THREE OF THE BEST

THREE OF THE BEST.

Our summer sport of cricket is upon us here again.
The contest has begun once more, of bats and balls and men.
We started this year's onslaught with the battle for The Ashes,
How we Aussies love a game 'gainst an English team that crashes!

Careers cannot last forever, and this month we have seen
That three of our great cricketers have doffed their "Baggy Green".
They went out winners but, even if they'd lost the prize,
They still would all be winners in every Aussie's eyes.

LANGERS, (Justin Langer), was renowned as opening bat.
He broke some opening records with his partner Hayden (Matt).
Of course he had his slumps, didn't bat well all the time,
But, did he hit those balls for six when he was in his prime!

PIGEON, (Glenn McGrath), best quickie, that's for sure,
Each time he took a wicket crowds erupted in a roar.
His consistency to bowl a ball, at speed, and hit the bails,
Batsmen feared to face him, he took wind out of their sails.

SHANE WARNE is number three on this list who will retire.
To all he is the Master, budding bowlers he inspires.
He is the greatest spinner the cricket world has ever seen,
And we are all so proud he chose to wear the Gold and Green.

No more shouts of WARNEY, WARNEY, will be heard from "on the hill".
No more to see McGRATH run in and toss that small red pill.
No more will LANGER hit and get the team's score on the board.
They may have played, they may have won, but we reaped the reward!

It's Goodbye to these three great men from ovals 'round the Earth,
They gave their all to this great game, can't measure what they're worth.
Good luck, and thanks for everything you gave. Farewell to youse,
It will really take some big, big feet to fill their cricket shoes.



For non cricket playing countries:-
NB. The cap presented to an Australian cricketer on his Test debut is affectionately known as The Baggy Green.
Many cricket grounds have a grassy hill area where a more relaxed? crowd can enjoy the game,as opposed to sitting in the stands.The crowds on the hill are usually more jovial? and vocal.
Green and Gold are Australia's proud sporting colours.
"The Ashes" is the cricket trophy played for in Tests -- Australia vs England.