Thurs 29th July 1999
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They have reached the crossroads, it is now that we will see the true colours of The CRAS: Aussie IX. The goings on at the CRAS camp have been rather hectic and we’ll see whether the CRAS have what it takes to stay the undisputed world champions of international cricket. There have been a few turn of events, which at this point we are unable to determine how they will effect the team.
Firstly and most probably the biggest thing to happen is the sudden loss of the founding father and first captain of the CRAS: Aussie IX, the big man himself, Simon "Siggy" Ellery. It's not so much the loss of his cricketing skills with the bat and ball, but more the loss of the man, to lose his heart, a heart bigger than Phar Lap, a heart so dedicated to the team that his passion and love for cricket could carry the CRAS to victory. The loss of his mind, a brain so in tune with the game that he could smell the change in weather, he could sense a wind shift, or the coming rain, the fear in a batsman, the movement in the pitch. He truly was a great cricketing legend.
When the news broke he was to head back to the homeland; unrest began to brew within the camp. Who would claim the mantle of Captain, and leader of the CRAS? They were big shoes to fill, and there were a number of hats thrown into the ring, Anthony "Johnno" Dudeck, a clear favourite as he filled in for the big man when the CRAS met Pete Musca’s Men. On that day Johnno led the CRAS to a thrilling victory in the final over of the match. Dimi led the CRAS to victory against Pakistan, a game that at one point looked like slipping away from the CRAS until Pakistan crumbled and the Aussies were once again victorious. Can you call this a well-captained victory? If the Pakistan team had not choked, would Dimi have had what it takes to bring his team through? An outsider for the title would even be myself Don Musca: The Godfather, my fiery Sicilian blood, driving me on to take no prisoners, to instil fear into the enemy with cool calculated precision. But alas my captaincy of the second game in the series was not enough and Johnno was to be the victor that day, and so he is the victor today, the captain, our leader.
As the preparation for the rematch with West Indies continues there are a number of causes for concern. Firstly, Johnno's form as opener has been steady but lacking in confidence - and if the captain is not confident in the middle how is the team supposed to draw from this. He claims the loss of myself in the Pakistan game made him unnerved and he just didn't feel comfortable.
I will be returning to the team this week, but that is another cause for concern. Will I be ready to return to international cricket after coming out of the of drug rehabilitation after an extremely heavy week at the infamous island of Ibiza. Alex Macphearson has been seen frequenting some questionable clubbing venues, which makes me ask which team do you really bat for Alex?
Johnno will need to be watched carefully as a woman has come into his life and as all cricketers know this could make him soft and get in touch with his feminine side. The late withdrawal of The Horn, CRAS's big hitter, and fast run getter. He is able to destroy a bowling attack in no time, but is heading back to the homeland. We will also miss AddyG who is heading to Canada this week after a successful deal was struck with an unknown Canadian Ice Hockey team.
So the CRAS: Aussie IX are approaching the crossroads this weekend, August 1st, we will know which way they head by Sunday night.
Until then
Godfather.....