Aussie batsmen get the hard word
Some sports news you may not have heard: Friday, September 15
Cricket Australia (CA) is demanding all batters wear neck protectors from October 1 or else.
David Warner and Steve Smith have resisted using them since they were introduced in 2015. But CA said if international and domestic cricket players in all CA-approved competitions don't wear them, they will face sanctions.
The neck protectors are fitted to the rear of batting helmets when facing anything above medium-pace bowling.
They will also be required when batters are training.
The changes are part of CA's changes to clothing and equipment regulations.
The requirement is a response to the deal of Phillip Hughes.
However, several long-standing players have been unmoved. Smith, who copped a ball from England's Joffra Archer in the 2019 Ashes Test at Lord's when not wearing a neck guard, complained the guard felt claustrophobic. But when playing for Sussex in county cricket in 2022, the umpires stopped the game for 10 minutes and demanded Smith fit a net guard to his helmet.
Warner said in 2016 that he 'does not and will not' wear one because it was distracting as it dug into his neck.
It has proved a timely move as Australian batsman Cameron Green, who was struck on his neck guard by South African ODI bowler Kagiso Rabada, had to be substituted from the game due to concussion.
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Australia has always been strong in baseball. Many top cricketers used to play it as a winter sport. But with the worldwide bid to drive the game's development, Australians find their skills can provide career opportunities in the USA.
The latest to sign is Australia Under-18 player Adam Bates. He will join the Boston Red Sox.
To give you an idea, 33 Australian players are featured in various rosters. Only two made the Major League level, but many others were working their way through the grades.
Twenty-one people had jobs within MLB sides, whether in coaching, media or sports science. And one umpire featured in Triple-A leagues.
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Queensland's first State of Origin coach and Manly captain, John 'Cracker' McDonald, died during the week. A 13-Test Kangaroo, he was vice-captain of the side that toured New Zealand in 1969. He played 62 games for Manly and 10 games for Queensland.
After retiring from playing, McDonald had an active administrative career. He was also a Maroons coach, taking them to victory in the first Origin game in 1980.
He served as Queensland Rugby League chairman for 20 years and was the first Queenslander to chair the ARL. He was part of the NRL partnership committee in 1998 when the game reunited after the Super League war.
McDonald was also a top runner and went close to breaking the world professional record over 440 yards. He won a Gilgandra Gift and a Bendigo Gift in the 1966 season.
Kangaroos coach and Maroons legend Mel Meninga said: "His achievements both on and off the field stands him among the greats of our game, and his influence on the game is enormous, and he will be sorely missed.
"He was my first rep coach, and we had a lot of fun. It's very important that whatever you do is fun, you've got to enjoy it.
"His advice to me, as an ex-centre, when I was only about 20 years old, was to go out and enjoy yourself and make sure you don't let this day down and that's the message that continues today."
McDonald was inducted into Queensland's Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
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The Wallabies won't have tighthead prop Taniela Tupou to call on for their Rugby World Cup game against Fiji over the weekend.
A minor hamstring injury has ruled him out, but he is expected to be back in action for their third game.
They are also without halfback Tate McDermott, who has a concussion.
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A Senate inquiry in Australia says the Federal Government should have stepped in to ensure the 2026 Commonwealth Games could go ahead.
The committee, chaired by Matt Canavan, said the Victorian public had been 'played for mugs' by Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews.
The committee suggested setting up a forum comprising all three levels of Government, and it should examine options to 'salvage the Commonwealth Games'.
To achieve that, the Games may need to be reduced or decentralised.
Canavan added, "There is no doubt in my mind Daniel Andrews and his Government used the people of regional Victoria for his base political purpose in an election campaign.
"He made the promise just before an election to get their support, and just after, he dumped them on the side of the road like a trash can.
"It's no way to treat your own people.
"I just wish the Victorian Government show a bit more diligence in the future."
Victorian deputy premier Jacinta Allan said the inquiry was a 'political stunt'.