The Poms Can't Play Cricket ... But They Can Drink!

Good to see Tom Moody the other day in India where he is proving to be an astute TV panellist covering the gripping India v Australia test series. The last time I saw "Moods" he and I were part of the Australian squad in 1998, he for real and me for one week only, although I did manage to get on the field during an Australia v New Zealand one day match as 12th man, and get to bat for New South Wales against Australia in which I lasted four of Andy Bichel's quickest balls before slicing a thickish edge.

If it had been any other fielder in the slips it would have gone to the third man boundary as captain Steve Waugh had declined to post a man down there, but it went to Moody, the tallest man in the team, who plucked the ball from above his head and celebrated as if he'd just caught out Sachin Tendulkar.

That night I endured a drinking contest with a New South Walian cricketer who's party piece was to throw a whole pint of beer down his neck without swallowing. Unbeknown to me the Aussies were spiking my drinks which is why I seemed to gain a modicum of respect for being able to knock down five drinks and still be standing.

"You see," proclaimed Moody, as he slapped my back happily having won a bet with Mark Waugh over whether I'd be standing or not. "I told you the Poms can't play cricket, but they can drink!"

Now that, I think you'll agree, is what's known as a back-handed compliment!