Hero Hussey (or pissed in pink)

An overexcited group headed to the SCG for the third day of the test match vs Sri Lanka. As it was also Jane McGrath day, all were decked in the most outlandish pink outfits they could find. In addition, zinc stick was being liberally applied as a tribute to Michael Hussey, and wide brimmed hats were to be worn in tribute to Tony Greig. All in all a day of memories, with the crowd out to make it memorable.
 

A fantastic days play, with highlights from both teams was punctuated by the usual audience participation to get through the slower overs. The beach balls were out in force, being aimed as subtly as possible at the hovering (and armed) cops, before inevitably crossing over onto the grass and being conviscated by the stewards. The commentators were also off on their usual tangents - we were informed that Sri Lankan tea was "very nice and comes in many different flavours!" Good to know.

Also popular were the huge homemade signs - the obvious tributes to Hussey etc interspersed by "show us your Johnson" (nice) and my favourite "GO AUSTRIA". Erm yeah ok...

And of course the pink theme strayed over into cross dressing for the majority of male spectators. Bikini tops and bras were everywhere. By the end of the day, they seemed rather less enthusiastic to discover they had burnt appallingly and evidence of their costume would be branded on them for weeks to come. Similarly, artistically placed sun cream (smiley faces and various charming messages).

The addition of a beach (Coca Cola sponsored) to the stands was the cause of great envy for many. Complete with a pool and lifeguards, it was hardly surprising as the sun baked on and the beer flowed that various people attempted to break past the bouncers. One man, appropriately dressed as a frog, launched himself over the high barrier into the pool only to emerge in dripping disgrace to be escorted from the ground by waiting policemen.

The people's favourite for the day would go to little Phil Hughes. The gallant pint-sized warrior rescued an errant beachball from the outfield, and avoiding the hovering stewards returned it to the crowd resulting in huge cheers (well, his throw almost missed the stands... not very good for a cricketer... but it did just make it!) For the next ten minutes he had only to turn round for a standing ovation.

 

 

However the day was Hussey's. Australia was out in force to show its support for the cricketer as he played out his final test match. Shouts of Hussey! Hussey! eventually forced the hand of Michael Clarke and the ball was handed over for a quick bowl. Unfortunately, he got a bit spanked by the batsmen, but the sentiment was there. He did at least bat out the final day to win the match for Australia.

Personally, I was incredibly proud to hear the commentators announcing that the crowd on the 3rd day were the "loudest and most enthusiastic they had ever heard". Damn straight.