Let’s just go straight to the elephant in the room: Australia's last-ball victory over New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday demeaned the game and did incalculable harm to this country's sporting image. With New Zealand tailender Brian McKechnie needing a six off the last ball to tie the result, Australian captain Greg Chappell instructed his younger brother Trevor to bowl under-arm along the ground. Trevor did so, McKechnie blocked the ball and the crowd of 52,990 – a world record for a limited-over match – erupted in a deafening roar of disapproval for a team it had supported wholeheartedly. Greg Chappell's decision obliterated what had been a magnificent day's cricket with Australia first scoring 4/235 in its 50 overs and New Zealand making a bold effort for victory in finishing with 8/229. New Zealand, soundly beaten in the recent Test series, were keyed for a major effort in yesterday's match. They were thwarted by bad luck and the tactics of their opponents. Greg Chappell, who hit a delightful innings of 90, was the centre of two incidents. When 58, he hit a ball high to mid-wicket where fieldsman Martin Snedden ran 20 metres and dived full-length to hold the catch of the season. The Chappell brothers acted within the rules of the game in their actions, on the last ball. Oh…Ian Chappell is the older brother and he captained Australia, or something like that.
Before you rush out onto stage 3 of The Road Less Traveled, PLEASE note the following: All roads have been picked to be 2wd suitable, IN THE RIGHT CONDITIONS. Roads/Forests can be closed due to a variety of reasons. If the road/forest is closed, do not drive on/enter it. This is NOT a power trail; this is a touring trail designed to be done at a more relaxed pace over a few days. No need to rush, there are plenty of accommodation options along the way for all budgets from free camping and caravan parks to B&B, hotels or motels in some towns or nearby. Enjoy your journey!