Tom Russell
@callatruce.bsky.social
Misanthropic optimist.
Here to discuss film-making, test cricket, law and mediation.
And other stuff sometimes.
Here to discuss film-making, test cricket, law and mediation.
And other stuff sometimes.
My beautiful short film, Cactus Rose, has wandered off the dusty plain into the Boundless Film Festival for a sip of Bourbon and well-earned rest.
Please watch it here: -
boundlessfilmfestival.com/cactus-rose/
And feel free to share and vote.
🌵🥀🤠
Please watch it here: -
boundlessfilmfestival.com/cactus-rose/
And feel free to share and vote.
🌵🥀🤠
September 14, 2026 at 9:25 AM
My beautiful short film, Cactus Rose, has wandered off the dusty plain into the Boundless Film Festival for a sip of Bourbon and well-earned rest.
Please watch it here: -
boundlessfilmfestival.com/cactus-rose/
And feel free to share and vote.
🌵🥀🤠
Please watch it here: -
boundlessfilmfestival.com/cactus-rose/
And feel free to share and vote.
🌵🥀🤠
I recall a fascinating test match 34 years ago, the summer when we were introduced to reverse swing in dramatic fashion by its most skilful proponents.
But a more traditional style of bowling prevailed in Leeds.
Here's a puzzle in homage 🏏😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
But a more traditional style of bowling prevailed in Leeds.
Here's a puzzle in homage 🏏😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
August 20, 2026 at 3:11 PM
I recall a fascinating test match 34 years ago, the summer when we were introduced to reverse swing in dramatic fashion by its most skilful proponents.
But a more traditional style of bowling prevailed in Leeds.
Here's a puzzle in homage 🏏😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
But a more traditional style of bowling prevailed in Leeds.
Here's a puzzle in homage 🏏😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
Cactus Rose was just selected by Nightpiece Film Festival 2026 (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) via FilmFreeway.com!
My beautiful little film will be showing in Edinburgh next month and is highly recommended viewing 🌞🌵🥀
tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nig...
My beautiful little film will be showing in Edinburgh next month and is highly recommended viewing 🌞🌵🥀
tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nig...
July 19, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Cactus Rose was just selected by Nightpiece Film Festival 2026 (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) via FilmFreeway.com!
My beautiful little film will be showing in Edinburgh next month and is highly recommended viewing 🌞🌵🥀
tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nig...
My beautiful little film will be showing in Edinburgh next month and is highly recommended viewing 🌞🌵🥀
tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nig...
On a hot weekend in Nottingham, the memory inevitably drifts back to a dramatic Sunday which seems like yesterday.
The old ground was an amphitheatre of tension that afternoon.
A little brain snack for the tea break below...
🌞😀🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
The old ground was an amphitheatre of tension that afternoon.
A little brain snack for the tea break below...
🌞😀🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
June 27, 2026 at 2:42 PM
On a hot weekend in Nottingham, the memory inevitably drifts back to a dramatic Sunday which seems like yesterday.
The old ground was an amphitheatre of tension that afternoon.
A little brain snack for the tea break below...
🌞😀🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
The old ground was an amphitheatre of tension that afternoon.
A little brain snack for the tea break below...
🌞😀🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
I attended a test match some time ago in which the English team conceded 362 for 4 on the first day and everyone seemed a bit despondent.
On the Monday morning, England won by nine wickets with time to spare.
Just saying...
🌞🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
On the Monday morning, England won by nine wickets with time to spare.
Just saying...
🌞🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
June 26, 2026 at 3:35 PM
I attended a test match some time ago in which the English team conceded 362 for 4 on the first day and everyone seemed a bit despondent.
On the Monday morning, England won by nine wickets with time to spare.
Just saying...
🌞🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
On the Monday morning, England won by nine wickets with time to spare.
Just saying...
🌞🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
There was a very good event last evening hosted by @thecricketer.com at the Poppy & Pint pub to celebrate the life of a Nottinghamshire great.
Here's a little puzzle on the same theme to complete during the first drinks break.
🏏🌞😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
Here's a little puzzle on the same theme to complete during the first drinks break.
🏏🌞😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
June 25, 2026 at 8:48 AM
There was a very good event last evening hosted by @thecricketer.com at the Poppy & Pint pub to celebrate the life of a Nottinghamshire great.
Here's a little puzzle on the same theme to complete during the first drinks break.
🏏🌞😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
Here's a little puzzle on the same theme to complete during the first drinks break.
🏏🌞😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
I was appalled to learn the time of the England match yesterday.
Usually, I go out on my bike when England plays in these tournaments, taking advantage of quiet roads.
This is typical of the two-tier sports scheduling in this country.
One rule for football fans.
Another for solitary cyclists.
😐
Usually, I go out on my bike when England plays in these tournaments, taking advantage of quiet roads.
This is typical of the two-tier sports scheduling in this country.
One rule for football fans.
Another for solitary cyclists.
😐
June 18, 2026 at 7:54 AM
I was appalled to learn the time of the England match yesterday.
Usually, I go out on my bike when England plays in these tournaments, taking advantage of quiet roads.
This is typical of the two-tier sports scheduling in this country.
One rule for football fans.
Another for solitary cyclists.
😐
Usually, I go out on my bike when England plays in these tournaments, taking advantage of quiet roads.
This is typical of the two-tier sports scheduling in this country.
One rule for football fans.
Another for solitary cyclists.
😐
I came across this excellent gravestone during a walk in the Peaks today.
"For when the one great scorer comes
To write against your name
He writes not that you won or lost
But how you played the game."
Which rather reflects my philosopy.
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
"For when the one great scorer comes
To write against your name
He writes not that you won or lost
But how you played the game."
Which rather reflects my philosopy.
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
May 29, 2026 at 3:34 PM
I came across this excellent gravestone during a walk in the Peaks today.
"For when the one great scorer comes
To write against your name
He writes not that you won or lost
But how you played the game."
Which rather reflects my philosopy.
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
"For when the one great scorer comes
To write against your name
He writes not that you won or lost
But how you played the game."
Which rather reflects my philosopy.
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
A tale in two pictures.
1. Victoria Park, Hong Kong taken on Sunday, before the hard reality of flight cancellations landed.
2. The view from the departure lounge at Vancouver airport around 15 hours ago.
Yes. We came home through Canada.
And I think it's Friday.
1. Victoria Park, Hong Kong taken on Sunday, before the hard reality of flight cancellations landed.
2. The view from the departure lounge at Vancouver airport around 15 hours ago.
Yes. We came home through Canada.
And I think it's Friday.
March 6, 2026 at 3:04 PM
A tale in two pictures.
1. Victoria Park, Hong Kong taken on Sunday, before the hard reality of flight cancellations landed.
2. The view from the departure lounge at Vancouver airport around 15 hours ago.
Yes. We came home through Canada.
And I think it's Friday.
1. Victoria Park, Hong Kong taken on Sunday, before the hard reality of flight cancellations landed.
2. The view from the departure lounge at Vancouver airport around 15 hours ago.
Yes. We came home through Canada.
And I think it's Friday.
Swinger, when starting out, genuinely is beautiful, but occasionally naughty (6)
February 11, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Swinger, when starting out, genuinely is beautiful, but occasionally naughty (6)
Use a chain shot in choppy waters (5,5,3)
February 10, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Use a chain shot in choppy waters (5,5,3)
When Root and Smith were batting yesterday, I suddenly recalled Graham Gooch's infamous words in 1986.
You know.
World XI at one end, Ilford 3rd XI at the other.
Here's a puzzle dedicated to the Ilford 3s.
😇😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@guerillacricket.bsky.social
You know.
World XI at one end, Ilford 3rd XI at the other.
Here's a puzzle dedicated to the Ilford 3s.
😇😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@guerillacricket.bsky.social
January 5, 2026 at 9:23 PM
When Root and Smith were batting yesterday, I suddenly recalled Graham Gooch's infamous words in 1986.
You know.
World XI at one end, Ilford 3rd XI at the other.
Here's a puzzle dedicated to the Ilford 3s.
😇😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@guerillacricket.bsky.social
You know.
World XI at one end, Ilford 3rd XI at the other.
Here's a puzzle dedicated to the Ilford 3s.
😇😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@guerillacricket.bsky.social
Here's a puzzle for late-night test match listeners.
Who's missing from this group of not-so-merry men?
🏏🦆😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@wisdencricket.bsky.social
@acscricket.bsky.social
@zaltzcricket.bsky.social
Who's missing from this group of not-so-merry men?
🏏🦆😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@wisdencricket.bsky.social
@acscricket.bsky.social
@zaltzcricket.bsky.social
January 4, 2026 at 11:18 PM
Here's a puzzle for late-night test match listeners.
Who's missing from this group of not-so-merry men?
🏏🦆😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@wisdencricket.bsky.social
@acscricket.bsky.social
@zaltzcricket.bsky.social
Who's missing from this group of not-so-merry men?
🏏🦆😀
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@wisdencricket.bsky.social
@acscricket.bsky.social
@zaltzcricket.bsky.social
The SCG Ashes test has seen many dramatic moments over the years.
This time, I'll consider it a success if I get to three crossword puzzles.
Here's one in memory of those who didn't quite make it.
Have a good'un everyone.
🏏😎
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
This time, I'll consider it a success if I get to three crossword puzzles.
Here's one in memory of those who didn't quite make it.
Have a good'un everyone.
🏏😎
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
January 3, 2026 at 10:47 PM
The SCG Ashes test has seen many dramatic moments over the years.
This time, I'll consider it a success if I get to three crossword puzzles.
Here's one in memory of those who didn't quite make it.
Have a good'un everyone.
🏏😎
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
This time, I'll consider it a success if I get to three crossword puzzles.
Here's one in memory of those who didn't quite make it.
Have a good'un everyone.
🏏😎
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
Centenary test vibes at the MCG.
Or, as the MD would say:
"We under-over-prepared, maybe, or another thing, I dunno, 20 percent, or something, my vocabulary isn't great, don't bash the pope"
🫢🤔🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@liebcricket.com
@davidkhopps.bsky.social
Or, as the MD would say:
"We under-over-prepared, maybe, or another thing, I dunno, 20 percent, or something, my vocabulary isn't great, don't bash the pope"
🫢🤔🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@liebcricket.com
@davidkhopps.bsky.social
December 26, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Centenary test vibes at the MCG.
Or, as the MD would say:
"We under-over-prepared, maybe, or another thing, I dunno, 20 percent, or something, my vocabulary isn't great, don't bash the pope"
🫢🤔🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@liebcricket.com
@davidkhopps.bsky.social
Or, as the MD would say:
"We under-over-prepared, maybe, or another thing, I dunno, 20 percent, or something, my vocabulary isn't great, don't bash the pope"
🫢🤔🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@liebcricket.com
@davidkhopps.bsky.social
The greatest innings ever played in a boxing day test match at the MCG was Alan Mullally's 16 in 1998.
Discuss.
A puzzle below to consider whilst you draft your discussion papers.
Festive cheers to one and all!
😎🦆🏏🎅
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
Discuss.
A puzzle below to consider whilst you draft your discussion papers.
Festive cheers to one and all!
😎🦆🏏🎅
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
December 25, 2025 at 10:21 PM
The greatest innings ever played in a boxing day test match at the MCG was Alan Mullally's 16 in 1998.
Discuss.
A puzzle below to consider whilst you draft your discussion papers.
Festive cheers to one and all!
😎🦆🏏🎅
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
Discuss.
A puzzle below to consider whilst you draft your discussion papers.
Festive cheers to one and all!
😎🦆🏏🎅
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
A homage below to the famous "test of many three-fors".
A rare historic time when the English team arrived in Adelaide with a lead and hammered it home.
Also a time when players were more anagramable!
😇😍🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@zaltzcricket.bsky.social
A rare historic time when the English team arrived in Adelaide with a lead and hammered it home.
Also a time when players were more anagramable!
😇😍🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@zaltzcricket.bsky.social
December 19, 2025 at 12:09 AM
A homage below to the famous "test of many three-fors".
A rare historic time when the English team arrived in Adelaide with a lead and hammered it home.
Also a time when players were more anagramable!
😇😍🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@zaltzcricket.bsky.social
A rare historic time when the English team arrived in Adelaide with a lead and hammered it home.
Also a time when players were more anagramable!
😇😍🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@zaltzcricket.bsky.social
Six wickets in one day fall to legside catches at Adelaide!
I can't help but to recall a horrible pre-lunch moment in 1991 and the silliness which preceded it.
Here's to a good day's night.
🏏😁
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@melindafarrell.bsky.social
I can't help but to recall a horrible pre-lunch moment in 1991 and the silliness which preceded it.
Here's to a good day's night.
🏏😁
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@melindafarrell.bsky.social
December 17, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Six wickets in one day fall to legside catches at Adelaide!
I can't help but to recall a horrible pre-lunch moment in 1991 and the silliness which preceded it.
Here's to a good day's night.
🏏😁
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@melindafarrell.bsky.social
I can't help but to recall a horrible pre-lunch moment in 1991 and the silliness which preceded it.
Here's to a good day's night.
🏏😁
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@melindafarrell.bsky.social
I yearn for the days when English medium pacers were outgunned by fiery Australian quicks.
Vice versa is much more depressing.
A puzzle below in homage to some hapless dibbly-dobblies of yesteryear.
Enjoy the game, if you dare!
🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
Vice versa is much more depressing.
A puzzle below in homage to some hapless dibbly-dobblies of yesteryear.
Enjoy the game, if you dare!
🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
December 16, 2025 at 10:22 PM
I yearn for the days when English medium pacers were outgunned by fiery Australian quicks.
Vice versa is much more depressing.
A puzzle below in homage to some hapless dibbly-dobblies of yesteryear.
Enjoy the game, if you dare!
🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
Vice versa is much more depressing.
A puzzle below in homage to some hapless dibbly-dobblies of yesteryear.
Enjoy the game, if you dare!
🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
The Gabba 1998: I couldn't get a ticket for the first day and spent it in a nearby bar drinking beer with Syd Lawrence. Great fun!
I hope everyone who's there 27 years later is having as good a time.
A puzzle below for the night owls.
😎🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
I hope everyone who's there 27 years later is having as good a time.
A puzzle below for the night owls.
😎🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
December 6, 2025 at 12:16 AM
The Gabba 1998: I couldn't get a ticket for the first day and spent it in a nearby bar drinking beer with Syd Lawrence. Great fun!
I hope everyone who's there 27 years later is having as good a time.
A puzzle below for the night owls.
😎🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
I hope everyone who's there 27 years later is having as good a time.
A puzzle below for the night owls.
😎🏏
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
Reposted by Tom Russell
Here’s my preview of today’s Test. A crossroads moment for this regime, I think:
"If you lose against the best sides away and draw against them at home, you have very little evidence of inspiring anyone or saving anything" | ✍️ @georgedobell.bsky.social
#Ashes
#Ashes
Brisbane battle is a crossroads moment for everything England have built | The Cricketer
Trailing in the series ahead of the pink-ball Test at a venue where they have some grim memories poses real danger to the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum regime
www.thecricketer.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Here’s my preview of today’s Test. A crossroads moment for this regime, I think:
I know there's a test match about to get underway in Brisbane.
And it's crucial and all that.
But I can't help thinking about a man with a firecracker square cut and a wonderful moment I was lucky to witness 34 years ago.
Enjoy the game!
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@georgedobell.bsky.social
And it's crucial and all that.
But I can't help thinking about a man with a firecracker square cut and a wonderful moment I was lucky to witness 34 years ago.
Enjoy the game!
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@georgedobell.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 12:07 AM
I know there's a test match about to get underway in Brisbane.
And it's crucial and all that.
But I can't help thinking about a man with a firecracker square cut and a wonderful moment I was lucky to witness 34 years ago.
Enjoy the game!
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@georgedobell.bsky.social
And it's crucial and all that.
But I can't help thinking about a man with a firecracker square cut and a wonderful moment I was lucky to witness 34 years ago.
Enjoy the game!
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
@georgedobell.bsky.social
The five pacemen of the Ashocalypse have ridden into view.
And it was some entrance.
Some of us remember the Gabba test in 1990, but this feels more ruthless.
Don't blink.
Breathe.
Here's something for the first drinks break.
🏏😍
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
And it was some entrance.
Some of us remember the Gabba test in 1990, but this feels more ruthless.
Don't blink.
Breathe.
Here's something for the first drinks break.
🏏😍
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 11:39 PM
The five pacemen of the Ashocalypse have ridden into view.
And it was some entrance.
Some of us remember the Gabba test in 1990, but this feels more ruthless.
Don't blink.
Breathe.
Here's something for the first drinks break.
🏏😍
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
And it was some entrance.
Some of us remember the Gabba test in 1990, but this feels more ruthless.
Don't blink.
Breathe.
Here's something for the first drinks break.
🏏😍
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
Ashes Fever!
At an unhappy hunting ground for English tourists, will ultra positivity herald a change of fortune?
Or will the hype be followed by hiccups?
Here's a puzzle to remind you of the pace and bounce!
🏏😎
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@geofflemon.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
At an unhappy hunting ground for English tourists, will ultra positivity herald a change of fortune?
Or will the hype be followed by hiccups?
Here's a puzzle to remind you of the pace and bounce!
🏏😎
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@geofflemon.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Ashes Fever!
At an unhappy hunting ground for English tourists, will ultra positivity herald a change of fortune?
Or will the hype be followed by hiccups?
Here's a puzzle to remind you of the pace and bounce!
🏏😎
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@geofflemon.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
At an unhappy hunting ground for English tourists, will ultra positivity herald a change of fortune?
Or will the hype be followed by hiccups?
Here's a puzzle to remind you of the pace and bounce!
🏏😎
@georgedobell.bsky.social
@geofflemon.bsky.social
@norcrosscricket.bsky.social
This person knows A LOT about history.
A voice worthy of listening.
👍👂👂
A voice worthy of listening.
👍👂👂
Nationalism is a shibboleth. The challenges we face are daunting. But we are not going to overcome them by hunkering down behind of imaginary lines scrawled on a map by medieval warlords. Our problems are transnational, and the solutions are too.
October 24, 2025 at 12:56 PM
This person knows A LOT about history.
A voice worthy of listening.
👍👂👂
A voice worthy of listening.
👍👂👂