Season 2007-2008

Season 2007-2008.
After quite a long and refreshing break from cricket, the new season is upon us. We are now in South Africa preparing for the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship. It is really exciting to be part of any new venture in life, and this tournament is certainly adding a new dimension to my experiences as an International cricketer.
It was a little strange to be flying out without three of our key players, but Ricky Ponting, Stuart Clark and Shane Watson will undoubtedly soon join us as we approach the job of adding this trophy to our cabinet! Our experience in this form of cricket is fairly limited, although we did win the only International Twenty20 match in which we have played.

It was really interesting, too, to read that Shoaib has stated that Pakistan is a better team than the Aussies, and that they will easily beat us when next we meet. We are really looking forward to that challenge when it comes up towards the end of this season. He is a dangerous fast bowler, and it now seems that he is to become a danger with his comments as well. We will just wait for the cricket to begin!

We have had a really refreshing rest, and it was so good to spend time with our families. I had a great opportunity to take a step back and get to know our new son, Archie, as well as to consolidate my relationships with Annie, Harry and my wife, Mel. I love them so much, and it is always hard to say goodbye when another new tour starts, but they are so supportive that they inspire me to get out there and do well for my country and for them.

I hope you have all had a good rest as well, and that you will join me regularly on this website as the season progresses. You will be in for some special new features as the season progresses, including a Coaching section compiled by my father Stan, a Level Three Cricket Coach. He will be discussing lots of basic technical aspects of the game in batting, bowling, fielding, and wicketkeeping as well as "giving away" many of the special drills and training regimes that he led me through as I was developing my game. I hope you will enjoy the chance to practice as I did, using my drills and the special but simple training equipment that I and my brothers (and sister) used.

For now it's goodbye - keep tuned for a wonderful season..