Always next year.

Well, it's 2:12am on sunday morning, it's ten degrees, and I've just watched my beloved Chennai Super Kings go down to the Bangalore in the semi-final. It's a hard loss to swallow, because, not only did we not make the final, but I really, really hate the Royal Challengers.

It's been a good year for the IPL. Something about it made it much more exciting than IPL 2008. Whether it is the new scenery, new influx of exciting and inventive players or just the quality of the cricket, I'm not entirely certain. I do, however, know that I am up in the wee hours of the morning following my team to the end.

Unfortunately, the CSK couldn't quite pull it off tonight, but as they say, there's always next year.                              

(Image courtesy cricinfo.com)                                                         

Joke's on you.

I found this written on one of the urinals at uni. I thought it was very amusing.

The Heavens Open

A huge frontal system moved over Perth last night. Subsequently the weather here has been appalling. It's the worst I've seen it in four years. The heavens absolutely opened up at around midday today, and it's been incredibly cold and windy ever since. 12 mm of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours, the dam capacity in Perth has doubled in that time. That kind of gives you an idea how much rain we have had this year; not much!

I guess we needed this rain, we always need rain here in sunny Perth. Unfortunately, this weather just makes me feel like curling up in bed and drifting off to sleep. But alas, I have an algology lab report to write.

Symonds says, you're out!

Andrew Symonds was left out of the 16 man touring party for the 2009 Ashes series announced today. Younger allrounders Marcus North, Andrew McDonald and Shane Watson were all preferred over the 33 year old Queenslander. 

Andrew Hilditch, chairman of selectors of Cricket Australia discussed the selectors' reasoning: "I suppose Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson were competing for the same spot." Hilditch said. "I would class them both as batters who give us quality overs at their best, but on this occasion Shane has been preferred because in the selectors' view he adds great balance to the team."

"Shane was in extremely good form before his minor injury and in addition he gives us quality pace bowling and he's capable of batting anywhere in the top six. We think he's a very good selection for the Ashes tour."

Pundits are now saying that Symonds' test carreer is all but over, although both Hilditch and captain of the Australian team Ricky Ponting have thrown their support behind the big hitting allrounder.

On a personal level, I think the non-selection of Symonds is a mistake, and the reasons given by Hilditch are unjustified. Andrew Symonds has been in fantastic form in the IPL, and will have played more cricket than North, McDonald and Watson leading up to the first test in July. Symonds also adds more balance to the side than any of the three allrounders, plus is one of the finest fielders in world cricket.

Nathan Hauritz is the only spinner in the squad, and with Bryce McGain not having his Cricket Australia contract renewed, it seems Hauritz has booked a permanent spot in the Australian line-up.

The other surprise selection is that of South Australian wicketkeeper Graham Manou, who will travel with the squad as a back up to Brad Haddin.

Australia's 16-man Ashes squad: Ponting (c), M. Clarke (vc), Katich, Hughes, M. Hussey, Haddin, North, Johnson, Lee, Hilfenhaus, Siddle, S. Clark, McDonald, Manou, Hauritz, Watson (if fitness permits)

6am

I can't say I'm a huge fan of waking up at 6am on tuesday mornings, but I must admit, the world sure is pretty at that hour.

Chris' 15 Man Ashes Squad

Hughes, Katich, Ponting (c), M. Hussey, M. Clarke (vc), Symonds, Haddin (wk), Johnson, Lee, Hauritz, Hilfenhaus, Siddle, North, Watson, S. Clark.

I said maybe...

you're gunna be the one that saves me...

Today I witnessed the power of music at it's beautiful best. I was sitting in the Curtin tav with some of my closest friends, chatting and laughing away when suddenly, Wonderwall by Oasis started playing. There was just complete silence as the first few chords came through the speakers above our heads. And then, just as soon as it started, the silence was broken by quiet hum of voices, all singing in unison. Everybody in the whole building was singing along.

cause after all, you're my wonderwall...

Everyone at our table just looked at each other, and we all simply watched each other sing. All I could do, as I sat there and sung along, was to think about all the memories that came with that beautiful song. It was just one of those moments in life that sends shivers down your spine. That, although the moment only lasted a matter of minutes, it seemed to last a lifetime. It's a moment I wont soon forget.