I don’t think I’ve been as excited about a variety as sporting events as I am at this moment. Living out here in Australia I’ve been struck by the passion with which people follow their sports. Here, losing is simply unacceptable. That’s mainly because they don’t lose much. At anything.

So, it’s been pretty close to fantastic as the current Ashes series is particularly enjoyable for me. The Ashes are a series of 5 tests played between England and Austrlia every two years. At this moment our American friends may want to find out more about cricket.

At the moment, with 4 matches played, England are leading 2-1. There is one more game to play at the Oval in London. If Australia win (which is looking increasingly unlikely) then the series is drawn and they retain the Ashes. Any other result and we win them for the first time in yonks.

While you’re waiting for the 5th test to begin on Thursday, this should get you in the mood…

But that’s not all. My home football (that’s soccer for all those people who have another game that they call “football” and yet don’t play it with their feet) team, Sheffield United have had a blinding start to the season. They’re currently top of the Championship (the second tier of 4 professional leagues in England) and seemingly on a roll.

The only thing annoying about all of this is that it’s happening (literally) on the other side of the world and 9 hours away. That’s a lot of sleep I’m missing.

Is it worth it? You bet’cha.