India’s Test series win Down Under on January 7 is the culmination of a journey of much sweat, blood and tears of the various sides from the nation that have toured Australia since 1947.
The Sydney Cricket Ground is a classical arena for Tests. It respects tradition but blends seamlessly with the modern times. Here, you have the Lady Members’ Stand built in a bygone era. Men are also allowed there these days.
The pavilion is still preserved and celebrated much like the timeless memorabilia that enrich the cricket museum in the stadium. The collection includes the baggy green caps of Victor Trumper and Don Bradman.
Then we have the willows used by two of Australia’s modernday legends, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting. Bradman’s Invincibles find a place, so do the Chappell brothers and the fiery pace duo of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. Not to speak of the destructive spinpace combination of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.
The SCG is truly an iconic cricket ground. It is adorned not just by bronze statues of Aussie legends, with Steve Waugh wearing his famous scarf and raising his willow greeting you as you enter through the main entrance, but also of a famous heckler.
Yes, there is a statue dedicated to the immortal barracker from the SCG Hill, Yabba, whose real name was Stephen Harold Gascoigne. Yabba would taunt cricketers from the Hill in his unique voice, his sharp comments laced with humour. Yabba passed away in 1942 but his memory lives on.
The ambience at the SCG is relaxed, with the eateries outside the stands having spacious seating arrangements.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tokyo Marathon Cancelled For Amateurs On Coronavirus Fears
Organisers in Japan cancelled the amateur portion of the Tokyo marathon, affecting around 38,000 runners, on fears about the spread of the new coronavirus in Japan.
Right Criteria To Pick The Tennis GOAT
What should the criteria be? What weight should be attached to each criterion? And what should not be considered as valid criteria?
The making of a batting behemoth
If Steve Smith dominated the Ashes in England in a dramatic, blockbuster fashion then his like for like a replacement, Marnus Labuschagne, is the Next Big Thing after an exciting summer of run-glut.
WHEN ACES WERE REWARDED...
It was an evening of nostalgia and celebration when the Sportstar Aces awards were given away in Mumbai.
A question of recognition
After a week of awards, one wonders if it’s only a departed player that one will be named after.
Thinking straight, thinking right!
“A lot depends on when I am bowling and what is required from me. That’s something I do when I play for India and I try to follow the same thing in the domestic circuit,” says Yuzvendra Chahal.
The Big Three and the Next Gen
Though the Big Three are very unlikely to retire during the same year, Judy Murray, mother of Andy, echoed the sentiments of many fans worried about the impact of their departures.
WAKING UP TO MENTAL HEALTH
Sport at large and cricket specifically has taken an inordinately long time to address the elephant in the room — the dark abyss of depression.
Like sunshine in a gloomy dressing room
Bangladesh quick Abu Jayed Rahi is new in the red-ball arena, but his swing brings back old memories — of James Anderson on green tops.
The league of the masses
With traditional clubs locking horns with the hard-working nurseries of the game, the I-League will continue to keep the beating heart of Indian football alive despite official apathy.
