I think I have a legit case to ask for a do over on the bet given he was out for some score like 7 or 8 last night
Cograts to the man, and yes you win the bet. However I think him averaging 100 by the way is the worst thing that could ever happen to the bloke. All across the Internet people are going to be saying "But he simply isn't that good and should be averaging in the 40s at best". I can also see him getting some left handed comments in real life to his face. "So you're better than the Don aye?" etc. He has put himself inadvertantly in the spotlight where in reality he is "only" a regulation test match standard batsman.
I didn't come into the thread to disparage Don Voges. I actualy came into the thread to talk about Usman's innings and the significance of him being a part of the Australian set up.
Two eldery Australians behind me at the game today don't like the cut of his jib. "I hear he doesn't fit into the team environment and opts out of all the social activities." Then they grumbled some more about him for 2 or 3 minutes.
And I thought to myself in a small way he is breaking some new ground for Australians and he is an important role model for youngsters.
He batted on and on, and didn't look like getting out. Finally he tonned up. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as we often do at the basin for good innings (I didn't rise for Don Voges nor did the people around me), and then something caught my eye. On the opposite end of the ground on the bank were a group of 30-40 Australians who had made the trip over.
And they had come prepared with giant Australian Flags. Surrounded by drunk Kiwis on the bank politely applauding Usman were these proud Australians waving national flags for him. And they waved them as high as they could, with as much gusto as they could, and with as much pride as they could. And it was a moment you couldn't script and that was better than watching a Hollywood movie.
Those Australians on the bank made a statement with those flags fluttering in the wind. "He is one of us" "He is an Ocker" "He is our number 3 batsman."
Well played those fans for my moment of the day.