Sledging one's way to success

The day begins with the news about Ricky Ponting's parents being forced to change their home telephone number after receiving abusive and threatening calls. What a fine mess we've gotten ourselves into. A photo of Ponting has made most front pages for the last few days, all showing him in a glum state. Some captains just can't enjoy their 16th consecutive Test win. We soon get another bit of news: India planned to wear black armbands for the warm-up game in Canberra. We reach the Manuka Oval and see nothing. Maybe they were wearing white armbands, well camouflaged over their sparkling flannels.

The press box at the Manuka is square of the wicket. The problem is it's at the same height as the stands. So all we can see is people's backsides. Luckily there's a television, which means while we are a few feet from the action, we are watching it on TV. It's a sleepy day. Only a smattering of spectators land up. Photos show packed audiences watching Prime Ministers' XI taking on visiting sides down the years but a picture of this game is unlikely to be framed indoors.

Some time around the afternoon Harbhajan Singh walks out to the middle and lasts exactly three deliveries. Apparently there were some boos around the ground but most of us didn't hear much. Neither did Rahul Dravid, neither did Mark Higgs, the ACT Invitational XI captain. Did Higgs and his team decide they wouldn't sledge during the game? "I don't think we're generally big sledgers," he smiles. "We are a small state and it's hard for us to push that envelope." What are you alleging Higgsy? Is sledging directly related to success rate? Evil thought.

Dravid is asked if he thinks he's ensured his spot for the next Test. "I hope so," he says before breaking into a cheeky smile. Evil thought.