Another day of crazy batting collapses in Sydney. Australia handed Pakistan a 14 run 1st innings lead after losing their last 5 wickets for just 10 runs to be all out for 299 - then Pakistan reciprocated, losing 5 for 10 to end the day on 68/7. Interesting day ahead tomorrow - with the stage set for David Warner to finish his career as Australia's hero. Or maybe not...
JPR Williams has died aged 74. One of my earliest sporting heroes. If not my first. Just something about him, the flowing locks and sidies. I'm genuinely a bit sad this evening.
Yes, he was certainly one of the best of his era. In this day and age, he has passed away far too soon.
A sad loss. I only ever saw him play on TV, although came close in 1971 during the Lions' tour of New Zealand. The first match of that tour was against Queensland at Ballymore in Brisbane, but he wasn't selected for the match squad - did get him to autograph my programme though.
Big blow for Wales losing a really key player and rugby itself seeing a young star leave the game. Good luck to him in America. Obviously feel he can make it big. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67995451
Bit of an error in that article - "nobody British has managed to switch sports and make an impact on the game." Watford's very own Bobby Howfield did exactly that back in the 60s. He played gridiron for Denver Broncos and New York Jets for six years, mainly thanks to his kicking ability - became known in the press as "The Limey" He still lives there as far as I know - must be pushing 90 now.
Back in the 1950's I used to get my football down at the Moat Field where Bushey Utd played their home games. Bobby Howfield was one of the players I used to see who went on to play for Watford.
He turned 87 in December. His son, Ian, was also born in Watford and had a career in Grid Iron too, notably with Houston Oilers. Holds several records apparently in Arena Football which is a different version of the game (like Twenty-20 or Hundreds is to regular cricket). Car crash in LV ended his career. Not a great film (it's okay) but American Underdog with Zachary Levi and Dennis Quaid features Arena Ball.
Ian also attended the infamous Columbine High School, scene of a mass shooting in 1999, though he missed that by a couple of decades.
It is funny what sticks in your memories. One day I was down the Moat Field watching Bushey play against a now unknown team. This unknown team had a left-winger, who was totally bald, and every time he went to head one of those heavy leather balls, he passed out. He went through all sorts of contortions in his attempt to avoid heading the ball, but the game was stopped several times while he had the cold water sponge treatment to bring him round.
Sanity prevails - an impressive rearguard action led by Captain Cummins saw Australia declare at 289/9. Windies 13/1 in their second innings at close of play.
He really seems to have turned into a bit of an allrounder now. How long will these tests v India last?
Unusual end to the Windies' second innings - the last batsman faced a yorker and was given out lbw, requested a review and the decision was overturned - but in trying to fend off the yorker he had jammed his bat onto his foot and burst his toe. Had to retire hurt. Australia set 216 to win, and the Windies are without their main strike bowler.
Bad luck there! WI have competed well this test. In India some very good resistance from Pope Well played . Probably won’t make much difference in the end but still nice to show some fight .
