Al the Tog’s Trip Down Under

I thought it was supposed to be a uniquely British habit - queuing. Maybe it was a hangover from the wartime queues for food rations, and more recently for petrol, but the British seem to have the patience and discipline needed to endure long queues. This patience was put to the test in the Chinese airports at Beijing and Shanghai, where we had to queue when we landed, only to be shepherded straight out to get on a plane to the next destination.

Travelling with the Barmy Army has taken it a step further. On Christmas Day, we had to queue for our barbeque (a good move as it turned out because we avoided a torrential downpour), then for our 4th Test match tickets, then for our “free” shirts and hats. On New Year’s Day, we had to go to the Coogee Oval where the Barmy Army was playing against the Fanatics in a charity match. This was the place where we could collect our 5th Test tickets, so we had to queue once again. The patience and resilience shown by all was truly wonderful to behold.

In between, we queued to get a good place to see the New Year fireworks at Sydney Harbour, and we have since queued for many other things. Now we’re about to get the bus to Sydney airport for the long journey home, with an overnight stop in Beijing - more queues await no doubt.

With the test finishing in only three days, that gave us 1 extra day for sightseeing - the probability of the test going into Day 5 was always pretty low - so we took advantage of the spare time to look around. Friday afternoon was hot so we got a river cruise from the centre of Melbourne down to the little seaside town of Williamstown. Just before we arrived, the captain discovered that the steering no longer worked, and the rudder/engine only worked on one side. He managed to get out of the shipping lane and did eventually berth quite skillfully, but it was an interesting 15 minutes.

Today, Saturday, we went on a wine tasting trip to the Yarra Valley region, one of the main wine producing areas in Victoria state. Very interesting it was too: the first winery visit included a token look at some of the plant for producing wine and a quick explanation of the process before the wine tasting began; the second stop included a well organised hot buffet meal before the wine tasting, whilst the third and fourth stops just went straight to the wine tasting. Perhaps a true reflection of Australia - direct and to the point!

Arriving back in Melbourne on schedule at 4 pm, we just had time to catch a City Circle tram and get to the Melbourne Museum so we could see The Ashes. Yes, the real Ashes are part of a touring exhibit of Australia and are in Melbourne until 7th January. But for all the fuss over them, the ceramic urn supposedly containing the ashes of a cricket bail is so small - no more than 3 inches high. Mind you, it was good to see them and it makes you feel proud to think that we’re lending them to Australia for another 2 years or so (though they will return to England next month and stay there).

Why they’re called the Barmy ArmyOriginally uploaded by Al the Tog.

Still cheering long after the game was over, the Barmy Army fans don’t seem to know the meaning of the word “defeat”.

That’s the word Aussies use when someone hits a 4. Well, Australia have now “tonked” England 4 - 0, with one more test to play.

Last night’s brief ray of hope when England had Australia reeling at 371 for 7 was as brief as the Melbourne sunshine has been all week. With Symonds out for 150-odd, Warne duly hit a quick 40 this morning, and then England had to bat again. Strauss and Cook survived a rather nervous start and were getting into their stride when Cook was out for 20, quickly followed by Bell and Pietersen. A quick flurry from Collingwood and an aggressive 25 from Flintoff only flattered to deceive. The best England performance of the day was Read’s 26 not out, and Monte Panesar’s 14.

I tell a lie - the best England performance was from the Barmy Army, singing their heads off long after the game was over, and out-singing the Australian fans throughout the game, despite the weather and the inevitable result. Hats off to the Barmy Army, then - if only the players could perform to the same standard!

Near the end of the day’s play, the sun did appear, and the cold wind dropped for the first time in 5 days. Until then it was a case of “Melbourne: nice city - shame about the weather”. Now it’s a very pleasant place to spend some time. More later.

Alex at the MCG

Barmy Army

Originally uploaded by Al the Tog.

Pic of Alex outside the MCG as the Barmy Army cheerleader was passing.

You’d never have thought England had just been “tonked” by Australia in less than 3 days.

Just a quick note to say we’re here in Melbourne, just when it is having its coldest Christmas for 101 years!

Still, we’re not here for the weather, are we? We’re here for the cricket. And it was like watching a match at Old Trafford on a cold and wet summer’s day. Sorry, didn’t mean to mention the weather again so soon! England are playing up to their usual standard - 159 all out, with Australia on 372 for 7 at the end of the second day!

Never mind, we’ve recovered from the 40-hour journey now, and enjoying seeing Melbourne, with its rich variety of ethnic restaurants and excellent integrated transport system. The hotel is very convenient, being about 15 minutes walk from the ground, and has good facilities, including a gym, pool, sauna and hot tub.

That’s all for now - hopefully more soon, and some pictures with any luck.