Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 14/09/2026My 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. 🌵🥀🤠 000
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 20/08/2026I 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 032
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 19/07/2026Cactus 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... 000
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 27/06/2026On 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 121
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 26/06/2026I 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 1102
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 25/06/2026There 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 043
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 18/06/2026I 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. 😐 030
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 29/05/2026I 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 120
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 06/03/2026A 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. 120
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 11/02/2026Swinger, when starting out, genuinely is beautiful, but occasionally naughty (6) 000
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 05/01/2026When 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 141
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 04/01/2026Here'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 002
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 03/01/2026The 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 001
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 26/12/2025Centenary 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 021
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 25/12/2025The 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 072
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 19/12/2025A 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 001
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 17/12/2025Six 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 062
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 16/12/2025I 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 152
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 06/12/2025The 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 192
Reposted by Tom RussellGeorge Dobell @georgedobell.bsky.social · 04/12/2025Here’s my preview of today’s Test. A crossroads moment for this regime, I think: 041
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 04/12/2025I 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 092
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 21/11/2025The 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 031
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 20/11/2025Ashes 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 073
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 24/10/2025This person knows A LOT about history. A voice worthy of listening. 👍👂👂 010
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 06/09/2025Fifteen years between the first day at school and the first at university. And, just like that, parental redundancy! 020
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 04/09/2025It is ESSENTIAL that we spread far-and-wide the story of these brave filmmakers. And the terrible risks faced by innocent journalists going about their calling. @georgedobell.bsky.social @norcrosscricket.bsky.social @mrjamesob.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWm6...youtube.comSuburban Mysteries: The Man Who Became A BearYouTube video by BSADF 030
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 09/08/2025WARNING! DISTRESSING SCENES. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Dear Followers and Friends, Please watch and share this film. It tells the true story of an ill-fated investigation. The awful perils faced by documentary filmmakers is a serious issue of our times. www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWm6...youtube.comSuburban Mysteries: The Man Who Became A BearYouTube video by BSADF 010
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 01/08/2025A good day to repost the puzzle below. I was privileged to watch every ball of Graham's 114* at Trent Bridge and his 138 at Edgbaston 4 years later. A wonderful cricketer to be celebrated. @kiaoval.com @georgedobell.bsky.social @norcrosscricket.bsky.social @zaltzcricket.bsky.social 032
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 27/07/2025Some real courage in the face of injury on display in this test match. Here's a puzzle dedicated to those who've been brave enough to leave the treatment table for the field of play over the years. @norcrosscricket.bsky.social @georgedobell.bsky.social @geofflemon.bsky.social 🏏🙂 001
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 26/07/2025I am privileged to have occasionally been in the presence of greatness during my lifetime. Sachin, Brian, Ricky*, Kumar, Jacques. Wonderful. Here's a tribute to the great Joe Root. Enjoy the game, everyone 🏏. @georgedobell.bsky.social @norcrosscricket.bsky.social @tmsproducer.bsky.social 021
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 25/07/2025We begin the 3rd day of an Old Trafford test match with not one over bowled so far by a specialist off spinner. Jim would, I think, not have approved. Here's a puzzle dedicated to the most noble form of bowling. Have a great day everyone! @norcrosscricket.bsky.social @georgedobell.bsky.social 012
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 23/07/2025The Put-Em-In Roadshow now visits Manchester! I was out of the country for the Battle of Lord's, but here's a little puzzle to commemorate the courage displayed by those who faced the prospect of batting for 2 overs before the close! 🏏😎 @georgedobell.bsky.social @norcrosscricket.bsky.social 022
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 22/07/2025Happy 50th to a goddamned marvel of modern filmmaking. Get out of the window. Just get out of the window. Please. Just once after all these years. 010
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 06/07/2025Good Morning Bluesky Cricket! Will England still play to win if the run rate is 20+ per over this afternoon? Here's a little puzzle to while away the morning in memory of a rainy Birmingham test match many years ago. @georgedobell.bsky.social @norcrosscricket.bsky.social #flippergate 120
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 05/07/2025Watching this England cricket team is a bit like watching the Russian Roulette scenes in the Deer Hunter. Eventually, there will be a bullet in the chamber! Here's a puzzle for the morning session. 🏏😍😎 @norcrosscricket.bsky.social @georgedobell.bsky.social @oscarress.bsky.social 121
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 02/07/2025How wonderful that we have another test match today between two teams full of enigmatic and energetic cricketers. Here's a puzzle in memory of a game a few decades ago also involving a few eccentric heroes. Have a great day, everyone! @georgedobell.bsky.social @norcrosscricket.bsky.social 032
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 24/06/2025G'day Bluesky Cricket! It's not unheard of for a team to concede the best part of 500 in the first innings at Leeds and then chase over 400 on the last day. But it doesn't really matter who wins. Just love it! @georgedobell.bsky.social @norcrosscricket.bsky.social @melindafarrell.bsky.social 1112
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 23/06/2025Some chat on the TMS today as to the relative merits of Bumrah/Marshall. Leaving statistics to one side, a remarkable anecdote about Macco is the Lahore test match of 1986. WI picked 2 spinners for the first time in years and they bowled one over between them! @zaltzcricket.bsky.social 010
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 22/06/2025Alone and without a ticket at the Gabba in 1998, I wandered into a pub and got chatting to a huge man sitting at the bar for a few hours. It was David Lawrence. Utterly without pretention. Heart-warmingly friendly. Rocking and rumbling. @georgedobell.bsky.social @norcrosscricket.bsky.social 2192
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 22/05/2025Good Morning Bluesky Cricket! If Zimbabwe create an upset over the next few days, it wouldn't be the first time that they've stolen from the rich in the city of Robin Hood. Who's missing from this pride of parsimonious predators? 🏏😁 @norcrosscricket.bsky.social @georgedobell.bsky.social 112
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 21/05/2025Good afternoon Bluesky Cricket People! It seems like a long time since I last saw Zimbabwe play at Trent Bridge. But I've snaffled a ticket for tomorrow. Here's a little puzzle in homage to a famous game back in the day. 😎🏏 @georgedobell.bsky.social @norcrosscricket.bsky.social 054
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 09/04/2025After extensive testing in both shower and basin, I can confirm that "Hand and Body Cleansing Bar" is the product formerly known as "Soap". 010
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 12/02/2025A ticket inspector carrying a rooster is my kind of railway platform furniture! 000
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 12/02/2025Freelance enthusiast views Siamese twilight (4,6) 000
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 03/02/2025The Chao Phraya at night; Bangkok over there, doing its thing. I sip my drink and read my book. 000
Tom Russell @callatruce.bsky.social · 28/12/2024Good Evening Bluesky Cricket! Isn't it great to see youthful adventure blossoming in Melbourne? Here's a little puzzle to while away a few minutes before the start of play. Who's missing? 🏏🤔 @georgedobell.bsky.social @norcrosscricket.bsky.social @melindafarrell.bsky.social 001