Something From The Weekend: Gavin Henson; Australia's batting; Boxers actually want to fight

Tom Edwards
Monday 27 December 2010 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Good

Gavin Henson

After a long absence, the Lions and Wales centre was back on stage last night. Not the bright lights and tights of celebrity ballroom dancing but a theatre arguably best-suited to his prodigious talents: the rugby field. After his sabbatical from the game Henson was delighted to have a run-out for Saracens in their 13-6 defeat of Wasps at Wembley. The centre nearly scored a try on his comeback, flattened a few tacklers for good measure and showed the hunger of a tyro. Early signs that it was all worth the wait.

The Bad

Australia's batting

Whatever else happens at the MCG in the fourth Ashes Test, the hosts' woeful opening-day performance with the bat will live long in the memory. Just consider for a moment the roll of dishonour: 98 was the lowest score against England at the MCG, the lowest first innings there against anyone, the lowest against England since 1968, the lowest in Australia since 1984, the lowest at the MCG since 1981 (pause, take a breath) and the lowest against England at home since 1936. Now granted, the conditions might have favoured England – rain delays in the summer, where is this, Scotland? – but the images of sheer, mesmerising ineptitude on display will take a long time to fade.

The Odd

Boxers actually want to fight

Shocking news from the most noble sport: the Brothers Grimm (Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko) actually want to fight Britain's heavyweight champ, David Haye. "We promise that in 2011 the fight against Haye will come," read the brothers' statement, released this weekend. "We want this fight at all costs. He may choose against which of us he wants us to step into the ring to lose his world title." Odder still, the Hayemaker's manager, Adam Booth, is happy to compromise on his fighter's demands to ensure the public get the contest they want: "We have offered them 50-50 on everything – just as they requested," he said, "there's no reason now why this tremendous fight can't happen. The path is clear."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in