Back in national colours for the first time in a year, Ellyse Perry says the Australian men’s tour of New Zealand has provided valuable reconnaissance as they prepare to battle the Kiwis. The Southern Stars are currently on a six-match tour of New Zealand, with three T20s before three one-day internationals.
“I’m especially excited. I think we all are in a lot of respects,” she said. “I haven’t played in 12 months but the girls have only played once in that 12 months as well … international matches at the moment are few and far between.”
As we go to print, Australia has registered a thumping six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first women’s one-day international in Mount Maunganui.
No overseas spectators at Olympics
Organisers of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics recently announced overseas spectators would be barred due to Covid-19 concerns. The news means families of athletes across the globe will not be able to attend.
For 20-year-old Australian swimmer Ariane Titmus, it means mum, dad and younger sister, Mia, will have to cheer from Australia during her first Olympic Games. Titmus is regarded as one of Australia’s best medal chances in the pool, after winning gold in the 400m Freestyle at the 2019 World Championships, in which she beat US legend Katie Ledecky.
Steve Titmus has been waiting 10 years to watch from the grandstands as his daughter swims for Olympic gold. Now, he will have to wait another three. “It’s obviously massively disappointing,” Steve said. “We’ve been looking forward to the Olympics for a decade. What we’ve been dealt is what we’ve been dealt and we’ve just got to live with it.”
Rabbitohs in good form
Rugby league reporter John Lanzky says: “Souths are moving up the ladder. In recent weeks I have seen the left-side combinations improving. Damien Cook, Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds, with Dane Gagai hanging back, waiting for the opportunities. Then, the forwards. They keep pushing up with real gusto – too many names to mention them all. But Tom Burgess is in his best form since joining the Bunnies. Coming up we face the Broncos, Tigers, Titans and Raiders. With a reasonable draw in April, Souths are well placed to stay in the top four.”
