My interview with Merv Hughes for Unibet

As CRM for Unibet Australia, I got to sit down with cricket legend Merv Hughes to get his take on upcoming Ashes Series. Here's my interview (which remains the property of Unibet).

Let’s start with the all-important question. Who will win and what’s the series score?

“I hope Australia, I think Australia can win. It will definitely be a close one. Australia is travelling a lot better than what is portrayed in the media. Though England will be tough, I have to say that are not as flash as everyone thinks they are. A tight one that is either 3-2 or 2-1.”

England 3-2 is $17 or 2-1 is $ 8.00

Australia 3-2 is $26.00 or 2-1 $15.00

 Who are the players to Watch?

“Tasmanian Jackson Bird for starters. He could be a real surprise packet for the Aussies and a real wildcard. Nathan Lyon is also crucial to Australia, Nathan must do well to give Australia any chance of winning the series. Expect Nathan to be looking at getting 20+ wickets to give Australia any chance of winning.

On the batting side Chris Rogers will be crucial, especially after Warner’s indiscretion. The Ashes could come down to Australia’s Top 4 vs England’s Top 4, it’s that plain and simple.”

 Any advice for the Aussies?

“Play hard and win.

Win the defining moments.

Take the half chances.

Runs can come if they are patient.

Thoughtful cricket.

These aren’t clichés but genuine pieces of advice I would be telling the players. So often a test match comes down to a few defining moments, the better team will take those minute chances. Play thoughtful cricket, which may mean being patient and taking all half chances.”

What’s your opinion of the new Aussie coach?

“First of all, I was very surprised on releasing Mickey Arthur. It could not have been an easy decision to cut Mickey who still had such a long time left on his contract.

I think Darren Lehmann will do well. He has a real tough competitive streak. He may look laid back in the media,  sometimes looked like a very easy going bloke. But knowing him, he has a will to win and a desire to see Australian cricket back on top.”

Though you’re a bowler. We still want your take on the Australian openers?

“I have no real issue with Chris Rogers and Shane Watson opening. Both don’t mind the ball coming on to them, so no problems having them in the lead off position. As I mentioned before, the Ashes will come down to our top 4 vs their top 4. As such, I think it’s important to have Michael Clarke at four. They have had him at 5 and when Australia were struggling, moved him up to 3rd spot. But I think he’s best at four.”

Unibet has Michael Clarke at $6.50 to score the most runs in the Ashes overall and $2.75 for top Aussie run scorer.

Shane Watson Myth or Legend?

“Shane has been up and down for a while now. With the biggest issue being his body, rather than skill set or mental tenacity. He’s definitely suited to opening as I mentioned before, he really likes the ball coming on to him.

As for a bowler, this is where his body comes into question and the rigors of bowling, as well as batting and bowling. Doing both means Watson is doing it tougher than he should. I’m not saying just stick to batting, rather, let me sit on the fence for the next two and a half months and ask me again later. This very Ashes tour could help define Shane Watson’s cricket legacy.”

Could you finish up with an Ashes Story for us Merv?

“For me the Ashes will always hold a special place in my career and the very fortunes of Australian cricket. It was the 86-87 Ashes which we hosted which really turned around Australian cricket for me and the group of players I was honoured to call team mates. In 1986-87 England came to Australia, and we lost in Melbourne. We were belted in just 3 days. Allan Border was always a fierce competitor and always hated losing as we all did, but as captain he was irate. After that loss in Melbourne Allan took a stand and you could say he drew a line in the sand to say that’s it. You could see an edge build up in him and he became even stronger as a leader. Border became ruthless and really took no prisoners.

I hope Australia 2013 draw upon that ruthlessness and desire to win. Australia needs to put England under pressure and when they do, take all those half chances.”

Australia went on to win the 5th Test by 55 runs. Australia’s Test team then won against New Zealand, Drew against England and won against Sri Lanka.

NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview

Here's a letter I shared with a fellow NFL buddy...

So here’s my thoughts

Baltimore v Denver

Don’t know if you remember but this was my AFC Championship game at the beginning of the season, when we spoke. I really feel Baltimore have turned a corner. And with Ray Lewis retiring, I thought it would be enough to give them one more great game. But the fact that Denver are at home, well rested and are playing well it should be enough to lift them over the Ravens. I also prefer Denver, as though I have backed both teams, at least I know Denver will have home field advantage in the AFC title game. My line was more around -7.0 rather than the -9½ around.

Green Bay v San Francisco 49ers

If Alex Smith was starting for San Francisco 49ers I think they would have a better chance than with Colin Kaepernick. I appreciate that he’s been playing well but this is the second round of the playoffs and Alex Smith is ready for this pressure, proven and though Kaepernick can stretch  the field and move in the pocket better. I have Green Bay winning this and actually winning comfortably. I’ll admit that I backed the Packers after they were going through a tough patch and the price got out (and Dallas were heading in the wrong direction. Dallas were my NFC pick) but I still they are hitting form at the right time, and got all their players back healthy at the right time. Green Bay made Minnesota look like deer in headlights last week – including Petterson. I believe they do the same to Kaepernick and if San Fran get behind and he has to throw the ball – no hope.

Seattle Seahawks v Atlanta Falcons

One word "pressure"! All the pressure is on Atlanta in this game. How often do you see them make the playoffs and fail? Matty Ice has been near perfect at home during the regular season (3 loses lifetime). But in the playoffs, it’s the same old story. Seattle are using house money after winning away from home, which no-one gave them a chance of doing, well actually they were -2½ favs in Washington last week so someone gave them a hope. Pete Carroll has this team playing loose in a good way! High fiving here and there, and even when they were down by 14 he never panicked against Washington and this showed on the field as well. Atlanta’s record suggests they are the best team in the NFC – I very much doubt that.

Seattle defense is flying and they have proven they can take it on the road as well. Matt Ryan has a “playoff monkey” on his back,  it will turn into a gorilla if they are trailing at halftime. If they lose this game it will be King Kong come next season.

Houston v New England

When I was watching the Houston v Cincinnati game last week, I kept thinking whoever plays the winner of this game will crush them by 50. But this is the NFL and though the simple answer is New England Patriots to cover the -9½ I am taking a deep breathe and can’t even have the Pats as my best bet anymore. Not sure I won’t take the Texans with the +9½ start?

I remember when the Pats beat the NY Jets (45-3) in week 13 of the regular season, about two season ago? A few weeks later, the NY Jets which looked like they should be sent out to retire and no-one gave them a hope! Well they beat the Pats (28-21) in the playoffs to make the AFC Championship game (but lost to Pittsburgh 24-19).  I think this will be a very close game and I am not convinced that the best side to back is the Pats -9½. Like Baltimore, Houston have hobbled into the playoffs but they are still here, so what can you say. I often say – back the better team, which would be the Patriots. Last time they played each other the Pats opened -4½ pt favourites and won 42-14 but does that mean they are -9½ favourites now?

My gut says take the plus points, but my eyes said back the Patriots to win by 50! If you gave me $100 and I must bet on this game, give me the over 47½ total points.

BCS Championship Game…

Our other mate asked me for a tip and I said I can’t stop looking at the Alabama side, -9½ was a lot but at the same time I felt Notre Dame never really beat anyone. ND didn’t have a signature win. Only doubt was that Alabama could have easily had three losses rather than one. Still had a few dollars on the Alabama. How about that Aussie kid, Jesse Williams!! NFL bound, good on him. He did pull up towards the end, hope he’s not injured.