Tony Adams has been a respected journalist for over 30 years. He’s covered my sports but is most well-known for his coverage of rugby league under “The Mole” persona.
Cricket has always been one of Tony’s favorite sports and we’re so pleased he’s been able to share his passion and love of the game
Follow Tony Adams on twitter - https://twitter.com/9_Moley
When did you first start developing a love for the game and what is it about cricket that you enjoy most?
I played backyard cricket with my mates from an early age and we would take the bus to the old SCG to watch the Blues and Australia in Test matches… I still remember my first live look at the SCG… like a Field of Dreams… it was majestic…
Tell us briefly about your journey in the game, where you’ve played, what clubs and how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I was an all-rounder - bad bowler, ordinary bat and average fieldsman. I played at school and also had a few seasons in the City and Suburban competition in Moore Park. But being a journalist, I worked weekends so my career was short lived.
What was your highest score?
Would have been in City and Suburban competition in the late 1970s - maybe 20 if I was lucky!
What were your best bowling figures?
I bowled slow leg spin - I could turn it as much as Warnie - I just couldn’t land it on the wicket. Best would have been around 2 for 30-ish, again in City and Suburban comp.
Which club and or competition do you support?
I covered the Blues for the Daily Mirror and Daily Telegraph for many years, watching the Waugh brothers and others come through, and have always been a big fan of NSW cricket.
As a journalist, can you share with us your favourite cricket story you covered?
NSW were playing the Victoria at the SCG. Steve Small, a great mate, was coaching the Blues and had a dig at Shane Warne’s captaincy after the 2nd day. Next day at the press conference, Warnie just glared at me - he wasn’t happy!
Steve Small playing for NSW when Tony Adams first started covering the cricket as a journalist
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
As a reporter, covering some of those memorable Blues triumphs in the mid-1980s. One that comes to mind was when the tailenders held on and on to deny Queensland their first ever Shield victory.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Dougie Walters was my boyhood hero - so cool, calm and collected and could belt the cover off the ball! I was lucky enough to get to know him as a reporter when I grew up - great fella.
Who has been your favourite Australian captain?
Probably Ian Chappell - he was just so aggressive back when cricket was more of a “gentleman’s game” and didn’t mind ruffling feathers to win.
Who’s been the batsman you’ve enjoyed watching the most?
Mark Waugh - I saw his Shield debut and he was just a natural. Covered much of his career and he was just a wonderful player with such a superb eye for the ball.
Who in your opinion has been the best fast bowler?
Probably Dennis Lillee - he could not only bowl a superb out swinger but also intimidated the batsmen - especially the Poms!
Who in your opinion has been the best spinner?
Warnie without doubt - he had such great control - but I loved Bob Holland and his fairy tale rise as an “old man” to the green and gold.
Bob Holland
Who in your opinion has been the best wicket keeper?
Early on I would have said Jeff Dujon but I believe Adam Gilchrist surpassed him - great with the gloves and awesome with the bat.
Who in your opinion has been the best umpire?
I always liked Dickie Bird - he seemed to have a good feel for the game.
What’s the most picturesque ground you’ve had the opportunity to watch or play a game of cricket?
I covered the first ever Shield game at Bellerive in Hobart and immediately fell in love with it - not too big and near the water - very pretty.
If there was one match up, a bowler and batsman going head to head at their peak, who would you choose?
Lillee v Mark Waugh - I could see Junior smashing him through the covers a few times before being caught at slip!
Dennis Lillee
What’s your preferred format of the game, Test Cricket, One day games, T20?
I still love a good Test match - the tension and psychological battle. But I am happy to watch all three types.
What do Cricket Officials need to do over the next 10 or so years to ensure people get to enjoy the game as much as you do?
Market the game to young fans - they are doing a pretty good job in my opinion.
Who are the 3 cricketers from any era you’d like to invite to a BBQ?
Imran Khan (who I got to know a bit when he played for NSW), Dennis Lillee and Doug Walters.
Who would be your Australian Test cricket captain to follow Tim Paine?
Probably Aaron Finch - he has captained Australia in other forms of the game and does a pretty good job.
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