In what has been a disappointing start to the Ashes tour for England, there is some hope on the horizon with the immanent virtual arrival of Riding Mill Cricket Club to take on some of Australia’s best dice cricketers.
In what promises to be an enthralling virtual experience for both the hosts and the visitors, Riding Mill hope to restore pride with their thirteen player squad consisting of some experienced campaigners along with five debutants hoping to make a name for themselves on this virtual tour.
The opening game of the tour is less than a week away with a lot of speculation surrounding the make up of the Burrabadine Cricket Library XI which is expected to be announced on the eve of the fixture.
Both teams will no doubt be mentally preparing for what promises to be a blockbuster clash to start the tour which will continue into January. The fast paced T10 format is always full of surprises and action ensuring fans around the world are on the edge of their seats.
To follow along with the action keep your eye out on the official Cricket Library Twitter feed where match score will be updated at the end of each over.
In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with renowned cricket umpire Peter Parker. Peter shares his journey from being a talented cricketer to becoming an umpire, the challenges and rewards of being an umpire in the sport he loves, and the thrill of witnessing spin bowling legend Shane Warne in action from the best seat in the house.
Peter also talks about some of the controversies he has been a part of as an umpire, and how he dealt with those situations by owning his mistakes and moving forward. He shares insights into the epic One Day International at the SCG when Michael Bevan hit a four off the last ball, and how he managed the pressure in that moment.
Through his stories and experiences, Peter highlights the importance of having a passion for the game, staying focused under pressure, and always striving to improve. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves cricket, whether you are a player, a fan, or just curious about the inner workings of the game.
Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation, and be sure to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast and leave a review to help us to continue to start conversations that inspire a love of cricket.
In some big news coming out of the UK, Riding Mill have named 5 debutants to take their place on their Dice Cricket virtual tour of Australia which gets underway on December 29th against a Cricket Library Podcast XI with fans expected to be following with interest all around the world.
The thirteen strong squad boasts some experienced campaigners who previously made their mark down under rolling out some impressive performances for the Mill.
Household names such as Steve Kent, Iain Longstaff, Ali Raza, Joel Marks, Scott Dickson, Liam James and Aly Hall will be joined by new comers Tony Potts, Jonny Bennett, Gez Greenwood, Michael Collins and Mark Stig Butcher.
Tactical mastermind Brian Watson will again look to shoulder the tour manager role whilst also hoping to make valuable contributions to the playing group bringing plenty of dice cricket experience to the table.
Liam James has be named as captain with his leadership credentials to be supported by Aly Hall who has the vice captain responsibilities on the tour.
Squad rotation was a huge success last time for Riding Mill and it is understood tour manager Brian Watson intends to incorporate a rotation policy ensuring that all players will have time to rest and recover between games on what promises to be a gruelling 7 match tour.
Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks as fixtures are announced and in the mean time have a listen to the latest from the Cricket Library Podcast.
In this episode of the Cricket Library Podcast, host Matt Ellis sits down with renowned cricket umpire Peter Parker. Peter shares his journey from being a talented cricketer to becoming an umpire, the challenges and rewards of being an umpire in the sport he loves, and the thrill of witnessing spin bowling legend Shane Warne in action from the best seat in the house.
Peter also talks about some of the controversies he has been a part of as an umpire, and how he dealt with those situations by owning his mistakes and moving forward. He shares insights into the epic One Day International at the SCG when Michael Bevan hit a four off the last ball, and how he managed the pressure in that moment.
Through his stories and experiences, Peter highlights the importance of having a passion for the game, staying focused under pressure, and always striving to improve. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves cricket, whether you are a player, a fan, or just curious about the inner workings of the game.
Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation, and be sure to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast and leave a review to help us to continue to start conversations that inspire a love of cricket.
A massive virtual crowd was on hand for game number 7 of the Riding Mill dice cricket virtual tour of Australia. Conditions at the virtual Willowbrook Reserve were perfect for dice cricket with some early morning cloud cover likely to assist the bowlers.
Riding Mill skipper Andy Watson although having some reservations having sent Kissing Point in last week in Sydney only to have them pile on 170 decided to send the home side in hoping the dukes dice may provide the assistance his opening bowlers have been looking for.
The move proved to be a master stroke and despite skipper Tarek Moughanie looking in fine touch, wickets were tumbling at the other end with Ben Smith picking up Pearson LBW for 0 and Lambeth falling to a good catch behind the stumps from Liam James for 2.
Lance Mallinson was then into the action removing Jimmy Campbell who was stumped for 3 and Ben Walker who departed next ball caught by Ali Raza for a duck. It was fair to say that the visitors were feeling right at home in the virtual conditions.
Chinthaka Jayasinghe joined skipper Tarek Moughanie at the crease and were building a partnership when Riding Mill skipper Andy Watson found something special to trap Moughanie in front for a magnificent 29 off just 8 deliveries with the final ball of his over.
After some further consolidation from the hosts Cam Longstaff was able to become the third bowler of the morning to claim a double breakthrough, this time the two marquee players Chinthaka Jayasinghe and Danny Law departing. Chinthaka’s innings was the shining light for the home side with his 36 coming off just 12 deliveries before he was stumped by Liam James. While Danny Law was on his way thanks to a neat return catch from Longstaff off his own bowling to see Law back to the virtual pavilion for six off two.
When Aly Hall had Kosteas out to a good catch from Lance Mallinson and Chris Neilson caught by Kev Frazer for 6 off 2 Riding Mill were well on top with the Warriors primary objective now to bat out the remaining overs with the score at 9-102.
A thirty run stand from Craig Byron who finished 17 not out and Aaron Smillie who was last to go, LBW to Scott Dickson for 24 off 9 saw the Westmeadows total reach 132 but not able to bat out their allotment of ten overs.
Early wickets put Riding Mill in the driver’s seat before Chinthaka Jayasinghe led a recovery mission and the tail wagging to take the total to 132
Rob Burns preparing for the game against Westmeadows Warriors
Riding Mill in their chase took the go hard or go home approach with a blistering start from openers Dickson and Burns. Dickson was adjudged LBW in the second over with a good seed from Neilson seeing him on his way for 15 from 4. The runs kept flowing however with the agricultural approach from Burns making it very hard to set a field with balls landing in unconventional places.
Dave Cox continued his fine tour having made back to back half centuries in the two previous fixtures providing excellent support to Burns who was on a mission bringing up his first half century on virtual Australian soil.
When Burns was plumb in front off the bowling of Chinthaka Jayasinghe for 66, the damage was already done. Dave Cox and Liam James finishing the job seeing the tourists home with 8 wickets in hand.
Rob Burns was unconventional but very effective notching up his first half century on virtual Australian soil & claiming man of the match honours.
Thanks to the generosity of the hosts, Rob Burns will take home a magnificent Westmeadows hoodie as a permanent reminder to his team mates of one of the better innings you will see in a game of dice cricket.
Rob Burns will be sure to turn heads with this magnificent man of the match award
Riding Mill will continue their tour on the weekend against St Kelvin’s Old Boys before playing Parkdale next week in the final game of the Melbourne leg of the tour.
The team then head across to Perth to play Bayswater-Morley before a final fixture that was announced at the start of the week to take place in virtual Hong Kong.
Thanks again to Westmeadows Warriors Cricket Club for being such wonderful hosts for game 7 of the Riding Mill Cricket Club dice cricket virtual tour of Australia.
Two very strong line ups have been selected for the first game in the Melbourne leg of the Riding Mill dice cricket virtual tour of Australia
After starting their virtual tour of Australia with a bang, Riding Mill are looking to bounce back when they take on Westmeadows Warriors at the Virtual Willowbrook Reserve in the shadows of Melbourne airport.
The hosts have had a very successful period of late winning two of the last three flags as well as two of the last three T20 titles and it will be interesting to see if this on field form will transfer to success into the virtual conditions of dice cricket.
The virtual strip at Willowbrook Reserve may do a bit early on with the new dice
Westmeadows selectors have chosen a strong line up which will be captained by Tarek Moughanie and featuring Sri Lankan star Chinthaka Jayasinghe & Danny Law who has over 100 1st Class games to his name representing Durham, Essex and Sussex.
Chinthake Jayasinghe will be a key man in the Westmeadows middle order
Riding Mill have made some changes to their team after their loss to the UTS North Sydney team of the decade on the weekend. Kiwi Dave Cox, who has already notched up two half centuries on the tour will be key at number 3 as will Aly Hall in the middle order.
An issue for the Mill on the tour of late has been leaking too many runs in the early overs and captain Andy Watson will be looking to Smith and Mallinson to set the tone with the new dice.
There could be some overnight rain in Melbourne in the lead up to the game which may add some spice to the wicket early on in the T10 fixture. This may also have whoever wins the toss in two minds as to what they will opt to do. Runs on the board have been a premium on the tour thus far but with rain around who knows what we may see.
In a very kind gesture from the hosts, they have offered up one of their magnificent club hoodies to the Riding Mill player of the match. This will certainly provide some extra incentive for the visitors to bring their A Game.
The Riding Mill player of the match will receive one of these magnificent Westmeadows hoodies
We will be bringing you all of the action via our social media channels from 6am Eastern Standard time in Australia and 9pm GMT in the UK.
Marty Rhone is a well known Australian Actor and Singer who has shared the stage and screen with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Devoted listeners of the Cricket Library Podcast would know Marty is also very much a cricket tragic.
Marty Rhone was a very popular guest on the Cricket Library Podcast and is set to make his dice cricket debut in virtual Hong Kong
Last year Marty added another chapter to his illustrious career as an Actor and Singer when he released the highly popular single We had a good thing going and follow up ballad Jealous of the Sky.
Marty will join captain Nina Stevens as the latest addition to the Cricket Library Podcast Invitational XI who are set to take on Riding Mill team which has some very big inclusions with the return of Brian Watson and the addition of Mark Butcher and Adam Holioake.
It is expected that there will be further new inclusions in the final XI creating some healthy competition amongst the squad which we believe has already arrived in Hong Kong for a secret virtual boot camp.
In the meantime, Riding Mill are in last minute preparations for the Victorian leg of their tour and will be looking to re group after some disappointing returns in Sydney.
In what is one of the biggest announcements since it was revealed Riding Mill would be involved in a virtual tour of Australia is the official news that there will be an extension of the tour with the squad stopping over in virtual Hong Kong to do battle with a Cricket Library Podcast Invitational XI.
It is understood that the Cricket Library Podcast XI are currently in Hong Kong taking part in a virtual boot camp following their loss to Riding Mill in one of the tour openers at Burrabadine and looking for ways to improve before taking on the tourists once again.
In massive news for the touring party, team manager Brian Watson has declared himself available selection as has number 1 supporter Mark Butcher and former England ODI captain Adam Holioake. It is unclear how much dice cricket experience Butcher and Holioake have had but just their sheer presence will be a boost to the tourists.
Our sources can confirm that there will also be some new inclusions to the Cricket Library Podcast XI, though we are told that captain Nina Stevens will retain the lower case c with the brackets around it beside her name.
In a major blow for the Cricket Library Podcast Invitational XI, Robbie Mackinlay has withdrawn from the squad due to his extensive media commitments covering the tour. Although this will leave a gaping hole in the top order, we are hearing that there are some big inclusions expected to be announced in the coming days to try and fill the void.
Riding Mill still have three matches to play in Victoria before heading to Perth en route to Hong Kong and it will be vital that team management keeps the squad focussed on the job at hand whilst also putting plans in place for what is being billed as the biggest match of the tour at virtual Hong Kong.
Join your commentators Robbie Mackinlay and Matt Ellis as they bring you the key moments from the highly anticipated dice cricket fixture between the touring Riding Mill side and the UTS North Sydney team of the decade from the picturesque virtual North Sydney Oval.
The picturesque virtual North Sydney Oval is the venue for the highly anticipated Dice Cricket Fixture this weekend
Riding Mill will be looking to bounce back when their virtual tour of Australia continues on the weekend against the highly fancied UTS North Sydney team of the decade.
The Bears last week announced the team after voting took place online to determine who would make up their final XI. The club which makes their home at the picturesque North Sydney Oval has a rich heritage as a foundation club in NSW Premier Cricket.
Riding Mill have stuck with their rotation policy which has seen Scott Dickson return at the top of the order with Kiwi Dave Cox making a welcome return in the line up at number 3 and Aly Hall slotting back in to the middle order.
Where do you start with the Bears line up that has an embarrassment of riches with the likes of current Steve Waugh Medalist Daniel Hughes at the top of the order, former Adelaide Strikers keeper batsman Adam Crosthwaite listed to bat 4, the evergreen Aitken brothers who have been staples in NSW Premier cricket for many years, not to mention the power of Justin Avendano at 3, the glove work of Jay Lenton and the pace of Nic Bills. These names are just the beginning, with the likes of Tom Jagot, Scott Rodgie, Matt Alexander and James Campbell all expected to make an impact in this highly anticipated T10 fixture.
A massive virtual crowd is expected with the game getting underway at 6am Sunday morning in Australia and 9pm Saturday night in the UK. You can follow all of the action via the CricketLibrary Twitter handle.
The game is the final contest in the Sydney leg of the tour with Riding Mill scheduled to play three matches in Victoria before heading to Perth.
We are hearing reports that there are discussions taking place to add another fixture to the itinerary with virtual Hong Kong being touted as the possible venue. We will keep you across any breaking news regarding the outcome of these talks as soon as we have confirmation.
Legend and all-round boss Mark Butcher wishing us well on our @CricketLibrary virtual tour of Australia and our fundraising efforts to bring cricket facilities to our local community! Cheers @markbutcher72!
Despite the support of England legend Mark Butcher it was a tough outing for the Mill
Kissing Point Cricket Club have inflicted Riding Mill just their second defeat of their virtual tour of Australia with an emphatic 27 run win at virtual Auluba Oval.
Andy Watson won the toss and asked himself what Nasser Hussain would do before announcing that the Mill would field first.
The gamble did not pay off and when Kissing Point raced to 0-47 off just two overs it looked like it could be a long evening for the visitors.
However, Lance Mallinson was able to remove the dangerous Dan Morton with a peach of a delivery that hit the top of off stump. Morton’s 38 off ten deliveries had certainly caused some carnage before his dismissal.
The skipper himself put the breaks on the flurry of runs with 2-11 off his over including a very smart caught and bowled chance to remove veteran Jeff Stewart for 26 off 9. He was on a hat trick when next ball Nick Hasler lifted his back foot and Iain Longstaff did a remarkable job to effect a leg side stumping.
Joel Marks was expensive but did remove Tim Love who had raced to 18 off 5 after he chopped on attempting a cut stroke.
Josh Howe and Naveen Sivanathan put on a very handy partnership before Kev Frazer took a screamer to remove Howe for 28 off 11 off the bowling of Ali Raza. Sivanathan was next to go when he glided one straight into the awaiting gloves of Iain Longstaff behind the stumps and headed back to the virtual pavilion with 38 off 13.
Rob Burns death bowling gave the visitors a sniff, restricting Kissing Point to just 7 runs off the final over and included the wicket of Aubourg who was LBW for 14 off 5. Kissing Point skipper John Ferguson remained 8 not out while D’Silva finished on 1.
Riding Mill would have the tall order of trying to chase down a very imposing 7-171 from their ten overs.
Steve Kent and Rob Burns got the chase off to a steady start and it appeared that they were looking to build a platform from which the middle order could launch.
The last ball of the third over saw Burns dismissed LBW to Jude D’Silva for 19 off 9. Raza and Kent set about building a partnership and at 1-74 off 5 the Mill boys were still well within a chance of victory particularly with wickets in hand.
Again though it was a wicket on the final ball of the over that saw Kent departing just two balls short of his half century LBW to Josh Howe.
Liam James and Aly Raza did their best to up the run rate but were not able to find the big over that they were searching for. Jeff Stewart was able to draw a mistake from Ali Raza who danced down the wicket in an attempt for quick runs only to be stumped by the handy glove work of Kissing Point skipper John Ferguson. His 39 off 14 provided some hope but it would not be enough to get Riding Mill over the line.
Dan Morton capped off a great game picking up two wickets in the final over finishing with 2-10. Liam James was caught by Aubourg for 29 and Iain Longstaff top edged one straight up in the air attempting to hit it into the adjacent virtual bushland before being caught by Ferguson who had a solid day with the gloves.
Sources close to the Riding Mill camp have indicated that there may be some changes to the line up for the all important clash with the UTS North Sydney team of the decade which boasts a host of top line cricketers.
Riding Mill Cricket Club are buoyant on their arrival in Sydney prior to the next leg of their virtual tour of Australia. The visitors have won three out of four matches so far and will look to continue the positive start when they take on Kissing Point Cricket Club this Wednesday Night UK time.
Kissing Point Cricket Club is located in the leafy suburb of South Turramurra and they boast both senior and junior teams in the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and Hills District Cricket Association. A massive virtual crowd is expected at Auluba Oval for what promises to be one of the matches of the tour so far.
The Riding Mill lads have been inspired by former England batsman Mark Butcher who has thrown his support behind the side on Twitter giving a shout out to their fundraising efforts.
Riding Mill have a new number 1 supporter in Mark Butcher
It is believed that the Mark Butcher’s hit single Dice has been the soundtrack for the tour and inspiring the lads to roll out some of their best work.
Riding Mill drawing inspiration from this track by Mark Butcher
A hallmark of the tour so far has been the astute player rotation from team manager Brian Watson who has again made some changes to ensure the Sydney leg of the tour is a success for the visitors.
Wicket keeper in the last two starts Steve Kent will relinquish the gloves as Iain Longstaff takes over the wicket keeping duties. Big hitters, Dave Cox, Aly Hall and Scott Dickson will all be rested against Kissing Point but sources close to the team have confirmed they will slot back in for the massive clash with UTS North Sydney scheduled for the weekend. Andy Watson is back to captain the side, while Lance Mallinson and Liam James also return to the line up.
The Bears announced their team of the decade last week and it is packed with high quality players which will ensure a game to remember at virtual North Sydney Oval on the weekend.
TEAM OF THE DECADE 🐻
Votes have been cast and tallied and the Bears’ Team of the 2010s has been decided. Read all about it and the voting: https://t.co/gNeHDFKFiw
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