Reality check – Cricket World Cup

For the last week or so the only news in town was the Cricket World Cup. The Black Caps did better than they had ever done before and thought that they may be, just may be, the best cricket team in the world. For a team that was always among the tolerated bottom dwellers this was a huge ambition, but cock-a-hoop, they thought that beating some of the best teams, they had arrived, this was to be their time. Facing the Australians at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of 90,000 spectators reality set in. The celebrated top batsmen choked, went out for nought or a miserably few runs, the bowlers who could do damage to other sides proved largely ineffectual. It was clear that you don't go from zero to hero overnight. Their charming baby-faced coach, Mike Hesson achieve much by turning a previously dysfunctional team into a credible side, and the players had a wonderful opportunity to strut on the cricket world stage, but beating the Aussies was one bridge too far. The Phoenix were also beaten, but this came as no surprise. They played without four, and possibly seven of their most influential players. The well coordinated teamwork was just not in evidence, not in the first half when the game was lost at any rate. But Ernie Merrick, their coach warned that the journey to the finals will be a difficult one. The team is at the top of the competition ladder at present, but whereas until now they were the hunters, now they are the hunted, and to go from one of the bottom teams to the top is a huge jump and staying there in face of much better endowed opposition with better track records of winning will be difficult. It is professional sport where money counts a great deal, and though the Phoenix enjoys sound financial support, this is not comparable with the resources of some of the larger Australian clubs. You might say, why do I care? I find watching sport incredibly mind numbing and restful, a release from all the thoughts that turn around in my mind.