Cricket Superstar

Tonight on Cricket Superstar we will find out who the true one is! Will it BeIan “Dutchie” Holland, Dave Vernon or James Moss?

In the process of this series we have met mega cricket heroes and tonight they battle it out for the title after a nation wide search that has found these three at the top.

At the mansion AB (Allan Border) arrves and gives some advice to the boys –

Dutchie – Is amazed at the experience and thinks he should be picked as he loves the game, is a consistent all rounder and has hopefully shown his passion
Mossy – He has a hip problem, so this may be a sure fire way out. He believes his talent and fun will get him through – mm dougt AB will choose himm – never risk an injury!
Dave – Ab thinks he has progressed really well and thats what he was looking for and has concentrated on basicd. He thinks he can have an impact at the next level

The boys meet Lee in the city (Brisbane) and the themw tonight is RESPECT – how they respect themselves,m team mates and others.

They are off to James Street Kitchen where they meet the cricketer and cook Matthew Hayden. They are making Spaghetti Bolognese for the less fortunate and the boys take pride and are really kind and sensitive.

Now the boys arrive at the Salvos where boys and girls between 15 and 17 are struggling, to serve them the spaghetti. Wow these kids could be superstars and are serving kids less fortunate – who also could be if given the chance. The boys all get it and I love them for it!

OMG these great kids are being sent to Dreamworld!!! I really don’t think an emotional woman should write tonights recap – but is! How great is that!

At The Centre of Excellence 10 weeks ago – the boys now have to tackle Ray Moxley and te blind cricket team. They bowl underarm and the boys will hav to wear blacked out glasses. Mossy is a failure, Dutchie does well and Dave is struggling. What a challenge! Now they have to bowl blind! The blind Australia cricket team go well, but Dutchie perorms well.

The guys are now prepared for a massive suprise!

The guys are sponsered to look great and are fussing before they meet the special guests – the Aussie girls cricket team ans the boys are smitten. Cooking tonight is Astair McLeod – serving a brilliant menu!

It’s the best dinner the boys have had and they love the company. The girls offer luck and success and the girls are even inspired by the boys. At the final master class is one of the most respected cricketers and fastest bowlers – Brett Lee. He congratulates the guys – but are now doing a centre wicket trial.

Dave bowls well and Ab thinks is the big improver – It’s him or Dutchie I say! Hang on – Brett doesnt like Dutchie – Bring it on Brett!

Now the boys head to their last match. A night game 20/20 – but tonight they wll join Caloundra against the Sunshine oast Scorchers – whom they dominated last time. I am so scared! I want Dutchie to win!

James opens batting. OMG DUCK – oh, ok hit pad – bit emotional there! He’s stilll in! Tensio is high – especially to impress Border but Mossy is OUT!1 run for 4 balls.

Next in is Dutchie and he is stressed! He is making bad moves and the pressure is on. His partner is whacking them while he stalls. He comes to the crease and he’s belting them out! Go Dutchie! Mossy is so sad. Now for Vernon

Oh No Dutchie is out! and only Dave the bowler remains with few runs. Now the cricket superstars will field – with Dave up first. He’s doing well with great catches. Now is Ian’s turn – he has a great run – as usual. James is up and it seems that Mossy is Ab’s fave. The Superstars with Caloundra have won!. Man of the match goes to Dutchie – he better win!

I have gone for this guy from day one and I think I will be wrong – as usually am.

Now for the final eliminatio and to find out the winner! The boys see their state jerseys and are on overdrive.

Who will get the rookie contract with their state? Is it Dave, James or Ian?

David will play for WA, Ian will be VIC and James will be SA.

AB is deliberating.

Ian has done everuthing with class, and has ticked alot of boxes – but his batting is a worry against a big bowler. He thinks he can handle it.

James – He has all the skills and he improves – but he has a hip injury. Mossy thinks he has done well.

David – A big bowler that has improved but has he got the mongrel in him?

This has to go to Ian?!

Only one will win Australia’s first cricket superstar.

Who will it be??

Allan Border declares that Mossy is OUT! He has everything but needs time to perfect.

Now is it Ian or David? The winner is ………..Ian “Dutchie” Holland !!! YEAH I predicted that weeks ago! I never get Young Talent Time but got this! Yeah Ian! Good luck to all the boys.

CONGRATULATIONS IAN!! And thanks to the few people that read this blog – I learnt more about cricket than I ever knew – which was not much! Bring on Season Two!

With only four left we are coming towards the end of this series and it’s getting tough who will get a scholarship and chance to play for their state. Now the boys are heading to South Africa to hang out with the Aussie cricket team. My money (if I had any) is on Dutchie to win this – and I dont know the outcome at all. Hence last week I picked Jake to be in final 2.

The boys think it’s amazing they are in the top 4 and in Africa. They are in South Africa and get a bit of a culture shock at the living conditions. In Johannesburg the boys are told there will be no captain this week – but will be off to see Sth Africa play the Aussies. At the game the boys are hyped and then as they see the Aussies dominate and it starts to storm – the game is canned and they all go to a corporate box. The boys meet some of the Aussie team and the boys ask questions and are a bit overwhelmed. Then Justin Langer drops the fact that the boys will train with them soon. Training with the Aussie team is so awesome for these guys and they are excited.

The boys go on safari and do an amazing flying fox (or zip lining) over the terrain and I wanna do that!The boys adrenaline is racing and they are loving it! I’m a girl – but jeepers that Lee Furlong is one pretty and fearless chick. AB is probably the best at it though. Graham is proud of the boys and thinks they deserve the reward getting to Sth Africa.

Now the boys head on the real safari and see giraffes and elephants and they are even allowed to touch the alaphants – at 3 and a half tonnes they have more courage than me. They also see lions, cheetahs and amazing hippos. Now time for training with the Aussies.

The boys arrive at the stadium and Ben is asleep – but James gets him up – telling him it’s not a good look. The boys think it’s phenomenal that they get to bowl to the Aussie team and just the fact that they are there. David bowls really well and is fantastic and the Aussie team think he has a future. Now is Dutchies turn – he does ok. Now it’s James and it’s David though that has impressed the most. Ben has declines to have a go – but he’s a batsman, yet realises a missed opportunity.

Craig McDermott gives Dutchie and James some great advice and AB is impressed by all. Shane Watson is impressed by James and yet Ben does quite averagely. Dutchie is as usual impressive and is just told to loosen up.

In the morning the boys go to Sowheto and love the experience, they then head on to Nelson Mandelas house where they are given a historical recap on Mandela. They then head to a primary school to show them a bit of cricket – but the kids don’t care! So funny!

Dutchie thinks it’s the best thing he has done in his life so far – this guy needs to win – great game and attitude! Now it’s time for the boys to go back to Brisbane and the dismissal. There is only one week to go until we find out who is the first cricket superstar!

At dismissal the final four are waiting for the verdict. AB is impressed and thinks he is right in his choice of the to 4. Will 1 or 2 be eliminated tonight?

David Vernon – He is told that he’s a fast learner, an amaxing talent and can control his nerves. He is safe and the first through to the final 3.

Ben Cooper – He chose not to bowl and will this hurt him? AB thinks he has potential but is still a bit raw – He’s out!!! Ouch.

“Dutchie” Holland – He’s worried and Graham is unsure he could fit in to Melbourne, AB is worried about his batting skills – but AB has the final say and he is safe!

James Moss – Had a great week but has hip problems. He says he can manage. AB says he is safe.

So who do you think will win – I say Dutchie but David is a sneaky up and comer!

Sorry this was posted a day late!

With still 7 boys remaining – who will be dismissed tonight? The boys are indoors as it’s pouring and the boys have a special guest – Ellyse Perry, who represents Australia in both cricket and soccer – what an underachiever. Together with Lee it’s announced that this weeks theme is preperation.

This weeks captain will be the most prepared, so Lee and Ellyse will go through their kit bags. There are wet towels, dirty sox and jocks but Josh is immaculate and is made skipper. Graham talks to Chris about his ankle and it’s not looking good, he basically is saying go before you are told to. They head to an underground are and will have to see if they can model.

Charlotte Dawson tells them it will be a walkoff and along with models from last seasons ANTM dresses them all up, bronzes them and away they go. Jakes a charachter along with Dutchie and a couple rip their buttons off! But hang on, now it’s swim wear and the boys are stuffing sox down their pants. The boys strut and Jake tosses his sock at the girls and makes the girls squeal but Ben wins for a lay down pose.

Chris has been thinking long and hard and has decided to leave as his ankle is too bad. Graham is really proud of him and it’s all quite sad, so we are down to 6.

Graham meets the boys at a house and they will have to make a mini urn – representing the Ashes. The boys are in hysterics as they are shown how to mould the clay on the pottery wheel – even Graham is cracking up and the innuendos are flying! Whoevers looks the closest wins an XBOX360 and the winner is Ben – again!

This next cricket game is a 30 over match and the field is still wet and the opposition is the QLD invitational youth side. 5 local boys will join the superstars and they are fieldling first, and things are not going well. Josh is ok, says AB but needs something more. The boys fielding improves and it’s 2/100, 3/111, 4/114 and the QLD youth end on 7/144. Now Graham has decided that he only wants the remaining six superstars to bat and not the fill ins. 

Opening are James and Jake and James hits a 6 off the first ball and after James is out Ben comes in and he gets a 6 too and is then caught. Josh is on and Jake has to improve on his runs but is out and it’s 3/66. Here comes Dutchie who along with Josh is getting some good runs – I swear Dutchie will win this competition. This partnership has got them a win and are 3/151 in less than 25 overs. Josh gets man of the match and $1k.

It’s raining again so the boys have to play indoors and are joined by a special guest former Australian bowler – Andy Bichel. He is on the selectors commitee and is looking at all the boys closely. James thinks his biggest competition is either Dutchie or Jake and I personally think Dutchie and Jake will be the final two. Now for the dismissal.

Josh is called first as the skipper and he says he knows his bowling is not up to scratch, but he captained well this week. Oh My God, I was sure he was safe but Border just called him out – bloody hell. It’s going to be one of those weeks – man of the match get’s sent home. Next up is James “Mossy” Moss and he iis safe – phew! Now for Dutchie – AB says there asr things he needs to improve but is safe. David is called up and AB thinks he’s been developing nicely but has recently stalled – he’s safe (this guy always slips under my radar). Lastly it’s Jake and they say he’s a great player but he’s out. He’s good enough for 1st class cricket but mentally neeeds to get there.

So much for my top two predictions – I think it was completely the wrong decision. If he’s good enough let him try and win the competition. Ben is safe – so that means all my money is on Dutchie. Next week they are going to South Africa – wow that should be a good episode, even if Jake isn’t there and deserved to be.

Tonight on Cricket Superstar there are only 7 wannabes left after last weeks shock triple elimination that saw Mason, Justin and Richard leave. Tonight the theme is pressure and the fight for skipper is on. The boys must predict who will bat first and how many runs the team will get in the Ryobi Cup when the Victorian Bushrangers take on the Brisbane Balls.

Ben guesses VIC for 273, Chris – VIC for 261, Josh – VIC for 270, Jake – QLD 215, James – VIC 309,  Dutchie – VIC 287 and David – VIC 230. The boys head to the Gabba to see the game and Jake gets the baggy green cap for the second time for being the only one to pick QLD. The boys are at a training session and are playing like it was a real match but are in the nets. The boys then start getting heckled and it’s getting to the boys and they have no idea what’s going on. Chris abuses the guy back and Graham let’s them know that he’s there to teach them that they will get sledged and will need to give it as well as recieve.

The boys are told that they will be strapped to heart monitors and who ever keeps their cool the most will win the challenge, oh, while skydiving. Jake, Ben, Josh and Graham are in group one and are Josh is looking scared. At 12,000 feet Graham is first then Jake (162), Josh (162) and then Ben (163). Graham looks rather green, but Josh who was so scared has loved it.

Group two is Chris, Dutchie, James and David and Dutchie is sweating bullets. David’s heart rate is already at 100 while on the ground while the other boys are at 80. Dutchie is up first (137), Chris (162) James (171) and David (153). David does well for being nervous early on but yet again Ian “Dutchie” Holland has won again.

The boys head of to their first night game against the Sunshine Coast Scorchers. As there are only 7 boys left, Graham will step in as wicket keeper and they will also get two players from the Scorchers, but to make up the 11, Sam Brandon is back. He is not back in the competition, just here to help out. Jake wins the toss and chooses to bat first.

James and Chris bat first and Chris gets off to a great start and are 0/80. Chris is out and are 1/82 and Jake comes out to bat and Border wants to see him perform and he does well. The boys end up on 4/158 in this 20/20.

David opens the bowling, but doesn’t do so well and Border isn’t that impressed with his overall performance. The Scorchers need 15 runs from the last over and choose Sam to bowl, wise move seeing as he can’t be eliminated. The Superstars have won! David and Josh have impressed the least but James wins man of the match.

The boys meet Matthew Hayden and he explains to them how to handle pressure, wether it be internal or external. They get a lesson in batting, catching and then head to the nets.

The boys head into dismissal and I fear it will be David this week. Jake gets praised for his leadership but hasn’t shown enough so is not safe. The top order is James, Dutchie and Chris. Border is worried about Chris’s ankle injury though. All are safe

The middle order is Ben and Josh, but Graham thinks they are floating through and need to try harder, but both are safe. That leaves the tailenders being David and Jake. I’m shocked Jake is in the bottom but both are safe as AB decided thathe wants another week to see who should stay and who should go.

We are down to the top ten cricket superstars and this weeks theme is focus. To find out who will be skipper Graham says they will each have three chances at getting a classic catch while jumping into the pool. Mason gets a great one, Justin belly flops, Dutchie is a charachter as always. The baggy green goes to Justin

Off to training and they are split again into the julios and the nerds and will have to complete an obstacle course – the fastest team will be the winners. The Julios are dressed with wigs and sunnies and the nerds with ties and Harry Potter glasses. To make the teams even a nerd has to join the Julios and they pick Dutchie.

The nerds complete it in 7min 10 sec while the Julio’s win (we didn’t see the time) making them 2 – 1 against the nerds. Graham says the boys deserve a treat and the boys are off to Sydney. In Sydney they head to the Wanda sand dunes and are introduced to Jock (appropriate name) Campbell who is going to push them to the limit. Prize for this challenge will be immunity. They have to do 6km on soft sand, but James has to sit it out.

The boys are almost vomiting and Chris pulls out with an ankle injury, Josh Ian and Jake are the best but Jake is a phenomenon and wins the challenge. The boys head to Bondi beach for a recovery session and meet  Aussie Test cricketer Usman Khawaja who tells them they will play the KFC Big Bash team the Sydney 6ers. They head to Bowral – Bradmans hometown and this is the 6ers first game. The boys are bowling first and Border is unsure how Justin will go as Captain. David is improving and gets an early wicket. Mason is struggling and the superstars are in trouble. Justin comes on the field and they get 18 runs off his bowling over.

Dutchie is up to bowl and gets 3 quick wickets (he might win this whole thing) and the the 6ers end up on 6/148. The opening pair are Richard and Justin and aren’t doing too well, Richard is out and blames Justin. All think he’s a selfish captain and are out 5/132 and Graham is not happy. I think Justin may go home as everyone is throwing him under the bus. Dutchie gets man of the match and $1000.

The boys head to Fox Sports studio and are at Inside Cricket. Brendan Julian is there and the boys have to form pairs and do an interview – one as interviewer the guest. Richard interviews Mason and do a good job. Ben interviews Chris, Josh and Justin , Ian and James have a bit of a struggle but Mason and Richard win and get a year of Foxtel! The boys then go out on the Oz jet boat and then head to elimination. I think Justin or Mason is going home.

Jake is safe after his amazing sand dune challenge win of immunity. Justin as captain is next and sent back to the group. The top order are Ian, David, James and Ben and are safe. The middle order has Josh and Chris and are safe also. That leaves Justin, Mason and Richard. Border decides that Mason is out, Richard is out and Justin is OUT! Jeepers!!!!

That leaves only seven, and they are:

1 – Josh Clarke (18) NSW – Spin bowler and all rounder.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
2 – Jake Fawcett (21) WA – Wicketkeeper

3 – Ian “Dutchie” Holland (21) VIC – Batter

10 – Ben Cooper (19) TAS – Batter.

11 – Chris Chellew (21) WA – Bowler and fielder.

12 – David Vernon (21) WA – Pace bowler
 
14 – James Moss (22) SA -  Batter and all rounder.

For Last weeks recap click here.

At the mansion, Lee welcolmes the final 11 and this weeks theme is strength. The challenge for skipper involves bungy running to grab a flag – a horizontal version of bungy jumping. Dutchie and Richard are first, and it’s basically resistance running and neither get the flag. Then it’s Josh and Jake – they fail too. James is the first to get a flag, followed by David. It’s a showdown between David and James and the winner is …….James. He’s the skipper for this week and will be moving into the ensuite.

Now at training the boys are having a session and Graham says he is going to step it up this week. The boys do laps fully padded and are spent, Justin even has an asthma attack. They run for 45 minutes and now it’s time for the skill element – it’s the Julio’s vs the nerds again in a competition to hit the stumps. The Julios win – making it one all so far in the series.

In the next challenge, each superstar wannabe will have to try and pull their mini bus 20m, whoever does it in the quickest time will win sports equipment, supplements and immunity. To top it off – all the other contestants will be in the bus along with Lee and Graham. James is first and pulls it in 40 seconds, next is Mason who looks like he’s tap dancing and fails. David pulls it in 1min 6 seconds, Justin 47seconds, Richard manages 52 seconds while Josh gets 59 seconds. Ben gets a speedy 33 seconds and last up is Dutchie. He gets low and gets the time of 36 seconds. So Ben is safe this week.

At the ground the boys find out that they will be playing the Bulls Masters – who have all previously played first class cricket. Alex drops an easy ball, Jake gets a great wicket. Justin is the first batsman out and Jake gets out for 21 runs and the team is 4/52. Ben gets a great 6 and with the last ball and 1 run needed they get run out so the game is tied at 5/151. They go into a super over where they nominate three batters and see how many runs they can get off 1 over. The superstars get 12 off their over, Chris is bowling and the Bulls get 6 off the first ball and get 14 by the end of the over. Graham is proud and the fresh talent and $1000 goes to Ben for his awesome batting.

The boys now head to the Brisbane Institute of Art and are dressed in plastic jumpsuits! The boys will have to throw paint covered bowling balls at a canvas of stumps and whoever has the most colourful canvas will get a signed cricket bat from the 2009 West Indies vs Australia series. Jake goes really well as does Josh while Chris and Dutchie decide to face paint. The winner of the fresh skills challenge is the forever injured Alex.

Last chance training is upon the boys and they are met by Ryan Harris (a first grade bowler) and are given tips on their bowling skills while Allan watches on. Alex is sitting this one out again due to injury and I am a bit scared for him. Ryan gives them advice on how to play for Australia and wishes them luck.

Heading to dismissal we know Ben is safe (due to immunity) and he also won the man of the match. James is a born leader according to Graham and is safe. In the top order are David, Dutchie and Jake – all safe. In the middle order are Richard, Chris and Josh – they are safe but need to bring more. In the bottom order are Alex, Mason and Justin and at least one is heading home. Mason is safe and going home this week is the injured Alex.

The remaining team members making the top ten are:

1 – Josh Clarke (18) NSW – Spin bowler and all rounder.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
2 – Jake Fawcett (21) WA – Wicketkeeper

3 – Ian “Dutchie” Holland (21) VIC – Batter

5 – Justin Avendano (18) NSW – A NSW under 19 batter.

6 – Richard Potter (18) NSW – Wicketkeeper.

9 – Mason Crozier (20) VIC – Pace bowler.

10 – Ben Cooper (19) TAS – Batter.

11 – Chris Chellew (21) WA – Bowler and fielder.

12 – David Vernon (21) WA – Pace bowler
 
14 – James Moss (22) SA -  Batter and all rounder.

Tonight with 12 boys left after the dismissal of Jake S and Cameron, Lee enters the pool room and tells them that the theme is passion. Straight into the challenge for skipper and the boys need to express how much they love the game through either a poem, song, dance or speech to win. Lee is on the balcony with roses ala The Bachelorette!?! 11 boys will get a rose and one the skippers baggy green cap. Jake tells a story, Ben says a funny poem, David puts a spin on Martin Luther Kings “I have a dream” speech, James has a poem, Justin a song, Sam a dance, Ian a song that’s funny – the winner is Ian “Dutchie” Dutch. Jake is out of the VIP room and Dutchie is in.      
 
The boys go to training and old injuries flare up. Sam and Alex have bad ankles. Graham Manou thinks it’s the high intensity of their workload so it’s time for a bit of fun. The boys are split into two teams the Julio’s vs. the nerds. Captain for the nerds is – Dutchie and James is the cool captain. The boys have to hit balls into nets from the pitch and the team that loses has to carry and pack the other teams bags until the next challenge which is next week. The nerds win!

Now back at the house, Lee brings in the ladies from the Southern Stars the Australian womens cricket team – current holders of the Ashes and 20/20 world champions. The guys are loving it and chatting away with the girls when Lee announces that there will be a game tomorrow – girls versus boys. They look forward to playing against such a high level but Dutchie doesn’t want to go out to a girl. The girls team is the number one 20/20 team in the world.

The boys are batting first with Justin and Richard heading to the crease and it’s a maiden over. Justin is out for 7 runs and Jake F is in. Jake really needs to improve as the last two weeks have been dismal and QUACK he is sent for a duck, he’s in trouble now. Border is not happy with their performance but also concedes are playing a great team. Poor Dutchie doesn’t even get to face a ball with him run out, the guys can’t handle the slower paced bowling of the women and the wickets keep falling. Border thinks at next eviction it may be who stays and all the rest can go with the superstars all out for 117 and 2 ducks.

The almighty Southern Stars are up and the girls start with a 4! Sam’s bowling is bad and he blames injury, but Alan Border is not a happy camper at all. Pocket rocket Chris Chellew is up to bowl and gets two girls out in two balls – it’s 2/9. Can he get a hat trick now? Yes! Think this guy will win man of the match and be safe from dismissal. Alan has noticed some excellent fielding and realises it again is Chris – says he is sneaking up and is a smart cricketer. So safe! The girls are all out for 102 making the Superstars the winners. The KFC Fresh Talent of the week is ….. Chris Chellew! What a surprise. He recieves a $1000.

At the mansion Lee is there and talks about India being the most passionate cricket nation – loving that and Bollywood, enter the Bollywood dancers. The challenge is to learn a Bollywood routine and to make it passionate. Ben has decided to go for it, as he hasn’t won a challenge yet. All the boys are giving a wiggle to the hips and are having a great time, and the winner is ……..Ben Cooper. He wins a $500 voucher to see the Aussie team play anywhere in the world.

The boys walk into the GABBA – and it’s an etiquette challenge – the boys are not impressed. They are taught about napkins, cutlery and are killing themselves laughing at it all and the winner is Justin gets a $1500 suit. Now for some action. Ricky Ponting is here to teach them about 20/20 and give them tips on how to hit and where, the throwing at stumps and gives feedback to each of them. Jake is struggling and Ponting isn’t really impressed with him either. I think it may be time for another Jake to be dismissed.

At dismissal, Border says that the game against the Southern Stars was not good, especially their batting. Dutchie gets a good review and is safe. The top order 3 are Chris, Richard and James – all safe. The middle order 3 are Ben, David and Mason – all safe for now. There are 5 tail enders this week – the most so far. The bottom 5 are Jake S, Josh, Justin, Alex and Sam as border doesn’t think they have prooved themselves. Justin is safe, Sam is out – even though sick, they don’t think he’s got the tactics. All the rest including Jake are safe.

The remaining team is

1 – Josh Clarke (18) NSW – Spin bowler and all rounder.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
2 – Jake Fawcett (21) WA – Wicketkeeper

3 – Ian “Dutchie” Holland (21) VIC – Batter

5 – Justin Avendano (18) NSW – A NSW under 19 batter.

6 – Richard Potter (18) NSW – Wicketkeeper.

9 – Mason Crozier (20) VIC – Pace bowler.

10 – Ben Cooper (19) TAS – Batter.

11 – Chris Chellew (21) WA – Bowler and fielder.

12 – David Vernon (21) WA – Pace bowler

13 – Alex Frick (19) VIC – Fast bowler
 
14 – James Moss (22) SA -  Batter and all rounder.

The Marriage Ref, 11.05pm, Seven
Jerry Seinfeld is back for a funny and revealing comedy panel about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. Celebrities Jerry Seinfeld, Alec Baldwin and Kelly Ripa all appear as guest panellists to try and sway the Marriage Ref himself, comedian Tom Papa on two very unusual marital disputes.

Twenty/20 – Australia v India, 7pm, Nine
Wide World of Sports presents all the big-hitting action and fanfare of Twenty/20 with Australia versus India from Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush. Join the commentary team for all the action.

Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation, 8pm, Ten
Join Shaun Micallef, Amanda Keller, Charlie Pickering and Josh Thomas as they battle against each other in a war of the generations. Tonight’s guests are Mary Coustas, Stephen K and Jodi Gordon.

Drop Dead Gorgeous, 9.30pm, GO!
There can be only one Miss Teen Princess, and an overbearing mother will stop at nothing to make sure her daughter wins a beauty contest.

Cricket Superstar, 7.35pm, FOX8
The boys are shown how to play by one of the nation’s all-time greats as Ricky Ponting arrives to run a training masterclass. Then, it’s a battle of the sexes as they meet their next opponents, the national women’s team.

This week the remaining 14 will be cut down to 12 with a double elimination.

Last weeks theme was communication and this weeks it’s endurance – where their bodies and minds will be tested. The team need to choose a new skipper, so they head into a captains challenge – the winner will get Oakley Radar sunglasses as well as the VIP suite for the week.

The challenge involves holding their arms out in front at a 90 degree angle holding a cricket bat – the twist is that every 10 seconds another bat will be added. Jake Fawcett was the winner with 14 bats and holding them 2 min 23sec. Richard Potter is now out of the VIP suite and Jake is in.

The boys head off to the Centre of Excellence for some drills. Alex bowls to Ian – or Dutchie as they call him and gets a ball right in his face under the grill and gets a bloody nose, but otherwise is okay. Graham Manou takes then takes them to The Old Museum where they must compete in the next challenge. They meet Mia a soprano and they will see who is the loudest and most ethusiastic yelling “HOWZAT!”  and the winners are Justin and Cameron.

They now head to Willowbank, for a race car rally “fresh test” challenge. They compete for the fastest time in a rally race. Poor is only Jake on his L’s, but it’s Mason and Cam who crash the car. Slowest is Cam, and the winner is James Moss – getting a 6 month gym membership.

Now it’s game day! the boys are playing against the QLD Academy of Sport team – and are daunted. Wearing there baggy caps, the team heads out and QLD are killing them. Davud is great yet others leave a lot to be desired. Dutchie misses a great catch

The QLD team end at the innings on 156.The boys will now bat and Graham Manou is not confident. – are 2 for 8. The superstars end up losing with 129 runs and QLD with 159.

Now is time for elimination after there poor effort. Dave is the “Fresh Talent” of the week – winning $1000. Now the eliminations …. It will be a double!

There is a challenge that includes batting, bowling, fielding and catching. Who does the best wins. The guys give their all, and the prize is for the winner of the over all challenge is – Alex wins – getting four tickets in a corpoate box!

The eliminations now start – after drills – it’s down to the final 14 that will be 12. At elimination two are sent home – they are – Jake S is out – now Cam? Wow! Really?

Cricket Superstar airs at 7.30pm on Wednesdays on FOX 8. For week two’s elimination click here.

Last week the 60 finalists became the top 15.

This week will be the show’s first elimination – this is how it went.

The boys go to their mansion they will be living and the boys receive kit bags numbered 1 to 15. They are numbered in accordance to how well the boys performed in the fitness results in last weeks selection results weekend.
 
1 – Josh Clarke (18) NSW – Spin bowler and all rounder.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
2 – Jake Fawcett (21) WA – Wicketkeeper

3 – Ian “Dutchie” Holland (21) VIC – Batter

4 – Jake Scicluna (17) NSW – Batter

5 – Justin Avendano (18) NSW – A NSW under 19 batter.

6 – Richard Potter (18) NSW – Wicketkeeper.

7 – Jackson Smith (19) QLD – Bowler.

8 – Cameron Williams (20) TAS- A leg spinner.

9 – Mason Crozier (20) VIC – Pace bowler.

10 – Ben Cooper (19) TAS – Batter.

11 – Chris Chellew (21) WA – Bowler and fielder.

12 – David Vernon (21) WA – Pace bowler

13 – Alex Frick (19) VIC – Fast bowler
 
14 – James Moss (22) SA -  Batter and all rounder.

15 – Sam Brandon (20) QLD – Fast bowler

The boys are then sent on a challenge. Allan Border interviews each of the boys asking themto tell him in one sentence why they should be the 1st captain of the squad? Lot’s of the boys choke and can’t get an answer out. Lee Furlong tells the boys that each week there will be a theme and this weeks is communication, not so good for some of the squad. Allan announces the winner and therefore captain is … Richard Potter! Who gets the VIP suite in the house. At the Centre of Excellence Lee introduces their mentor, former Australian test cricketer Graham Manou, and then go through some fielding drills.

Back at the house the smoke alarms start to wail and the boys have no idea what is going on – the place fills with smoke and the fire brigade come and evacuate them. They are then put into the fire trucks and sent to the Queensland Fire and Rescue Training Centre. In this challenge, they have to complete an obstacle course in 10min and 20 sec or less, while carrying a load of 30kg. The winner Ian Holland, just beating out Sam Brandon – considered the unfittest of the group. Ian receives immunity. The guys then climb the Story Bridge, where Graham tells them tomorrow is game day.

The boys are having a 20/20 game against the under Queenslland 19′s and there will be a team made for batting and one for bowling/fielding. The superstars win the toss and choose to bat – Justin and Jake S are the openers.

Captain Richard gets a duck and are on 6/90. Ian is not out and has the best batting of the day with 27  runs off 22 balls, the boys end on 7/139 at end of innings. Jackson bowls alot of no balls giving away alot of free runs while Mason and Ian excel – the team end up winning on 139 against the u/19′s 132. Allan announces a new award – the KFC Fresh Talent of the week and the winner is Ian “Dutchie” Holland and pockets $1000 – and he already had immunity!

The elimination is called the dismissal and we know Ian is safe. Richard, as a great captain is safe.  Jake F, Mason, Ben, James and Josh are called forward and top of the class and are safe. Justin, Jake S, Alex, David, Sam are called forward and are considered the middle order – they need to lift their game, but are safe. The tailenders are – Jackson, Cameron and Chris.

Cameron’s spin bowling wasn’y suited to a short game, Chris played to many low shots and Jackson was below standard. Chris is safe. Jackson is eliminated and Cameron is safe.

Cricket Superstar airs at 7.30pm on Wednesdays on FOX 8.

For Week One click here.