HOT OR NOT: Olivier Giroud hopes for an explosive start at Chelsea as the WACA Ground awaits uncertain future

  • Olivier Giroud was loved at Arsenal but may make debut for Chelsea on Monday
  • Bowler Tom Curran impresses again by hauling England to an unlikely victory 
  • The WACA Ground faces potential demolition as it is replaced by Perth Stadium

It's Hot or Not time again as Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman reveals what's been making him feel warm and what's been leaving him cold this week.

 

 HOT

TOM CURRAN


The England bowler typifies the approach of Eoin Morgan's ODI side and the way he hauled his team from likely defeat to victory in Perth was impressive. English cricket continues to produce clever, intelligent bowlers suited to the shorter forms of the game. 

What we really need now is a genuinely quick one for Tests.

Tom Curran typifies the approach of Eoin Morgan’s ODI side after hauling his side to victory 

Tom Curran typifies the approach of Eoin Morgan's ODI side after hauling his side to victory 

HARRY GREGG

The Munich survivor says he has no wish to be regarded as a hero and when you spend time with him, it's easy to believe him. Nevertheless, 60 years after the tragedy it seems strange that the former Manchester United goalkeeper does not have a knighthood.

Munich survivor Harry Gregg says he has no wish to be regarded as a hero 60 years on 

Munich survivor Harry Gregg says he has no wish to be regarded as a hero 60 years on 

OLIVIER GIROUD

There seems to be much love at Arsenal for the departed France striker, which says much for his attitude during five-and-a-half years at the Emirates. The fact is, though, that he has never looked quite good enough for the very top, so he will have to find another gear to be successful at Chelsea. 

He was wanted by Everton last summer and that still feels more like his level.

Olivier Giroud was much loved at Arsenal but could make his Chelsea debut on Monday

Olivier Giroud was much loved at Arsenal but could make his Chelsea debut on Monday

 

NOT 

THE WACA

With the mighty new Perth Stadium now the home of Test cricket in Western Australia, debate goes on about what to do with the famous old venue that has been left behind. 

Two plans to safeguard its future — one in 2007 and one in 2015 — have been torn up and the latest idea to upgrade (and downsize) it into a 'boutique venue' needs cash from the public to make it work.

It will still host first-class cricket and Tests against smaller nations, but one can't help but fear that the solution will one day be found at the wheel of a bulldozer.

The mighty new Perth Stadium (pictured) has replaced the famous old WACA Ground 

The mighty new Perth Stadium (pictured) has replaced the famous old WACA Ground 

JB HOLMES

The American took more than four minutes to hit his shot on the 18th in San Diego but the only people offended were the TV viewers — that is the problem. To the players on tour, it's the done thing to take an age over each shot. They will not change until they are made to change.

JB Holmes took more than four minutes to hit his shot on the 18th hole in San Diego

JB Holmes took more than four minutes to hit his shot on the 18th hole in San Diego

MEHMET DALMAN

The Cardiff chairman took a needless swipe at former manager Malky Mackay during an interview before the club's limp FA Cup exit to Manchester City, while at the same time extolling the virtues of current boss Neil Warnock. 

At the last time of checking, only one of those two managers has taken Cardiff into the Premier League.

Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman (centre)  took a swipe at former manager Malky Mackay

Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman (centre)  took a swipe at former manager Malky Mackay