1st Cricket Test: Aust v Sth Africa @ The Gabba

[QF WP]

It is usual that I open a thread and provide commentary on the First Cricket Test as I am a regular attendee of Days 1 to 3 with my father, uncle and a bunch of clients (needless to say we are all cricket tragics). We are all members of the Qld Cricketers Club and we have been doing it for ~25 years and is a great way to spend a couple of days.

This year is no exception, except that the first day is a Friday (rather than the usual Thursday), which means I can only attend Days 1 & 2 (as Sunday is Daddy Day ).

So stay tuned for photos and updates (pitch reports, famous players spotted, etc). Although if the Facebook photo of the pitch condition says to me that whoever wins the toss will probably want to bowl...

 

[NM]

This year is no exception, except that the first day is a Friday (rather than the usual Thursday), which means I can only attend Days 1 & 2 (as Sunday is Daddy Day ).

Take the kids along on Sunday and achieve both goals concurrently - they have to learn the family trait of cricket tragedy sooner or later

 

[Major]

I see Billy Bowden is one of the umpires. I particularly like his finger actions to indicate a six

 

[k_sheep]

I prefer Pistol Pete myself

I should be in on Saturday, but I have to work for a few hours in the morning first

 

[Hawkeye]

I'll wave at you from the Members.

Like you, my old man and I have a tradition of first day attendance. albeit only the last 13-14 years.

 

[QF WP]

Damn, one of my clients has pulled out at the last moment and left me in a quandry. Have a spare ticket for tomorrow (which includes lunch in The Bradman Room). Off to see if any clients can take the day off.

The QCC's pre-Test lunch is on today - as usual, my father and uncle will pour themselves into a bus and get the driver pick-up at the local bus stop (because they won't be able to find their way home).

 

[samh004]

If one of my planes flies over the Gabba on Saturday, I'll wave

 

[Justinf]

Trying to come up with reasons to not go into work tomorrow. Unfortunately, every one of my extended family has died so I can't use that as an excuse again and I don't want to take a sick day (too obvious).

 

[QF WP]

That's why I consider myself fortunate that I am surrounded by family (and "A" class clients) who are cricket tragics, plus being one f the business owners. Makes the justification easy...plus everybody knows it's two days where I'm not at work.

 

[QF WP]

Alright, Day 1 is here! Bit of heavy rain on the northside around 11pm for about 30 mins, wonder if any of it fell near the Gabba. If so, then early humidity will make the ball swing and move off the pitch. Could be a very important toss to win.

Was at the airport last night to pick up my cousins. Was really strange to be there and not flying. Adding to my fun, plane was 45 mins late - they told me due to electrical storm and lightning strikes within the prescribed distance meant no ground staff movement allowed on Tarmac. So they sat and waited (know the feeling, so was I).

Out doing an abbreviated walk with my dogs. Public transport (free) to the game.

 

[Simo]

Have a great day, Looks like great weather for the first day.

 

[Major]

It will be interesting to see if they go with a spinner. Have a good one LW...enjoy

 

[QF WP]

Okay, sitting at the bus stop waiting for the 8:58 bus into town and the Gabba shuttle from there.

Haven't heard what the decision is on the 11th man. Forecast rain in the 3rd session and thunderstorms tomorrow.

 

[QF WP]

On the final bus to The Gabba. Graham Smith won the toss and is batting. Sth Africa aren't playing a spinner. 12th man for AUST is Starc - Hilfenhaus is in, so is Lyon

 

[TonyHancock]

On the final bus to The Gabba. Graham Smith won the toss and is batting. Sth Africa aren't playing a spinner. 12th man for AUST is Starc - Hilfenhaus is in, so is Lyon

Doesn't look the strongest attack, but if Pattinson and Siddle fire...who knows?

 

[QF WP]

View from the Cricketers Club:



First ball:



First beer:

 

[QF WP]

First appeal was referred to 3rd umpire by Australia. Smith not out - down the legside, not conclusive that he hit it.

 

[QF WP]

Beer number 2.



The first one was nice, cleared all the contrail chemicals above The Gabba:

 

[QF WP]

Pattinson & Siddle bowling. Pattinson bowling and second appeal has been referred and HE'S OUT for 10!! Smith out LBW woo hoo 1/29

 

[QF WP]

Spider cam is on the prowl: