Australia Needs a T20 All-Stars Game

Australia Needs a T20 All-Stars Game

DYOR Dave

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Yesterday in New Zealand the annual Black Clash T20 cricket match took place, which saw Team Rugby take on Team Cricket.

While this game may have flown under the radar in Australia, it showcased some of the best modern kiwis to ever pull on a black Jersey or cap, including Richie McCaw, Daniel Vettori, BJ Watling, Kieran Reid and Jordie Barrett just to name a few.

Umpired by renowned larrikin Jimmy Neesham and the great Billy Bowden, who performed some of his most flamboyant moves ever seen, the game was played in front of a packed suburban oval in the town of Tauranga.

Held annually since 2019, the Black Clash has previously featured guests including Andy Lee, Mahela Jayawardene, David Hussey, and Olympic Shot-putter and certified thicc boy Matt Walsh, who scored a powerful 50 this year.

The event is a light-hearted and entertaining match that raises money for charity while bringing fans to smaller towns around New Zealand, and it has been a tremendous success.

 

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While Australia has toyed with the concept of an all-stars game numerous times throughout history, we are yet to see a regular fixture emerge.

In December 1993 the Allan Border XI faced off against the Rod Marsh XI, which included players such as Alfie Langer, Wally Lewis, Tim Horan, Peter Sterling, David Boon, Richard Hadlee and Fatty Vautin, who went on to take one of the most memorable catches in Aussie cricket history.

More recently, a charity match was played in support of the bushfire relief fund which saw Ricky Ponting line up alongside Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Cameron Smith, Nick Riewoldt, Ellyse Perry and Courtney Walsh, just to name a few.

The event raised an impressive amount of money and was watched nationwide, with highlights including Tendulkar’s return to the crease as well as 16-year-old Phoebe Litchfield batting alongside Brian Lara.

With so much sporting talent across Australia, the possibilities for an all-stars match are endless. You could do NRL vs AFL, Cricket Vs Rugby/League, QLD Vs NSW with all codes involved.

Any sort of meaningless match that allows the punter and dribbler to see their favourite footy player or ex-cricketer pad up and test their skills at Australia’s famous summer pastime is sure to put lead in the pencils of the nation.

If Cricket Australia doesn’t act soon, it could fall into the hands of your faithful Podcasting kings, perhaps a Tom Birmingham XI vs Eddy Simpson XI?

Who would be in your All-Star team?

 

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