ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
The town’s city workers are taking full advantage of a rare scheduling treat this week, with the first Test between Australia and India in Perth perfectly timed for after-work cricket sessions at the pub.
The match at Optus Stadium, starting at 10:20 AM Perth time, means the final two sessions coincide with prime evening hours in the Eastern States.
From the newsroom here, this masthead’s executive expect a mass exodus at 5 PM sharp as reporters, sales people, managerial windowlickers and print press workers headed straight to the Cricketer’s Legs Hotel over the road to settle in with a schooner and enjoy live Test cricket.
“It’s the dream scenario,” said Craig James, a childless family content writer still in his work shirt as debutant Nathan McSweeney grabbed his first Test catch.
“You knock off, head to the pub, and get two full sessions of Test cricket. It’s better than Easter.”
The Cricketer’s Legs was packed to capacity, with city workers clutching their pints while Mitch Starc steamed. The pub’s owner, Bev McAlister, says the match has been a godsend for business.
“These boys live for moments like this,” said Bev.
“You’ve got beers, cricket, and no awkward ‘Sorry, love, I with my boys having some beers’ texts. Everyone’s happy.”
With the second day-night Test in Adelaide scheduled for later this summer, workers are already planning their next pub outing.
“We’ll be back for Adelaide,” James asdded.
“That one’s even better timing. You can start at lunch, call it a ‘team bonding exercise,’ and stay all night. God bless Test cricket.”
More to come.
