reserve when injured, contributed to training and coaching, and always been a willing helper.
He will be sorely missed.
However, as a cricket loving club, we applaud the move.
There’s no denying that the Hawks have had their on and off field challenges over the last few years. Their entire playing grounds and facilities being metres under water, not once but twice, was upsetting to see.
Now SOK wants to return to his junior club and help.
While we don’t know all the details, what we can tell you is that SOK has always put himself last. In-fact he has taken no money over the years from us, preferring to give anything on offer to others.
So, we are confident that this move is one of love. In what will probably be his last year of playing some cricket, a local junior done good returns to his roots. There’s nothing but respect there.
Across 88 matches, SOK took 155 wickets for the Waratahs at an average of 17.35. He took a career best of 9/54 against Campbelltown in 2016/17.
He hit 1,332 runs at 28.95 with a top score of 158 in 2009/10. He hit 2 centuries and 6 half centuries.
Best of luck SOK in what will likely be your final year, and we look forward to seeing him at Manly Oval soon.

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2 years ago

Hawkesbury Cricket Club

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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8 Followers

Stephen O'Keefe to return to Hawkesbury.
Hawkesbury Cricket Club is pleased to announce Stephen O'Keefe (SOK) will be returning to play for the club this season. SOK will be playing and will also have a mentoring role across the entire club. We wish him well for the upcoming season

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2 years ago

Peter Meares

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0 Followers

SYDNEY, 1996

“So, it all looks academic now. As long as Winston Olonga stays at the crease, South Africa should cruise home. They only need 45 runs, with 3 wickets in hand, for outright victory over Australia.”

In his Sydney Cricket Ground commentary box at the back of the M.A. Noble Stand, Lucas Fox paused in his description, milking the moment. Voice hushed, almost a whisper, he built the suspense for listeners in two countries. Just turned 30, tall and fair, Lucas looked as young as many of the players. No slouch as a batsman himself, he had sacrificed a budding cricket career for the more secure life of a commentator, and after three years was reaping the benefits. His statistician, Billy Urquhart, was a mine of information, alerting Lucas to significant records, run-rates, bowling figures, archival anecdotes and other minutiae – they were a perfect team.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/604/peter-meares/blog/1215/long-shot-peter-meares

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2 years ago

The Chappell Foundation

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1 Followers

The Chappell Foundation's 6th Annual Dinner

Date: Wednesday, September 13

Location: Noble Dining Room, Sydney Cricket Ground

We cordially invite you to join us on the evening of Wednesday, September 13, at the Sydney Cricket Ground’s Noble Dining Room for The Chappell Foundation’s 6th Annual Dinner.

Our special guest speakers for the evening are the renowned Chappell brothers - Ian, Greg, and Trevor, often referred to as Australian cricket's first family.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1063/the-chappell-foundation/blog/1197/the-chappell-foundations-6th-annual-dinner

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2 years ago

Max Bonnell

Lawyer

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0 Followers

Cricket is an unpredictable game, especially when you’re a swing bowler

I spent something over twenty years struggling to make the ball curl in the air. It was just about the only thing in cricket I could do. I found out pretty early on that I couldn’t bowl fast enough to bother anyone with pace, but I could learn how to move the ball sideways, so I worked on that. It was work, too – I spent lots endless time in the nets experimenting with different ways to make the ball change direction over 22 yards, so much so that I remember one frustrated batsman in the nets shouting at me, “can’t you bowl just one that just goes straight?”

These experiments never took me much beyond “conventional” swing.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/436/max-bonnell/blog/1038/cricket-is-an-unpredictable-game-especially-when-yoursquore-a-swing-bowler

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2 years ago

Paul Ryan

503 Likes
513 Followers

Test cricket at his best, well played Australia, and England.

The twists and turns in every day’s play.

The theatre. Full of character, creativity, calmness, conservatism, and coolness.

So many players stood tall, others can’t wait for the next opportunity.

People will speak of Bazball, a bold declaration and conservative captaincy but there’s one old adage that always rings true, ....'catches win matches.'

Well done to all, Australian 1 nil up. 4 Tests to play.

Cricket was the winner.

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2 years ago

Paul Ryan

Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club

503 Likes
513 Followers

Has Bazball spooked the Australians?

Day 5 of the first test of the Ashes series will an exciting challenge for both Australia and England.

The anticipation amongst fans around the world is what test cricket is all about. Who will blink first and who will take a one nil lead in the 5-test series?

Australia needs 174 runs to win with 7 wickets in hand. Warner, Labuschagne and Smith are all back in the shed so the heavy lifting will be on the shoulders of Khawaja, Head and Carey to get Australia home.

Irrespective of the result the most surprising aspect of the test is England have for whatever reason made Australia change the way they play the game, especially with the ball in hand.
The defensive fields and the ease of which the English batters have been able to get off strike is unusual at best. Ashes Test debutant Harry Brooks was again able to play a simple defensive shot to point to get off the mark in the 2nd innings.

After two successful ramps (one six and one four) by Root off Boland early on day 4, Alex Carey came up to the stumps and a fielder was placed on the boundary just behind 2nd slip. With a deep fine leg, deep square leg, short mid-wicket and mid on there was no mid-off.

If a keeper is up to the stumps the expectation would be for the bowler to bowl full and at the stumps. A straight drive for four back down the ground is far easier than a ramp to a yorker at leg stump or a bouncer with two fielders in the deep.

Apart from Roots ramp shots, what is Bazball?

The English batters are playing with freedom and intent. They’re playing attacking cricket, good cricket shots, moving the ball into the gaps and running hard between the wickets. It’s the same as how Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden played and the same way David Warner has played during his career. England’s batters are just doing it as a collective.

With defensive fields set there’s no real need to play Bazball, four singles and a two is still 6 an over.

It seemed odd in the 2nd innings how long it took Australia to bowl a few bouncers. I know the game has changed but if a batter ramped Dennis Lillee or Glenn McGrath, can you imagine where the next 5 balls would be bowled. A deep fine leg and a deep square leg and suddenly, the batter is being asked a question or two.

England are playing cricket with intent; they’ve been proactive and asking questions. Australia can still win the Test. Fascinating cricket, catches win matches.

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2 years ago

Brisbane, Australia

12 Likes
1 Followers

Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club Partnership Proposal for season 2023-24

As a leading Premier Grade Cricket Club in the Queensland Cricket Competition, Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club (WMDCC) provides the best value for money sponsorship in the not for profit space.

With the largest Social Media following in the southern hemisphere, male, female, veteran, senior, junior and multicultural support networks and a corporate presence, WMDCC's Partnership Proposal provides tangible results for it's sponsors.

With a proven record of assisting businesses to grow their digital presence, WMDCC is proud to present Season 2023/24's Partnership Proposal.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/462/wynnum-manly-district-cricket-club/blog/1160/wynnum-manly-district-cricket-club-partnership-proposal-for-season-2023-24

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2 years ago

Steven Doig

London, United Kingdom

22 Likes
1 Followers

Peter Doig is arguably the most prominent artist to capture a cricket scene in oil or watercolour. Jack Russell perhaps the most talented cricketer to handle a paintbrush. And Michael Vaughan also dabbled. Are there any other cricketers or artists who have captured cricket scenes to a high standard? Here is Caroline Zimmermann with an oil painting of Fives and Heronians Cricket Club. 'The Paddock'.

Photo credit John Charles Jopson

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2 years ago

WCG Backyard Cricket

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1 Followers

WCG Backyard Cricket Ashes launches November 2023

After 7 seasons and a Kiwi tour under their belt the WCG will finally hold the ultimate test.

The poms are coming for a weekend a series of matches including the first ever Ashes Backyard Test match to be played in November 2023

Subscribe and follow us on YouTube for more news and how you could be involved this summer.

Check out the preview for the series of WCG Backyard Cricket played in April 2023

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1037/wcg-backyard-cricket/blog/1154/wcg-backyard-cricket-ashes-launches-november-2023

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2 years ago

Cricket NSW

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102 Followers

King's Birthday honours list - Cricket NSW volunteers and players

Cricket volunteers and players from across NSW have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to cricket in the 2023 King's Birthday honours list.

Heading the honourees is the Honourable Kevin Patrick Greene, who was awarded the Member (AM) In the General Division.

Other’s afforded awards from NSW include former Test cricketer Miriam Knee, Tamworth’s Terry Psarakis and the Central Coast’s David Smallman who were all awarded the Medal (OAM) In the General Division.

Greene, was honoured for significant service to the Parliament of New South Wales, to local government, and to the community, where he has made an immeasurable contribution to cricket. The current deputy chair of Cricket NSW and life member of St George District Cricket Club is still actively involved in shaping the future of cricket, inspiring people of all ages to play and love the game.

Miriam Knee, 85, from Tennyson, played eight Tests and six ODIs for Australia in the 1960’s and 1970’s before going on to serve cricket in NSW as a selector and coach. She was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2000.

Terry Psarakis received his OAM for service to sport, particularly to cricket, where he has been a stalwart of the South Tamworth Cricket Club for more than four decades, A former player and coach, Psarakis is a life member of the Tamworth District Cricket Association and has been chair of Tamworth Cricket Inc, since 2015. He is known throughout country NSW cricket as a dedicated lifelong servant.

David Smallman, from Wyoming, was acknowledged for service to the community of the Central Coast, and to cricket. A past player and former president of the Central Coast Cricket Association, Smallman has also received a 50 Year Volunteer Certificate from Cricket Australia for his lifetime of commitment and service to the sport.

Cricket NSW CEO, Lee Germon, heralded Greene, Knee, Psarakis and Smallman.

“The contributions of Kevin, Miriam, Terry and David to our great sport of cricket can not be understated,” Germon said.

“All four have, in their own way, inspired countless people to play and love cricket and for that we will be eternally grateful.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of community sport and in cricket, there are few finer examples that these four devotees.

“On behalf of everyone at Cricket NSW and throughout the state, I congratulate and thank them.”

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2 years ago

Rajesh Kumar

Cricket Australia Community

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2 Followers

Our NSW Under 12 PSSA girls are the National Champions 🏆. Meaning, we're the number 1 U12 team in Australia.

What a fantastic win we had in the grand finals against South Australia. It was a complete team effort by our girls and all our girls have so much potential to become stars. They in fact played brilliantly all the 40 over games for 6 days with patience, determination and passion.

I think as a Vice-Captain, Kaya has done her job. She is the highest run scorer for NSW in the comp with more than 130% strike rate although she missed out on hitting couple of 50s.

Anyways, I don't know whether these things matter a lot but definitely it's a great birthday present to me.

Go NSW. 👏👏👏

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2 years ago

Bipin Dani

Mumbai, India

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0 Followers

Indian commentator Charu Sharma invited for LPL auction.

India's renowned commentator, compere and quizmaster, Charu Sharma will be an auctioneer for the LPL (Lanka Premier League) next week. This was revealed by the Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela.

The inaugural player auction of the LPL will be conducted on June 14, 2023.

"We have invited Charu Sharma for this auction. He will also be assisted by a few local commentators", Dodanwela said over the telephone from Colombo.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/994/bipin-dani/blog/1132/indian-commentator-charu-sharma-invited-for-lpl-auction

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2 years ago

Cricket NSW

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102 Followers

Jenny Gunn appointed assistant coach of NSW Breakers

The NSW Breakers have received a massive boost as they return to training with the appointment of English great Jenny Gunn MBE as an assistant coach for the upcoming season.

Gunn joins a Breakers performance staff that is led by head coach Gavan Twining and consists of assistant coach Grant Lambert, analyst Benji Hoppitt, strength and conditioning expert Sean Hardy and long-time physio Katie Ryan.

The 36-year-old will also work closely with Cricket NSW’s Pathway coaches Sarah Aley and Hannah Trethewy to help develop the next generation of Breakers.

Gunn played 259 matches for England across three formats between 2004 and her international retirement in October 2019, and is widely considered one of the greatest all-rounders of all-time. During the 2018 Women's T20I Tri Nations Series in India, the medium pacer and batter became the first cricketer, male or female, to play in 100 T20 International matches.

Gunn said she was looking forward to reconnecting with the Breakers and helping drive personal development amongst the playing group.

“I did some coaching career development with the Breakers before the pandemic and so I am familiar with most of the players in the system,” Gunn said.

“This is something that will certainly help with the transition into this role, and I’m excited to see how far the players have progressed over the last few years.

“I’m also keen to assist with their development throughout the season to help each of them reach their potential.”

Cricket NSW Head of Elite Female Cricket, Leah Poulton, said the triple world cup winner would bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

“We are very excited and grateful that we have been able to bring Jenny out to work with Cricket NSW and the Breakers,” Poulton said.

“She was one of the world’s best players throughout her career and has a great way of being able to communicate what she has learnt and experienced to the players.

“Jenny is also really good at identifying and developing young players and will help with the transition of players from the Pathway level to the elite senior level.”

The Breakers began pre-season training this week, while captain Alyssa Healy, Ash Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle and Tahlia Wilson will return to the NSW set up after they return from international duties in the UK.

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2 years ago

Stuart Cope

London, United Kingdom

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0 Followers

As I said a few months ago this would happen sooner rather than later.

I have sympathy for England but more so for the counties that develop players and now seemingly lose them at the peak of their powers. If any county is negotiating contracts surely a future earnings clause needs to be activated to compensate 🤔

Would love to hear your thoughts if you're a cricket fan.

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2 years ago

Melbourne, Australia

24 Likes
21 Followers

#BeAVoiceForGenerations this National Reconciliation Week 🖤💛❤️

Learn more -
https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/actions-to-be-a-voice-for-reconciliation-2023
/

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2 years ago

St George Cricket Club

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54 Followers

Details for the Funeral of Brian Booth MBE
Live Streaming -
https://www.youtube.com/live/Ur6bgb-1gfY?feature=share

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2 years ago

Madan Rajagopal

Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands

7 Likes
9 Followers

Some of you here might already know about Ludimos and how we are helping cricketers take advantage of technology in the player development process.

We are looking for Partners/Promoters in Australia and UK to drive the adoption of our platform.

Do you think you can help us grow or do you know any companies that we should partner with?

Regards,
Maddy | Founder Ludimos

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3 years ago

UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club

12 Likes
19 Followers

Welcome back Nic Bills

A huge day for the UTS North Sydney Bears as we welcome Nic Bills back to the club as our First Grade skipper!
Nic needs no introduction, being one of the most successful players in NSW Premier Cricket, with 490 First Grade wickets to his name. The first 172 of these were for the Bears over five seasons after receiving cap number 615 in 2009-10, including in our Limited Overs Premiership-winning side in 2012-13, and he was a shoe-in when we selected our Team of the Decade in 2020.
Since leaving the Bears in 2014, Nic has played for Manly, Mosman and Sydney, winning a Club Championship and First Grade Premierships in all three formats. His 409 wickets for all clubs in the 2010s was the highest tally of all players and earned Nic a coveted spot in the Sydney Cricket Association Team of the Decade.
We're thrilled to see Nic return home to the Bears and can't wait to see what our First-Grade side achieves under his leadership.

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3 years ago

Peter Lovitt

Managing Director