Final stop - Sydney

So the final test for England, and the final stop in Australia for me is Sydney. I have  been here a couple of times before, but it is such a large and diverse city there is always somewhere/something new to find.

The test match was probably the best of the series. Both teams had chances, the pitch was excellent giving rewards to batsman and bowlers that performed well and it lasted the full five days. From day 2 Australia always seemed slightly ahead but on the last day it could have gone either way.  A great ground, full crowds and some big moments with it being the Pink Test, Bethell's hundred and Khwaja's last match.

Outside of the test, its been a bit of a walking trip. I did the Bondi to Coogee  coastal walk - which is about 6km and gives you some great views along the way. Then I did the Harbour Bridge walk. This is really well organised, feels really safe and is not particularly onerous. The guide provided some excellent insights into the construction and ongoing history of the bridge together with commentary on the sights we could see. Highly recommended.

I also managed to get to two performances at the Opera House. I had previously gone on a tour inside which was very interesting but this time managed to book 1) Madam Butterfly and 2) Duck Pond which was a circus/dancing combination of Swan Lake and Ugly Duckling. Sounds weird but was really enjoyable. The acoustics in both halls were both not surprisingly top notch and the interior architecture fitted in well with the exterior.

Final sport on the trip - the evening semi final of the United Cup @ a relatively new tennis event for nations. USA v Poland - unfortunately Poland beat Australia in the quarter final - which together with the heat meant that the stadium was not full but grew for the women's match between Gauff and Swiatek, which deserved a full crowd. Overall Poland ran out victors through winning the mixed doubles - much to the pleasure of the crowd which had a significant and vocal Polish contingent.

So thats where Sydney and Australia trip ends - to bare me farewell the clouds have opened and Sydney is wet and a bit cooler. All very generous trying to get me to acclimatise before getting home  - in vain however as I am stopping in Dubai for a few days on the way back