I’m going to Sydney for a few days to watch the cricket Test between Australia and Zimbabwe.

I normally go to Melbourne for some of the Boxing Day Test, but with the twins due at Christmas I don’t plan to be away at that time.

I’ve always had an interest in Zimbabwean cricket anyway. I spent a month there in 1990 and my Zim friend worked in the same law firm as John Traicos.

Traicos holds the unique distinction of having represented both Zimbabwe and South Africa at Test cricket, some 20 years apart. He played for South Africa in their last series before the world ban and, I think, was in Zimbabwe’s first Test match. In the old days Rhodesia competed in the South African first class competition.

Zimbabwe could be competitive at international level if it survives the devastation that’s currently being inflicted on the country by Robert Mugabe and his henchmen.

A lot of players have left and there isn’t much money to develop the game. I’m hoping for a good contest this week though. I really admire what Heath Streak is doing to hold that team together.

Unless I come across an Internet cafe the next update here will be on Monday. Likewise for the news and weather sites.