Well this sites been up for a little while now, but all along we have been sporting "TC Ink Summer".
And tomorrow, Summer finally arrives.
Although the weather doesn't seem to want to oblige, Max 20 with showers (Sydney), TC Ink will be heating up to fulfill what we have been advertising, a TC Ink Summer.
Today we complete our most active month ever, this being the 12th article written for the main news feed, plus much more on TC Ink Cricket. We hope you have enjoyed reading our articles lately, from the angry rants to the humorous comments.
The Summer is going to be full of interesting TC Ink material. The closing of the decade is near and we will look at some of the best music that the 2000's has given us. If you want an alternative form of cricket to watch, check out the TC Ink Backyard Cricket Series for some quality backyard cricket.
There will be much much more, stay tuned for great coverage of Summer!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Shut Up Telegraph - Clarke is NOT Overrated
I have been a bit slow in addressing this, the news is a little old now, but the smellograph needs a spray for this.
They conduct this survey simply to try and get a useless story out of it.
14% of the people who filled it out rated Clarke as overrated. For a start, that isn't exactly a HUGE portion anyway. Immediately the telecrap have something to yell about. But wait! If you actually look at all the survey results, you will see that 11% of people rated Clarke as the best Australian cricketer! In 3rd place, behind Ponting and Johnson...
But honestly who would rate Clarke as overrated. In the last 12 months he has averaged just under 60. That is at least 10 more than any other Aussie batsman. Real fans would realise that. Obviously the people who voted for him are mindless idiots, who perhaps are more concerned about his life off the field.
Perhaps the whole problem does rely more on the readers. People actually read this dribble and believe it. People like Ponting shouldn't even dignify the paper with a response.
The sooner we can get them to print REAL news, the better. But that's never going to happen.
Maybe they should have printed something about the fact that a lot of the other results have contradicted other news stories circulating lately, such as interest in the tests.
They conduct this survey simply to try and get a useless story out of it.
14% of the people who filled it out rated Clarke as overrated. For a start, that isn't exactly a HUGE portion anyway. Immediately the telecrap have something to yell about. But wait! If you actually look at all the survey results, you will see that 11% of people rated Clarke as the best Australian cricketer! In 3rd place, behind Ponting and Johnson...
But honestly who would rate Clarke as overrated. In the last 12 months he has averaged just under 60. That is at least 10 more than any other Aussie batsman. Real fans would realise that. Obviously the people who voted for him are mindless idiots, who perhaps are more concerned about his life off the field.
Perhaps the whole problem does rely more on the readers. People actually read this dribble and believe it. People like Ponting shouldn't even dignify the paper with a response.
The sooner we can get them to print REAL news, the better. But that's never going to happen.
Maybe they should have printed something about the fact that a lot of the other results have contradicted other news stories circulating lately, such as interest in the tests.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday Snapshot
Covell Award: Voting has closed and Hazem El Masri has been crowned the winner of the 2009 Covell Award. "My last year in NRL has been amazing. But receiving this award is the greatest possible way to cap it all off" - El Masri.
Cricket: McGrath shows he has still got it by taking 3 wickets for only 18 runs in the All Star T20 match on Sunday night. It would do the current pace attack no harm to get McGrath in to do some bowling coaching work.
NRL: Indigenous All Stars vs NRL Stars game to include various gimmicks such as the "double try", where a team can elect to have a single play to try and score another try for a further 4 points, rather than kicking a conversion for 2 points. There are also a few other suspiciously NFL like rules that will be trialled.
Coaches and trainers are to be miked up, which means the game will surely have to be delayed to allow for language censoring.
Cricket: Sarwan now in doubt for Windies. Series result still in no doubt.
Daily Telegraph produces article based on fan survey claiming Clarke is over rated. TC Ink vows to give a spray to this poor excuse for a newspaper.
Ed Cowan blasts 225 for Tasmania out of a total of only 389, while South Australian quick Peter George took 8 of the Tassy wickets, including Cowan. Now that's a game of outstanding performances.
Cricket: McGrath shows he has still got it by taking 3 wickets for only 18 runs in the All Star T20 match on Sunday night. It would do the current pace attack no harm to get McGrath in to do some bowling coaching work.
NRL: Indigenous All Stars vs NRL Stars game to include various gimmicks such as the "double try", where a team can elect to have a single play to try and score another try for a further 4 points, rather than kicking a conversion for 2 points. There are also a few other suspiciously NFL like rules that will be trialled.
Coaches and trainers are to be miked up, which means the game will surely have to be delayed to allow for language censoring.
Cricket: Sarwan now in doubt for Windies. Series result still in no doubt.
Daily Telegraph produces article based on fan survey claiming Clarke is over rated. TC Ink vows to give a spray to this poor excuse for a newspaper.
Ed Cowan blasts 225 for Tasmania out of a total of only 389, while South Australian quick Peter George took 8 of the Tassy wickets, including Cowan. Now that's a game of outstanding performances.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Them Sneaking Up
It's like a new Queens of the Stone Age album - but different.In my earlier music post about TC Ink's Album of the Year this super group's upcoming album slipped beneath my radar.
Queens of the Stone Age may not have got around to another album - but this is just as good.
QotSA front man Josh Homme, David Grohl and Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones have united to produce a great record of music.
Them Crooked Vultures' self titled album has that awesome QotSA sound, with just an element of difference brought to the band by JPJ.
They may have snuck themselves into a leading position to take out this the Album of the Year.
I'm just devastated that their January show in Sydney is already sold out.
Wolfmother's new album is also quite good. It's a bit of a change in sound since the first album and the lack of keyboard led tracks and solos disapointed me, but there are some great songs on the album. Back Round is great fun to play on GH5!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Lame Journalism Re Test Ticket Sales
Yesterday I noticed THIS article on the Sydney Morning Herald website. It claims that Australia is losing interest in tests, which is shown by the decrease in ticket sales this year.
"Early ticket sales for the Tests against Pakistan at the SCG and MCG are 20 per cent weaker than a year ago..."
Come on you dim witted fools, last year was a hyped up series against South Africa, a rare nation threatening us with defeat and therefore public interest was quite high. This time it is Pakistan. While they aren't a half bad team, they don't pose nearly the threat of South Africa last year, so simply the interest isn't as high so OF COURSE ticket sales are down.
But somehow these poor excuses for journos decide to use these invalid stats to try and death ride test cricket. It seemed to be a bit of a theme this week after Roebuck's article earlier on.
"The first Test against the West Indies in Brisbane next week is expected to draw 12,000 fewer spectators than Australia's corresponding clash with the Windies on their 2005 tour here."
That's because they are twice as crap now then they were 4 years ago! Plus their captain has gone home now. Interest lowers when there is a guarantee of a walk over.
I've also noticed that there has been a lack of promotion for the tests this year. I don't think I have seen one TV ad for the up coming tests. That also doesn't help.
It does not mean that our love of test cricket is in dire straits. These guys should focus more on positive articles, analyse aspects that perhaps should be improved such as this article, which is 100% correct. How about talking up the prospect of seeing our next generation pace attack grow and improve on home soil or the heated battled for batting spots. Can Hughes force his way back in? Can Hussey continue his form and hold his spot?
But no, they waste their time with those ridiculous articles. Test cricket will only die if you help undermine and destroy it.
People, grab a ticket to your local test match, watch the Aussies go round.
"Early ticket sales for the Tests against Pakistan at the SCG and MCG are 20 per cent weaker than a year ago..."
Come on you dim witted fools, last year was a hyped up series against South Africa, a rare nation threatening us with defeat and therefore public interest was quite high. This time it is Pakistan. While they aren't a half bad team, they don't pose nearly the threat of South Africa last year, so simply the interest isn't as high so OF COURSE ticket sales are down.
But somehow these poor excuses for journos decide to use these invalid stats to try and death ride test cricket. It seemed to be a bit of a theme this week after Roebuck's article earlier on.
"The first Test against the West Indies in Brisbane next week is expected to draw 12,000 fewer spectators than Australia's corresponding clash with the Windies on their 2005 tour here."
That's because they are twice as crap now then they were 4 years ago! Plus their captain has gone home now. Interest lowers when there is a guarantee of a walk over.
I've also noticed that there has been a lack of promotion for the tests this year. I don't think I have seen one TV ad for the up coming tests. That also doesn't help.
It does not mean that our love of test cricket is in dire straits. These guys should focus more on positive articles, analyse aspects that perhaps should be improved such as this article, which is 100% correct. How about talking up the prospect of seeing our next generation pace attack grow and improve on home soil or the heated battled for batting spots. Can Hughes force his way back in? Can Hussey continue his form and hold his spot?
But no, they waste their time with those ridiculous articles. Test cricket will only die if you help undermine and destroy it.
People, grab a ticket to your local test match, watch the Aussies go round.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday Snapshot
V8 Supercars: SBR (Stone Brothers Racing) are set to add another talentless driver to their ranks, the word is that Tim Slade will drive a 3rd SBR car next year. The days of unearthing talent such as Ambrose seem to be long behind the Stones, as they stick with average drivers who honestly are not going to deliver them their next title.
Cricket: Star Blues team pile on 420 runs against Tassy, Michael Clarke returned with a century. Star Victoria team falters at 5/178 to the hands of promising debutant Michael Hogan (3/24). As of tea break.
NRL: News broke today about the Eels having to pay $1500 out of their salary cap for flying Fui Fui Moi Moi's son over from New Zealand. The NRL obviously have rules in place covering these sort of acts, and albeit a kind act and a nice moment, it was still an incentive to Moi Moi. A question posed by the media was how a less than $200 plan ticket turned into a $1500 salary chunk. There must be other expenses they aren't talking about, to make their stories seem more valid.
Matt Orford has been forced out of Manly and is heading to Bradford. The ESL team were able to lure the ex Sea Eagles over using the money gained from releasing Sam Burgess to Souths. The moves are a huge credit to the Rabbitohs, as they appear to be dictating terms on the transfer market.
Cricket: Star Blues team pile on 420 runs against Tassy, Michael Clarke returned with a century. Star Victoria team falters at 5/178 to the hands of promising debutant Michael Hogan (3/24). As of tea break.
NRL: News broke today about the Eels having to pay $1500 out of their salary cap for flying Fui Fui Moi Moi's son over from New Zealand. The NRL obviously have rules in place covering these sort of acts, and albeit a kind act and a nice moment, it was still an incentive to Moi Moi. A question posed by the media was how a less than $200 plan ticket turned into a $1500 salary chunk. There must be other expenses they aren't talking about, to make their stories seem more valid.
Matt Orford has been forced out of Manly and is heading to Bradford. The ESL team were able to lure the ex Sea Eagles over using the money gained from releasing Sam Burgess to Souths. The moves are a huge credit to the Rabbitohs, as they appear to be dictating terms on the transfer market.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Awesome: Sheffield Shield Live!
I just discovered a great new feature on the Cricket Australia website.
They are streaming the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Western Australia live!
I just watched Marcus North throw his wicket away to Bryce McGain's second ball. Voges is at the crease now and it should be good to watch him bat.
This is a fantastic initiative from CA. It isn't on telly, so if the technology is available get it going over the net!
And it isn't like its a dingy, pixelated picture either, it is quite good quality.
My only complaint is that they haven't got the New South Wales game going as well!
Thank you Cricket Australia, my working day has become more interesting!
Here is the link: http://www.cricket.com.au/default.aspx?s=weet-bixsheffieldshieldlivestream
They are streaming the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Western Australia live!
I just watched Marcus North throw his wicket away to Bryce McGain's second ball. Voges is at the crease now and it should be good to watch him bat.
This is a fantastic initiative from CA. It isn't on telly, so if the technology is available get it going over the net!
And it isn't like its a dingy, pixelated picture either, it is quite good quality.
My only complaint is that they haven't got the New South Wales game going as well!
Thank you Cricket Australia, my working day has become more interesting!
Here is the link: http://www.cricket.com.au/default.aspx?s=weet-bixsheffieldshieldlivestream
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Silent Spinner
As the focus has turned to Australia's fast bowlers, the injuries, performances and selections, the spotlight has finally gone away from our spinner dilemma.
And in the shadows, one man has quietly gone about his business and made the spinner spot his very own.
Throughout the year so far, we have seen Nathan Hauritz undertake a journey of vast improvement. He was good in the Ashes and his performances in the shorter form of the game after that have been outstanding. He has transformed from someone who Ponting would be reluctant to turn to, to a crucial part of keeping it tight mid innings.
He has done enough to make himself a permanent name in the Aussie squad. I feel that he is starting to become somewhat of a Brad Hogg in one dayers - probably even better than he was, and a more than capable permanent spinner in the test team.
After spending a lot of my time ripping into the selectors, for deciding on Hauritz and sticking with him I have to commend them, as it appears to have been the correct choice.
Reflecting on his performances since the Ashes, we see 9 wickets taken in the ODI series against England. Averaging 29 and bowling at a tight 4.46 runs an over.
He was spectacular in the Champions Trophy taking 5 wickets at 23.20 and crucially only going for 3.76 an over. He was instrumental in New South Wales' triumph in the Champions League Twenty20 (not international and below standard but he was still really good) taking 7 wickets at the superb average of 14 and more importantly his economy was 6.25.
And finally in the recent demolishing of India, he took another 4 wickets and only went for 4.4 an over.
All the hype has been over our batsmen and fast bowlers, but I would put a large part of our recent one day success down to Nathan Hauritz. I can't wait to see him in action in Oz over the summer.
And in the shadows, one man has quietly gone about his business and made the spinner spot his very own.
Throughout the year so far, we have seen Nathan Hauritz undertake a journey of vast improvement. He was good in the Ashes and his performances in the shorter form of the game after that have been outstanding. He has transformed from someone who Ponting would be reluctant to turn to, to a crucial part of keeping it tight mid innings.
He has done enough to make himself a permanent name in the Aussie squad. I feel that he is starting to become somewhat of a Brad Hogg in one dayers - probably even better than he was, and a more than capable permanent spinner in the test team.
After spending a lot of my time ripping into the selectors, for deciding on Hauritz and sticking with him I have to commend them, as it appears to have been the correct choice.
Reflecting on his performances since the Ashes, we see 9 wickets taken in the ODI series against England. Averaging 29 and bowling at a tight 4.46 runs an over.
He was spectacular in the Champions Trophy taking 5 wickets at 23.20 and crucially only going for 3.76 an over. He was instrumental in New South Wales' triumph in the Champions League Twenty20 (not international and below standard but he was still really good) taking 7 wickets at the superb average of 14 and more importantly his economy was 6.25.
And finally in the recent demolishing of India, he took another 4 wickets and only went for 4.4 an over.
All the hype has been over our batsmen and fast bowlers, but I would put a large part of our recent one day success down to Nathan Hauritz. I can't wait to see him in action in Oz over the summer.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Don't Even Speculate Over Breaking this Tradition
An article popped up on Cricinfo today detailing the possibility of the Sydney Test being moved from the SCG to Stadium Australia (Homebush).
That's right, after 127 years of test cricket at the SCG there is speculation that Cricket NSW will throw it all away to move to the cashed up ANZ Stadium. It would mark another wrong decision of complete stupidity made by today's sports governing bodies. It would break the hearts of all REAL cricket fans in Sydney and New South Wales. We don't want to watch our at a cavernous, characterless ground (I already have to do that for my footy team). We don't want to leave all that history behind.
Besides, Homebush isn't fit to be test cricket venue, the boundaries and far too short and the pitch would be a drop in. It honestly wouldn't work.
Take a look at some of the dribble coming out of the mouth of the Cricket NSW CEO.
"If you're a 15-year-old kid, you've only ever known big sport events to be played at ANZ Stadium - that's not meant to be an inflammatory comment, it's a fact."
What a load of rubbish. This is about CRICKET, and you ask any 15 year old cricketer of where they dream to score a test ton and they would answer the SCG. Is the SCG Test not a big sporting event? His comment is invalid.
Take a One Dayer or two, have all the Twenty20s you want. But leave the test alone.
Anyway, to put your minds at rest I can guarantee that the test will not move. The SCG Trust would have to really balls something up to lose it. A spokesperson from ANZ Stadium even said they weren't focused on getting the test. This was just a tiny bit of speculation that has sparked a story in the media and it gave me something good to rant about.
That's right, after 127 years of test cricket at the SCG there is speculation that Cricket NSW will throw it all away to move to the cashed up ANZ Stadium. It would mark another wrong decision of complete stupidity made by today's sports governing bodies. It would break the hearts of all REAL cricket fans in Sydney and New South Wales. We don't want to watch our at a cavernous, characterless ground (I already have to do that for my footy team). We don't want to leave all that history behind.
Besides, Homebush isn't fit to be test cricket venue, the boundaries and far too short and the pitch would be a drop in. It honestly wouldn't work.
Take a look at some of the dribble coming out of the mouth of the Cricket NSW CEO.
"If you're a 15-year-old kid, you've only ever known big sport events to be played at ANZ Stadium - that's not meant to be an inflammatory comment, it's a fact."
What a load of rubbish. This is about CRICKET, and you ask any 15 year old cricketer of where they dream to score a test ton and they would answer the SCG. Is the SCG Test not a big sporting event? His comment is invalid.
Take a One Dayer or two, have all the Twenty20s you want. But leave the test alone.
Anyway, to put your minds at rest I can guarantee that the test will not move. The SCG Trust would have to really balls something up to lose it. A spokesperson from ANZ Stadium even said they weren't focused on getting the test. This was just a tiny bit of speculation that has sparked a story in the media and it gave me something good to rant about.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday Snapshot
V8 Supercars: V8 Supercars Australia accused of false advertising after their Safety Car, branded 'Know When to Slow Down', clearly did not show use of this knowledge in debacle on Sunday.
Cricket: Harby says at least he will get one thing right in his prediction of the series being 5-2 to India. And it isn't the India part.
Cricket: England say they have already out performed expectations after winning 2 warm up games on tour of South Africa.
NRL: Big Willie continues good form by being in Japan looking for a lucrative contract instead of training and then bad mouthing a few club directors at Fitzgibbon's farewell. Maybe the Roosters should organise a night in Willie's honour, where all fans are invited to come and bad mouth HIM.
Facebook: TC Ink has become a fan of Wednesday Snapshot. TC Ink has joined the group I read Wednesday Snapshot on Wednesdays. TC Ink has joined the group I thought I was weird because I read Wednesday Snapshot on Wednesdays Until I saw a group about it and realised that other people do as well!!!. TC Ink has joined the group Petition to get TC Ink to do a Wednesday Snapshot on Saturday. TC Ink has become a fan of Not Reading Wednesday Snapshot. TC Ink has become a fan of Not Joining Groups about Wednesday Snapshot. TC Ink has become a fan of BEING A HUGE HYPOCRITE. Rant over, %$#@ Facebook.
Cricket: Harby says at least he will get one thing right in his prediction of the series being 5-2 to India. And it isn't the India part.
Cricket: England say they have already out performed expectations after winning 2 warm up games on tour of South Africa.
NRL: Big Willie continues good form by being in Japan looking for a lucrative contract instead of training and then bad mouthing a few club directors at Fitzgibbon's farewell. Maybe the Roosters should organise a night in Willie's honour, where all fans are invited to come and bad mouth HIM.
Facebook: TC Ink has become a fan of Wednesday Snapshot. TC Ink has joined the group I read Wednesday Snapshot on Wednesdays. TC Ink has joined the group I thought I was weird because I read Wednesday Snapshot on Wednesdays Until I saw a group about it and realised that other people do as well!!!. TC Ink has joined the group Petition to get TC Ink to do a Wednesday Snapshot on Saturday. TC Ink has become a fan of Not Reading Wednesday Snapshot. TC Ink has become a fan of Not Joining Groups about Wednesday Snapshot. TC Ink has become a fan of BEING A HUGE HYPOCRITE. Rant over, %$#@ Facebook.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday Snapshot
Welcome back Wednesday Snapshot!
Cricket: Aussie bowler sniper guns down another victim, Siddle has been sent home. Who will win the next ticket to India raffle?
Horse Racing: Shocking wins Melbourne Cup. TC Ink very first to not use a stupid and obvious pun.
A-League: Gold Coast united furious after a goal was scored from a shot deflecting off a tumbleweed.
V8 Supercars: Jamie Whincup opts out of Race of Champions in order to focus on actually remaining a champion.
Cricket: Aussie bowler sniper guns down another victim, Siddle has been sent home. Who will win the next ticket to India raffle?
Horse Racing: Shocking wins Melbourne Cup. TC Ink very first to not use a stupid and obvious pun.
A-League: Gold Coast united furious after a goal was scored from a shot deflecting off a tumbleweed.
V8 Supercars: Jamie Whincup opts out of Race of Champions in order to focus on actually remaining a champion.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Mr. CantMakeTheAussieOneDaySquad Clark Update
I'm going to run with my latest rant for this post, mainly because there have been developments in my opinions favour.
Again the Aussie attack was belted on Saturday night. Henriques did in fact play, which was quite surprising. And what did he do? Got tonked.
Now you may think I'm being a bit harsh on a young bloke making his debut for Australia, so I want you to understand that my problem here is with the selectors for even picking him in the first place.
Meanwhile, Stuart Clark played for New South Wales at North Sydney yesterday. He didn't take a wicket, but his figures were amazing, 8 overs for 15 runs. That is less than 2 runs an over, in a one day match, at North Sydney Oval! (Which must nearly have the shortest boundaries of the competition). Clearly Stuey is not a one day bowler.
Anyway, Lee is gone for the series, so its time for the selectors to pick up the phone again. The call goes out and who picks up? Its Clint McKay from Victoria! He has been in good form but honestly, how does he go to the front of the queue? Can we get some freaking experience over there? And besides, he can't leave until Tuesday because he has a Sheffield Shield match to finish.
It really seems as though the selectors have decided "Stuff it, we'll use this series as a development program. Get a look at a few fringe players, doesn't matter if India thrash us." Which is the wrong attitude. We should be trying to win every game of every series, that is the attitude that made us nearly unbeatable for so long.
Also, check out the NSW batting line up. It is world class, 5 have played for Australia. If Haddin is 100% he should be flying back over to India. Hughes would also be a sensible addition to the Aussie batting lineup. Just watch as they absolutely destroy WA in this weeks Shield match.
Again the Aussie attack was belted on Saturday night. Henriques did in fact play, which was quite surprising. And what did he do? Got tonked.
Now you may think I'm being a bit harsh on a young bloke making his debut for Australia, so I want you to understand that my problem here is with the selectors for even picking him in the first place.
Meanwhile, Stuart Clark played for New South Wales at North Sydney yesterday. He didn't take a wicket, but his figures were amazing, 8 overs for 15 runs. That is less than 2 runs an over, in a one day match, at North Sydney Oval! (Which must nearly have the shortest boundaries of the competition). Clearly Stuey is not a one day bowler.
Anyway, Lee is gone for the series, so its time for the selectors to pick up the phone again. The call goes out and who picks up? Its Clint McKay from Victoria! He has been in good form but honestly, how does he go to the front of the queue? Can we get some freaking experience over there? And besides, he can't leave until Tuesday because he has a Sheffield Shield match to finish.
It really seems as though the selectors have decided "Stuff it, we'll use this series as a development program. Get a look at a few fringe players, doesn't matter if India thrash us." Which is the wrong attitude. We should be trying to win every game of every series, that is the attitude that made us nearly unbeatable for so long.
Also, check out the NSW batting line up. It is world class, 5 have played for Australia. If Haddin is 100% he should be flying back over to India. Hughes would also be a sensible addition to the Aussie batting lineup. Just watch as they absolutely destroy WA in this weeks Shield match.
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