England's Scheduling Akin To No Gabba Test

Adam Collins and Geoff Lemon, our tame Aussie journos, take a look at T20, the Ashes, fatigue and a bizarre sporting experiment

- Adam Collins and Geoff Lemon

Adam Collins: Let’s level. While we write this, we are watching an Australian Rules experimental format, essentially trying to create a football Big Bash. Fair to say that neither of us want it. I wonder, then, how I felt when I first saw T20 cricket compared to now? It’s taken all that time for the Australian team to work it out at international level. At last.

Geoff Lemon: The funny bit is: cricket decided it needed a quicker format. So it invented a fast-paced three-hour game. The AFL already had a fast paced three-hour game, and then decided it needed a new format. Usually they play on a cricket oval with 18 players, now it’s on a soccer pitch with seven. And silver balls, and a launch with parachutists and acrobats. Literally no one asked for this, and it doesn’t fill any market need. It was just a case of wanting some Big Bash attention during off-season. Hilarious, though. If lacking in lurid uniforms.

AC: In short, don’t YouTube it. But do pay attention to these Australians. I’m coming to you from Auckland, where Mint Mark Stoinis went ballistic this time last year. I walked out on the ground today and was reminded of just how tiny the joint is. There’s been a lot to like about this side over the last couple of weeks, but this is a guy who needs broader attention. He takes a step up every time he plays for Australia.