Latest news with #WACA
West Australian
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
JUSTIN LANGER: Muhammad Ali's death may not have been caused by Parkinson's Disease
Muhamad Ali is iconic. Few wear that tag. But there are two clear images of the greatest ever fighter. One is of an athlete so supreme, his white shorts dancing around the ring like a matador's cape. His black boots moving so fast that they blur in the swirl of speed; back, forward, side to side, circling around an opponent like a shark weighing up its prey. His gloved hands and arms moving like a hose in a swimming pool, picking off his rival with a pinpoint accuracy often displayed by master archers or dart champions. 'Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see.' Could there ever have been a more succinct description? Then there is the second image of the king of the ring. That of an older man whose hands, that once danced like lightning through the air, now trembled with their own quiet rhythm, as they succumbed to Parkinson's disease. Although his eyes still held the fire of a champion, the body that would once float like a butterfly, now trembled and slowed through the effects of the cruel degenerative disease called Parkinson's. The statesman, who transformed from the young man that once cussed his opponents with his legendary 'boxing poetry', finished his precious life spreading messages of hope and optimism, despite his crippling disease. In Coldplay's beautiful song Everglow, Ali says in his own recorded voice: 'God is watching me — God is. God don't praise me because I beat Joe Frazier, God don't give nothin' about Joe Frazier. God don't care nothin' about England or America as far as real wealth . . . it's all His, He wants to know how do we treat each other? How do we help each other? So, I'm going to dedicate my life to using my name and popularity to helping charities, helping people, uniting people. People bombing each other because of religious beliefs. We need somebody in the world to help us all make peace. So, when I die — if there's a heaven — I'm gonna see it.' If only our world listened to these words today. Boxing has been a lifelong passion to me. From Muhammad Ali to Rocky Balboa, I would hit the punching bag and speed ball, skip rope and do push-ups and sit-ups in mum and dad's garage. The art of boxing was the closest way I could replicate the art of batting. When I wasn't in the cricket nets I would be in my friend, mentor and trainer, Steve Smith's gym banging the focus mitts and bags, and training like a boxer. Not only did this get me very fit, but it helped me maintain focus on my goals. In batting and boxing, you need a strong technique of attack and defence, sharp concentration, confidence, fluid foot work and fast hands. You must understand your opponent, face your own fears, as there is nowhere to hide in the ring or on a cricket field. When I first entered coaching, one of my first appointments at the WACA was another great friend and lifelong martial artist, Justin Boylan, who would train our players in the art of boxing, for all the reasons mentioned above. In 2008, I met former Australian boxing champion Ray Fazio. That year, Ray directed the autobiographical drama film Two Fists One Heart, a movie depicting his boxing journey and heritage growing up in Western Australia. When I was invited to watch the filming at Challenge Stadium, I was taken by Ray's athletic prowess, passion and energy, which later converted to his entrepreneurial and inventor spirit. Through his vision I purchased one of his inventions — the Boxmaster (now Fightmaster) machine — that sits in my gym at home. Unbeknown to me, the Fightmaster is not only helping people like me stay fit and mobile, but it is also helping fight Parkinson's disease. Businessman and philanthropist Denis McInerney, a friend of Ray and I, was talking me through this incredible success story earlier in the week. Through Ray and Denis, I spoke with the inspirational Professor David Blacker, a neurologist living with Parkinson's, who is still able to play golf and practice yoga. I then met Steve Arnott, the CEO of the Perron Institute here in Perth this week. Listening to the four of them talk through the serious topic of Parkinson' disease is both hilarious and inspiring. Denis affectionately calls Ray, the 'Northbridge (an inner city Perth suburb) Identity come good', Ray refers to Denis as 'The Connector', while Steve describes Ray and David as the 'Odd Couple'. As Steve says: 'People with different backgrounds often make the best partners because they come up with the best ideas because of their different experiences, perspectives and skill sets.' Odd as the coupling may be, and through all the banter, I pick up on the optimism and hope for those living with Parkinson's. What started as a 15-week trial program designed by Ray and David — and with the help of Edith Cowan University exercise physiologist Travis Cruickshank — the training package has helped transform the lives of those suffering from Parkinson's. Using the Fightmaster machines and a series of non-contact boxing exercises and warm-ups, the results have been physically and psychologically brilliant. Initial studies showed improved safety, tolerability, balance, fitness, sleep quality and Parkinson's severity scores, both in pilot trials and through the results of nearly 100 community participants. The increase in participants suggests it is working. People tend to vote with their feet. On Thursday, Professor Blacker told me: 'Exercise is medicine, and in fact, it's more than medicine, it is a lifestyle. Exercise has significantly helped to reduce my symptoms. I have learnt first-hand, and through the community working with Fight-PD, that a Parkinson's diagnosis is not the end, there is optimism and hope if you have the courage to move forward and challenge your body like an athlete does every day. 'Boxing movements, footwork and balance are excellent for PD because the postures and movements required are almost the exact opposite of what occurs in this disease. Add yoga to this and the benefits of brain, body and mind are heartening.' When you read about health and longevity in books like Outlive by Dr Peter Attia, the concepts of community, diet, exercise and health are paramount. Dr Attia talks of 'lifespan' as a measure of quantity, while 'healthspan' is a measure of quality. He describes this by saying: 'You want to skate smoothly to the very end of your life, not hobble to the finish line.' Essentially, it's not just about living longer, it's about living better. When Ray Fazio describes seeing Parkinson's patients and the benefits of the FightPD program he says it's 'the best feeling I've ever had in my life'. Helping others often has this effect. Another revelation through my conversations this week is that I always believed Ali's Parkinson's curse was the result of his boxing life. This isn't the case. Ali was diagnosed with young-onset, idiopathic Parkinson's disease, confirmed through decades of clinical observation and imaging. In other words, he is likely to have contracted PD regardless of his career. After he died, Ali's family gave permission for the release of his medical records to a leading PD researcher in the US who published some surprising findings in a leading neurology journal. While repeated head trauma from boxing may have been a contributing risk factor, the evidence does not support boxing as the direct cause. His condition showed classic features of Parkinson's, not post-traumatic Parkinsonism. This being the case, I was uplifted to hear that boxing training can have a positive effect on health rather than the other way around. Few want to get into the ring and punch on with an opponent, unless of course you are a professional or amateur fighter. I understand and respect that and wouldn't advocate for it. But I would recommend to any person, regardless of your gender or age, the benefits of training and moving like a boxer. It's a fun, confidence-building method of looking after your health and fitness. It has been proven, that irrespective of our opinions on certain contact/combat sports, the physical skills, mental stimulus, decision-making, and movement techniques required to compete in this environment are often very beneficial. Not only will they prove valuable in regular life, but in the case of Fight PD they can also have major health and medical applications. Throughout history, boxing has been described as a noble art, a science of timing and geometry, and a brutal ballet. Ali famously said: 'I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.' Maybe there is something in this for all of us.
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Mitchell Starc proves he is world's best tail-ender by miles, leaves behind England, New Zealand and West Indies legends
Australia pacer Mitchell Starc has a habit of wreaking havoc with the ball in hand. However, this time around, he provided rear-guard action with the bat to bail Australia out of a precarious situation in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at the Lord's Cricket Ground. The left-handed batter remained unbeaten on 58 off 136 balls as he helped Australia set South Africa a target of 282 runs. Starc came out to bat at 73/7 with Australia staring down the barrel and running the risk of letting South Africa back in the game after gaining a first-innings lead of 74 runs. However, on Day 2, the left-hander, along with Alex Carey, put on 61 runs for the eighth wicket, rescuing the defending WTC champions. On Day 3, Starc came out to bat alongside Nathan Lyon. The latter got out cheaply. However, Josh Hazlewood, the No.11 batter, played a perfect second fiddle to Starc and the duo mixed caution with aggression. Along the way, Starc registered his 11th half-century in Tests. Also Read: WTC Final 2025, SA vs AUS Live Score: Mitchell Starc half-century gives South Africa a target of 282 Starc now holds the record for scoring the most number of centuries by a batter batting at No.9 or below. He has smashed eight half-centuries while batting at No.9 or lower. Starc is ahead of the likes of Stuart Broad, Daniel Vettori, Michael Holding, Kiran More, Tim Southee and Graeme Swann. He is also now just the second batter after Stuart Broad to have five 50-plus scores from No.9 or lower in Tests in a single country (England). Such was the effort of Starc in the second innings that he played the most number of balls by any batter in the ongoing WTC final at the Lord's Cricket Ground. Starc and Hazlewood put on 59 runs for the final wicket in the second innings of the WTC final against South Africa. This is now the highest tenth-wicket partnership in any ICC Men's Final across all three formats of the game. Australia were eventually bundled out for 207 in the second innings. Starc was the top-scorer with an unbeaten knock of 58. Kagiso Rabada returned with four wickets for South Africa in the second innings and he finished with nine wickets in the WTC final. South Africa, who were bundled out for 138 in the first innings, will now need to play out of their skins to win their maiden WTC title and break the ICC trophy drought. The Proteas have successfully chased down 250-plus five times in Tests to date. They can take confidence from the fact that three of these chases have come against Australia. South Africa had earlier chased down 414 against Australia at the WACA, Perth.
The Herald
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Amla hopes Proteas' appearance in WTC final can reinvigorate love of Test cricket in SA
'We have the SA20 League, which has created a huge surge of interest among youngsters. The crowds have been packed, and to have a Test team doing well will hopefully create a resurgence of the love of Test cricket. 'It is difficult because youngsters grow up, see sixes and fours and get attracted to the glitz and glamour of T20 cricket. But Test cricket offers other great virtues of discipline, patience and real deep values that it is very healthy to have and aspire to. 'Getting to the final of the competition makes us very proud and very happy. It shows SA are still a force in Test cricket and the world cricketing family.' Amla boasted an excellent record against Australia over his career, scoring five centuries against them, including a best of 196 in a 309-run win at the WACA in 2012. He played 21 times apiece against Australia, India and England and hopes this generation of Proteas stars receive similar opportunities to test their mettle against the best opposition. 'Not long ago, we played Australia every two years, either home or away. That goes for England and India too,' he said. 'We had fixtures which were always of high quality and that helped the players develop their game.
Int'l Cricket Council
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
Amla hopes Lord's appearance can spark ‘resurgence in love of Test cricket' in South Africa
Hashim Amla hopes South Africa's appearance at the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 can reinvigorate a love of red-ball cricket in his homeland. Amla was a key cog in a vintage Proteas generation, starring as part of the class of 2012 who sealed their status as the best Test team in the world at Lord's in a match which saw the batter etch his name on to the honours board for a second time. The current crop are looking to follow in those footsteps against Australia on the same ground and Amla stressed the significance of seeing South Africa on this stage when it comes to reminding the world of the talent which exists in the country. 'South Africa have been a powerhouse in cricket for many years in all formats – not long ago we reached the final in the T20 (World Cup),' he said. 'We have had a rich heritage ever since we came back into international cricket. It is extremely important that South Africa are seen and can perform to a standard to be included among the top Test nations. 'We have the SA20 League, which has created a huge surge of interest among youngsters. The crowds have been packed, and to have a Test team doing well will hopefully create a resurgence of the love of Test cricket again. 'It is difficult because youngsters grow up, see sixes and fours and get attracted to the glitz and glamour of T20 cricket. But Test cricket offers other great virtues of discipline, patience, real deep values that it is very healthy to have and aspire to. 'Getting to the final of this competition makes us very proud and very happy. It shows South Africa are still a force in Test cricket and the world cricketing family.' Amla boasted an excellent record against Australia over his career, scoring five centuries against them – including a best of 196 in a 309-run win at the WACA in 2012. He played 21 times apiece against Australia, India and England and hopes this generation of Proteas stars receive similar opportunities to test their mettle against the same opposition. 'Not long ago, we played Australia every two years, either home or away, that goes for England and India too," he said. 'We had fixtures which were always of high quality and that in itself helped the players develop their game. 'If you are playing against high quality opposition, you will naturally raise your game and you judge yourself against the best, so you are always improving.' One Proteas star who has kicked on in recent years is captain Temba Bavuma, a regular source of runs on their route to the final. Amla has been hugely impressed by the skipper on and off the field and hailed the way he has juggled his responsibilities. 'Temba has been amazing,' he said. 'No-one would have given South Africa a chance of getting to the final when this started two years ago but he has led the team brilliantly and performed outstandingly as a batsman himself. 'That is one of the important aspects of being captain, not to forget about your batting, so he has done amazingly well to maintain both his batting performance and he has taken it to another level. He is the mainstay and the most important batter for South Africa. 'The way he has led, he is tactically very good and he has the respect of the team. The fact they are in the Final means he has been doing all the right things.' The Lord's showpiece followed a special night for Amla earlier in the week, as he became one of the seven newest inductees into the ICC Hall of Fame. London's iconic Abbey Road Studios played host to the ceremony, with the South African star joined by his former captain Graeme Smith as well as MS Dhoni, Matthew Hayden, Sarah Taylor, Sana Mir and Daniel Vettori in being recognised. 'It is a huge honour, not something you ever think about when you grow up playing cricket in the back yard as a passion,' he said. 'To be recognised and included alongside some of those names is a bit mind-boggling, really. 'From a South African perspective, you have guys like Jacques Kallis and Shaun Pollock in there, and Graeme (Smith) is someone I played with for 70-odd Test matches and was a great leader for us. "Then worldwide, guys like Matthew Hayden, who I grew up watching destroy attacks around the world - it is amazing and I am so grateful to be included among those names. "It was a fantastic evening – there were lots of Beatles fans reminiscing about where songs had been recorded – and it feels very surreal.' ENDS
News.com.au
12-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Cummins' history-making six-for vs. SA
Cricket: Australia captain Pat Cummins took his 300th test wicket to secure a six-for against South Africa in the World Test Championship Final.
