Saturday, March 27, 2010

Helping Australian cricket fans feel welcome

I give up. I will never understand cricket. Try reading this recap of the current cricket test between our NZ Black Caps and Australia that was published on stuff.co.nz:
Captian Daniel Vettori took four for 36 off 19.3 overs and removed his opposite number Ricky Ponting for 22 with a direct hit run out as Australia were skittled for 231 after opting to bat in the second test at Seddon Park.

After the early loss of Tim McIntosh, bowled for four without offering a shot to paceman Doug Bollinger, BJ Watling and the recalled Mathew Sinclair negotiated 13 overs to guide New Zealand to 19 for one in reply at stumps.

It was Vettori's best innings figures in 13 tests, since his six for 56 against the West Indies in Dunedin in December 2008, and with rejuvenated paceman Tim Southee (4-61) saw New Zealand storm back from their 10-wicket defeat in Wellington.

See what I mean? I know we're competing with Australia, and the series stretches out over several weeks and across several cities, and I have absolutely no idea who's winning or losing.

But what I can appreciate is the Kiwi sense of humour when it comes to hosting our biggest sports rivals. A couple weeks ago I started noticing some helpful signs around the city for the out-of-town fans who were sure to come for the games.

The first one I saw (that I never had a chance to photograph) suggested cricket fans take the cable car to Westpac stadium. Sounds like helpful advice for tourists, right? Thing is, the cable car is located way across town and runs nowhere near the stadium. And a kumara is a sweet potato -- it definitely requires some cooking before consumption.

And I wish our friends from across the ditch, as they say, lots of luck in looking for our subway, as we don't have one. Not sure what the actual score is, but looks like the points for clever advertising go to New Zealand.
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3 comments:

Phil said...

Perfectly understandable, Jamie. The really exciting thing about test cricket is that a game can last for 5 days, and at the end still be a draw!

Cricket is very much a game of tactics, like chess, where it takes time for well-thought-out strategies to work. Stylized warfare really, but (usually) without the bloodshed.

Dave said...

A five day long game that could end in a draw?....pass the remote! I do like the ads for the Aussies. You'd think being stuck out there in the pond together that you guys would share a little more love. And am I the only one that noticed a slight change to your blog title?

Corey said...

Nice catch Dave. I saw it too. "Two years in New Zealand" is now "Adventures in New Zealand."