In January, Melbourne transforms into a tennis hub with the Australian Open taking center stage. The city is adorned with billboards, hoardings, and a bustling atmosphere. Restaurants are fully booked, akin to securing last-minute tickets for the Grand Slam. The city’s focus on tennis is evident, with directives leading to Melbourne Park and locals braving the heat at Fed Square to catch matches on the big screen.
Yet, amid the tennis fervor, cricket’s spirit persists. The recent headlines include Josh Brown’s stellar century in the Big Bash League (BBL), Glenn Maxwell’s hospitalization, and Pat Cummins’ outspoken remarks, capturing Melbourne’s attention.
While touring the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Myles Walker, an 83-year-old MCG Club Services and Heritage member, shares insights. The MCG, known for drop-in pitches, readies itself for various events beyond cricket, such as football and concerts.
Myles, a cricket traditionalist, pauses at the portrait of legends Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar, expressing awe. He witnessed both legends play and vividly recalls Tendulkar’s Test runs and average. Australians, he notes, recognized Tendulkar’s greatness, likening him to Bradman. Tendulkar’s prolific Test career and skills earned admiration in Australia.
Reflecting on Virat Kohli, Myles acknowledges his growth in Australia since 2012. Kohli’s aggressive persona initially drew attention, but his performances, especially at iconic venues like Adelaide Oval and MCG, solidified his reputation. Myles emphasizes that Australians appreciate Kohli for his fighting spirit, reminiscent of their own approach.
While Myles hasn’t seen much of Kohli live, he admires him and marvels at his pursuit of records, including Sachin’s 50 ODI centuries. He suggests that for Kohli to surpass Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries, a dedicated focus on Test cricket might be essential, given the challenges cricket faces with multiple formats.
In essence, Melbourne, captivated by tennis, retains a deep love for cricket and legendary players like Tendulkar and Kohli, who’ve left an indelible mark on the city’s sporting legacy.
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