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September 7, 2005
The Fifth Test
Much has changed since I last wrote about the cricket. America’s grim racial politics were exposed in one fell, cataclysmic swoop, prompting one BBC journalist to comment on the fact that nothing has changed since the Watts riots 40 years prior. President Bush’s presidency has never been under so much pressure and Karl Rove seems stumped as to a successful spin strategy.
In Australia, the young, brash, and supremely confident leader of the NSW opposition party, John Brogden, resigned in disgrace after admitting to the sexual harassment of female journalists. Brogden also admitted to a racial slur directed at Bob Carr and his Malaysian wife, and apologized for it. Carr did not accept the apology.
Less than 40 hours later police were called out to Brogden’s electoral office in Sydney, where Brogden was found to have survived a suicide attempt involving a blade.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Tony Abbott is under pressure after being heard making fun of Brogden’s suicide attempt. In response to a suggestion that the government adopt a certain health proposal, Abbott remarked that the government would be as “dead as the former Liberal leader's political prospects''. People weren’t amused.
Since last writing about the cricket, Matthew Hayden’s form fell from bad to dreadful, and England discovered the golden potential of a young all-rounder that one day may well size up against Ian Botham. Ricky Ponting complained long and hard about England’s use of specialist fielders, and star England bowler Simon Jones was ruled out of the fifth test.
Aussie bowler Glenn McGrath, on the other hand, passed a fitness test, while nationwide plans were being drawn up should England reclaim the Ashes—if they do it will be for the first time in 17 years. London police are also organizing: an unprecedented level of security will be in place for the fifth and final test starting tomorrow.
Posted by Martin McKenzie-Murray at September 7, 2005 2:58 PM
Comments
apparently trafalgar square has already been booked to host england's celebrations...a little premature methinks. i just can't believe that australia would lose the ashes, lose their fourth consecutive rugby test and only beat a 10 man soloman islands football side 2-1 in the same week. surely not.
Posted by: tim at September 8, 2005 2:15 PM
*ahem* solomon
Posted by: tim at September 8, 2005 2:17 PM
yeah -- i thought announcing those celebrations dangerously premature... kinda tantamount to breeding complacency and, after watching the first day....
p.s. oh, and hayden still sucks ass.
Posted by: marty at September 9, 2005 10:32 AM
