I arranged the visit to London to watch Durham play Middlesex at the Lords Cricket ground and to be able to make full use of the Members Pavilion.
It was my first opportunity to do so for five years, the period of time that Middlesex has spent in the second division of the County Championship. It is only as a visiting Member of Durham Cricket Club when playing Middlesex that one is allowed into the Pavilion at International Home of cricket, although in fact the International Cricket Conference which represents countries playing cricket is moving its headquarters from Lords to Dubai.
On Test matches days and on the other International and special matches the Pavilion at Lords is only available to Members of the Marylebone Cricket club of which there are 18000 members and 4000 associates but where sponsored membership usually takes twenty years such is the waiting list and such is the scarcity of the new places available. Members also have priority in relation to seats at some of the other stands in the ground for international matches. Entry subscription is £668 and annually £400.
The Lords Cricket ground is also the home of Middlesex County Council, whose members and visiting members from opposition playing clubs have their own stand adjacent to the Pavilion, the Warner stand. The ground is also the home of the English Test and County Cricket Board. The opportunity of this piece will be taken to explain the differences of the various interests and their roles.
As recorded I took the decision early on the first schedule match of the game not to visit because the weather was such that play was unlikely and in this I was correct. While further rain was forecast especially in the afternoon and for the rest of the week I set off for the ground irrespective of the amount of play to be witnessed on the Friday morning, exactly a week ago
.
My intention had been to take the train to St Pancras and sort out the problem with the Oyster card having invested in a travel card for the second day in succession, making my way to Baker Street by underground in the first instance and then via the Jubilee line or by bus. However the anticipated train was a short one of only 4 coaches and there was a large party of adolescent school children waiting so I changed my mind and took the first train to Victoria when after changing a Green Park took the Jubilee line connection took to St Johns Wood a station several hundred years from the cricket Ground.
The entrance fee was only £8 for an elder concession and entrance ticket coloured pink. Pink is the colour of the Middlesex 20 20 team associated with a Breast Breakthrough Cancer research and treatment charity. The team mascot is called Pinky. It was the 20 20 side which beat Durham in their only appearance in Final’s Day at the Hampshire Rosebowl in 2008 which I attended. Middlesex went onto win the title and thus became eligible to participate in the now infamous Stanford Super series in the West Indies and the 20 20 Champions League(International). The team was also known as the Crusaders but this raised objections from the Muslim Community and recently changed to the Panthers thus the Pink Panthers which perhaps in mind Inspector Cluzot (Peter Sellers) comedy film capers which commenced with the Pink Panther!
Full of a sense of cricket history I walked passed the warm up pitch at the entrance furtherest from the main Pavilion at Lords. This area is the size of a small cricket ground and the space is also sufficient to allow a number of concession stalls for food and drink during International and major Finals competition days. On the afternoon of the Sunday I learned from a member of the M.C.C that there is a proposal on the table to build Residential Properties at the Boundary to the Street, following on what has happened at Sussex and Yorkshire, Taunton and shortly at the Emirates Durham. There is to be a Members vote on the issue shortly.
This is also the end of the ground with startling designed media centre above the existing stand. It is here on one warm and sunny Test match day that I discovered seats allocated in the lower tier from which it is impossible to see the one of the scoreboards and you have to rely on small electronic notices fixed from the roof of the tier to learn what is happening. More memorable is that having dressed for the summer it was so cold that periods of play were missed to walk and sit in sunshine.
There is a difference in the colour of the stone used to front the main pavilion from that at facing onto the playing surface. The entrance is not unattractive but does not command respect as a building per se. However the pavilion seen form elsewhere in the ground is a most attractive sight with three tiers of seats and player’s balconies at either end of the middle tier. There are in fact two entrances with one usually kept closed.
There is at least one Steward at the entrance in the standard white blazer uniform which all staff wear, including the first female steward I have encountered who controlled one of the doors onto the middle balcony which was next to the sight screen. The atmosphere immediately noticeable upon entry to the Pavilion is that of a Gentleman’s club and indeed it is only within the past 15 years (1998) that the decision was taken to allow women to become members as until then throughout its 212 year history the only woman to be allowed into the Pavilion apart from domestic staff was her Majesty the Queen. Even then membership was selectively given to a handful of ladies who played or contributed to the game. The decision did mean that women supporters of Middlesex County Cricket Club were allowed into the Pavilion as long as like the men they are suitably attired.
There is a guest book on either side of the entrance for use by MCC members and a recent addition is a small pile of information cards for visitors which concentrate on the dress regulations as well as improving information of refreshments and the location and use of other facilities. Gentleman must wear a tie or cravat and in the past stewards had a supply to loan as well as the blazer as again gentlemen must wear a lounge suit or tailored blazer, or entitled military uniform. The loan practice has ended because of Health and Safety considerations.
The list of dress exclusions number thirteen items for men, including sports shoes and sandals, Jeans and denims. T Shirts and singles, shorts, tracksuits and military style items other than a Service uniform, religious or national dress. Twelve exclusions apply to the ladies and the list includes strapless tops, Bikini tops or dresses showing bare midriffs. The Ladies may wear trousers which can be cropped below the knee or culottes and dresses, blouses and smart tops may be sleeveless.
On Friday (April 20th) after visiting the toilet in the basement where there are pubic telephones and a cloakroom I decided to use the top tier to view the game over the bowlers arms and after using a couple of tissues to dry down the bench I was sit at the front and at an aisle with one of the best views in cricket, similar to that at Nottingham but with the sense of all the Test matches played at the ground including my first visit to a Test here when I was around 14/15. I had been taken to watch Don Bradman’s last Test at the Oval in 1948 and sat on the grass after queuing for hours. I was then nine years of age.
There was no time for further exploring before the first balls were bowled and in the even those first few over were amazing. Before recording what occurred I was struck by how few were in the ground where the talk among the Middlesex supporters around me as that of the unexpected win against Surrey in the first match of the season when within an hour six batsmen were dismissed to provide a 3 run win for the home side. Few Middlesex supporters had bothered to journey into central London for the event.
Andrew Strauss, the most successful Captain of the English team with Ashes win at home and in Australia and which propelled the team to the number one test side in the world had announced that he would be playing for his county in order to get some batting practice, Graham Onion dislodge his off and middle stumps with his second unplayable ball. Middlesex had lost their first wicket without a run being scored. Two runs later Denly was caught by Collingwood off Onions and Middlesex were 2 runs for two wickets. Thorp then had the other opening batsman Robson caught by Di Venuto for 0 and Middlesex had lost three wickets for only 2 runs. Rogers went for 0 off the bowling of Claydon caught Borthwick and the home side were 28 for 4. I was in dream land and the Middlesex supports in growing shock. Everyone agreed the wicket was on the side of the bowlers. There were jokes about the home team being all out before lunchtime. Derision had greeted the dismissal of Strauss repeated to other Middlesex supporters as they arrived over the course of the first hour of play.
There were darkening skies and the umpires called play off for an early lunch around 12.30, although the reason was reports of hard rain closing in. The wicket was quickly covered over and for the next three hours I was able to remind myself of what a wonderful place is the main pavilion.
At either end of the top tier there is a flat roof area where there are comfortable chairs and table and which enable a picnic lunch or tea. There are also similar facilities on the roof behind the top tier. Lords remains the only ground in the world where spectators are allowed to bring in a small quantity of alcohol, even for Test Matches as there are several areas of picnic hampers and boxes.
I had eaten my packet of salmon and cucumber sandwich early and sipped at the cool water kept in the flask placing immediately after purchase at Waitrose before the journey commenced. I had then discovered the members lounge which runs behind the upper balcony. Here there are comfortable chairs, newspapers and a television showing golf. It was not until later in the afternoon that I was able to get myself a chair. Close to the television and purchased a large and tasty Danish Pastry and a coffee, enjoyed reading the paper and dozing in front of the television waiting for news about the play. There are also several iced water containers with impressive standss filled with bottles available to be added to system. On the ground floor there is also an updated score board from all the other county matches. There is the Library from which there is the famous Bowlers Bar from which drinks can be taken outside overlooking the play. For some reason I missed the second floor Members Bar and from which drinks and refreshments can be purchased and taken out to the balcony and picnic areas.
There is also an area at one end of upper and middle tiers where it is still possible to smoke. The ground is owned by the Marylebone Club and therefore they can set the ground entry conditions. Another of their continuing roles is to determine the laws of cricket, internationally and they also produce a highly regarded coaching manual. The Laws of cricket copywrite is challenged by the International Cricket Conference, after its formation in 1993 and following the created of the English Cricket Board, and the ICC has been flexing is power, now that it has moved away to Dubai by making changes to the regulations such as recently in the one International competition without conferring with the MCC.
Just when it looked as if play was to commence at tea time there was further rain. I was not in the mood to stay having enjoyed the play, and the visit.
On the Sunday my approach was different. For the play before lunch I found myself a seat on the middle balcony. I had visited here on the Friday and sat at the back which is covered and close to where Andrew Strauss was having a private conversation with someone. There were fewer people in the ground than on the Friday, with only about ten individuals spread along the balcony area.
Middlesex had progressed to 188 the previous day with an excellent 65 from captain Dexter caught Di Venuto from Stokes. He had added over 100 runs with Malan who made 35 and Simpson who went on to make 35 not out. Malan was caught by Mustard off Onions. Berg (2) was caught Di Venuto from Thorp while Murtagh made 18 before going to Mustard and Onions. Roland Jones also made 17 to Blackwell and Onions while England fast bowler Finn was caught Collingwood off Onions without scoring. Given the start, 188 on this wicket and conditions was a creditable score. Graham Onions 6 for 45 of 24.4 with 7 maidens was the outstanding bowling performance supported by Thorp 2 for 43 and Claydon 1 54 and Stokes 1 for 33. Borthwick, Collingwood and Blackwell were not asked to bowl.
Several Durham batsmen had good starts only to then fall, De Venuto 30, Smith 29 Stokes 45 Benkentein 34 and Borthwick 33 with Onions at the end contributing 20. Earlier Collingwood 19, Blackwell 12, and Mustard 5 all disappointed with Thorp nothing and Claydon 8. The wickets were spread between 4 bowlers with Roland Jones 2 for 26 the best figures. The question to be settled on the Sun was a lead of 50 going to be sufficient for a result given further uncertainty about the weather.
On previous visits I only ventured to the ground floor facilities which include the famous Long Room where is possible view the game from behind the wicket through glass using comfortable chairs with arms rests or high chairs but which only require a small step to reach the seat thus enabling a view over the members sitting in the first row. On International match days this room is also crowded with those standing. The players (and umpires) have dressing rooms reached by separate staircases but converge into the Long Rooms as access to the playing area is through the centre double doors. This means that if a player performs exceptionally well the applause in the Long room is prolonged and reverberates while if there is a batting failure the silence is potentially humiliating. There is a tradition that Members do not approach or speak to players as they pass through the Long Room although if you know a player and are strategically placed then you may be acknowledged.
Running parallel to the Long Room is the Long Room Bar which serves a different main meal dish at each end. On Sunday having free entry to the ground I decided to invest the £8 with what I would have spent on a sandwich and bought lunch there. The choice was between a beef stew with hot veg or four chunky slices of beef in a bun with a variety of colds including new potatoes in skins with mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. It was an unusual concoction which I enjoyed and beef was fantastic. Afterward I went on a little explore to view the Warner stand before the rains returned and where I noted the members lounge and bar was closed. As it commenced to rain I bought a coffee in the public bar and managed to spill about a third down me as the lid failed to fit properly Yuk.
The Long Room bar contains some commissioned paintings of those players and other personalities of the game invited to become honorary members, including one large collection of former players where I spotted David Gower and Graham Gooch. Gooch has the highest number of runs in an individual Test Innings at the ground 333 versus India in 1990 and six centuries 19875-1994, plus the most runs in Test Matches 2012(39 innings) But where was Ian Botham? At the far end of the room there was one large portrait. It was Sir Ian smoking a fat cigar. Ian has taken 69 wickets in 26 innings to head the wicket takers and the best figures of 8 for 34 versus Pakistan in 1978
It is an experience to sit and watch a game from the Long Room and cold without a top coat I spent the afternoon and afternoon and evening either pacing the rear on using one of the high chairs. On arrival I had the second floor Members lounge to me as it was closed for refreshments and therefore I had been able to read what interested me in the Sunday Telegraph and the Sunday Times at leisure.
Back to the game. At one point Middlesex in their second Innings were 91 for 8 leaving Durham less that 50 runs to win had the innings then quickly closed. However Simpson 47 and Murtagh 45 put on what became a match saving stand of 82. Durham tried all their Bowlers and it was Borthwick 1 for 7 off 2.5 who took out Simpson after Murtagh had gone to went to Claydon. Durham then still had more than 40 overs to get one thirty odd runs. Unfortunately there was a further heavy shower and it seemed to me that no one was in any hurry to get the ground cleared before the game restarted with the total having to get with only 17 overs of play. Onion s4 for 28 was again the star giving him 9 for 73 for the match. Stokes 2 for 22 also did well.
The situation called for 20 20 style batting and to the credit of Durham they had a go. De Venuto 29 and Mustard not 25, but no one else could get going and the match petered to a draw with Durham 82 for 6 and 50 runs short. It was Finn 4.43 to do the damage.
A draw brings Durham to a relegation spot in the championship table and with little play forecast for the game against Surrey, the season has commenced with the worst possible of all starts. There was no play at the Oval on the first day and there is an ominous yet to bat and Close up again although it only lunch time suggesting further torrential bursts and a saturated ground. This is not good indeed.
However I regard my visit to Lords as a great success and on the Sunday afternoon I spent several hours talking to a member of the MCC who was a traditional member without the fevered partisanship of the Middlesex Club supporter. As for Middlesex I suspect their fortunes like those of Durham will depend on the extent to which their International fast bowlers remain playing in the championship. For the past couple of years Finn has taken preference over the then injured Onions.
The present Lords ground is the third to bear the name at three have been within 250 yards of the present playing area. With the first 1781 to 1811 and the second for a short time until 1813. Thus the present site is 200 years old. With a capacity of 28000. The development proposal plans to increase the capacity to just fewer than 40000 with the ECB having given the commitment to play two Test matches at the ground for the next ten years. A feature of the ground is the floodlighting system which is retractable following representations by local residents. Durham will be required to have floodlights for the Test match in 2013 and it appears they will have to adopt a similar system as that at Lords when it had wanted to the attractive system at Nottingham. The large transformer building has been completed.
I will make on further report covering the last full day of the visits and the return journey as well as the relay of the Opera Rigoletto.
It was my first opportunity to do so for five years, the period of time that Middlesex has spent in the second division of the County Championship. It is only as a visiting Member of Durham Cricket Club when playing Middlesex that one is allowed into the Pavilion at International Home of cricket, although in fact the International Cricket Conference which represents countries playing cricket is moving its headquarters from Lords to Dubai.
On Test matches days and on the other International and special matches the Pavilion at Lords is only available to Members of the Marylebone Cricket club of which there are 18000 members and 4000 associates but where sponsored membership usually takes twenty years such is the waiting list and such is the scarcity of the new places available. Members also have priority in relation to seats at some of the other stands in the ground for international matches. Entry subscription is £668 and annually £400.
The Lords Cricket ground is also the home of Middlesex County Council, whose members and visiting members from opposition playing clubs have their own stand adjacent to the Pavilion, the Warner stand. The ground is also the home of the English Test and County Cricket Board. The opportunity of this piece will be taken to explain the differences of the various interests and their roles.
As recorded I took the decision early on the first schedule match of the game not to visit because the weather was such that play was unlikely and in this I was correct. While further rain was forecast especially in the afternoon and for the rest of the week I set off for the ground irrespective of the amount of play to be witnessed on the Friday morning, exactly a week ago
.
My intention had been to take the train to St Pancras and sort out the problem with the Oyster card having invested in a travel card for the second day in succession, making my way to Baker Street by underground in the first instance and then via the Jubilee line or by bus. However the anticipated train was a short one of only 4 coaches and there was a large party of adolescent school children waiting so I changed my mind and took the first train to Victoria when after changing a Green Park took the Jubilee line connection took to St Johns Wood a station several hundred years from the cricket Ground.
The entrance fee was only £8 for an elder concession and entrance ticket coloured pink. Pink is the colour of the Middlesex 20 20 team associated with a Breast Breakthrough Cancer research and treatment charity. The team mascot is called Pinky. It was the 20 20 side which beat Durham in their only appearance in Final’s Day at the Hampshire Rosebowl in 2008 which I attended. Middlesex went onto win the title and thus became eligible to participate in the now infamous Stanford Super series in the West Indies and the 20 20 Champions League(International). The team was also known as the Crusaders but this raised objections from the Muslim Community and recently changed to the Panthers thus the Pink Panthers which perhaps in mind Inspector Cluzot (Peter Sellers) comedy film capers which commenced with the Pink Panther!
Full of a sense of cricket history I walked passed the warm up pitch at the entrance furtherest from the main Pavilion at Lords. This area is the size of a small cricket ground and the space is also sufficient to allow a number of concession stalls for food and drink during International and major Finals competition days. On the afternoon of the Sunday I learned from a member of the M.C.C that there is a proposal on the table to build Residential Properties at the Boundary to the Street, following on what has happened at Sussex and Yorkshire, Taunton and shortly at the Emirates Durham. There is to be a Members vote on the issue shortly.
This is also the end of the ground with startling designed media centre above the existing stand. It is here on one warm and sunny Test match day that I discovered seats allocated in the lower tier from which it is impossible to see the one of the scoreboards and you have to rely on small electronic notices fixed from the roof of the tier to learn what is happening. More memorable is that having dressed for the summer it was so cold that periods of play were missed to walk and sit in sunshine.
There is a difference in the colour of the stone used to front the main pavilion from that at facing onto the playing surface. The entrance is not unattractive but does not command respect as a building per se. However the pavilion seen form elsewhere in the ground is a most attractive sight with three tiers of seats and player’s balconies at either end of the middle tier. There are in fact two entrances with one usually kept closed.
There is at least one Steward at the entrance in the standard white blazer uniform which all staff wear, including the first female steward I have encountered who controlled one of the doors onto the middle balcony which was next to the sight screen. The atmosphere immediately noticeable upon entry to the Pavilion is that of a Gentleman’s club and indeed it is only within the past 15 years (1998) that the decision was taken to allow women to become members as until then throughout its 212 year history the only woman to be allowed into the Pavilion apart from domestic staff was her Majesty the Queen. Even then membership was selectively given to a handful of ladies who played or contributed to the game. The decision did mean that women supporters of Middlesex County Cricket Club were allowed into the Pavilion as long as like the men they are suitably attired.
There is a guest book on either side of the entrance for use by MCC members and a recent addition is a small pile of information cards for visitors which concentrate on the dress regulations as well as improving information of refreshments and the location and use of other facilities. Gentleman must wear a tie or cravat and in the past stewards had a supply to loan as well as the blazer as again gentlemen must wear a lounge suit or tailored blazer, or entitled military uniform. The loan practice has ended because of Health and Safety considerations.
The list of dress exclusions number thirteen items for men, including sports shoes and sandals, Jeans and denims. T Shirts and singles, shorts, tracksuits and military style items other than a Service uniform, religious or national dress. Twelve exclusions apply to the ladies and the list includes strapless tops, Bikini tops or dresses showing bare midriffs. The Ladies may wear trousers which can be cropped below the knee or culottes and dresses, blouses and smart tops may be sleeveless.
On Friday (April 20th) after visiting the toilet in the basement where there are pubic telephones and a cloakroom I decided to use the top tier to view the game over the bowlers arms and after using a couple of tissues to dry down the bench I was sit at the front and at an aisle with one of the best views in cricket, similar to that at Nottingham but with the sense of all the Test matches played at the ground including my first visit to a Test here when I was around 14/15. I had been taken to watch Don Bradman’s last Test at the Oval in 1948 and sat on the grass after queuing for hours. I was then nine years of age.
There was no time for further exploring before the first balls were bowled and in the even those first few over were amazing. Before recording what occurred I was struck by how few were in the ground where the talk among the Middlesex supporters around me as that of the unexpected win against Surrey in the first match of the season when within an hour six batsmen were dismissed to provide a 3 run win for the home side. Few Middlesex supporters had bothered to journey into central London for the event.
Andrew Strauss, the most successful Captain of the English team with Ashes win at home and in Australia and which propelled the team to the number one test side in the world had announced that he would be playing for his county in order to get some batting practice, Graham Onion dislodge his off and middle stumps with his second unplayable ball. Middlesex had lost their first wicket without a run being scored. Two runs later Denly was caught by Collingwood off Onions and Middlesex were 2 runs for two wickets. Thorp then had the other opening batsman Robson caught by Di Venuto for 0 and Middlesex had lost three wickets for only 2 runs. Rogers went for 0 off the bowling of Claydon caught Borthwick and the home side were 28 for 4. I was in dream land and the Middlesex supports in growing shock. Everyone agreed the wicket was on the side of the bowlers. There were jokes about the home team being all out before lunchtime. Derision had greeted the dismissal of Strauss repeated to other Middlesex supporters as they arrived over the course of the first hour of play.
There were darkening skies and the umpires called play off for an early lunch around 12.30, although the reason was reports of hard rain closing in. The wicket was quickly covered over and for the next three hours I was able to remind myself of what a wonderful place is the main pavilion.
At either end of the top tier there is a flat roof area where there are comfortable chairs and table and which enable a picnic lunch or tea. There are also similar facilities on the roof behind the top tier. Lords remains the only ground in the world where spectators are allowed to bring in a small quantity of alcohol, even for Test Matches as there are several areas of picnic hampers and boxes.
I had eaten my packet of salmon and cucumber sandwich early and sipped at the cool water kept in the flask placing immediately after purchase at Waitrose before the journey commenced. I had then discovered the members lounge which runs behind the upper balcony. Here there are comfortable chairs, newspapers and a television showing golf. It was not until later in the afternoon that I was able to get myself a chair. Close to the television and purchased a large and tasty Danish Pastry and a coffee, enjoyed reading the paper and dozing in front of the television waiting for news about the play. There are also several iced water containers with impressive standss filled with bottles available to be added to system. On the ground floor there is also an updated score board from all the other county matches. There is the Library from which there is the famous Bowlers Bar from which drinks can be taken outside overlooking the play. For some reason I missed the second floor Members Bar and from which drinks and refreshments can be purchased and taken out to the balcony and picnic areas.
There is also an area at one end of upper and middle tiers where it is still possible to smoke. The ground is owned by the Marylebone Club and therefore they can set the ground entry conditions. Another of their continuing roles is to determine the laws of cricket, internationally and they also produce a highly regarded coaching manual. The Laws of cricket copywrite is challenged by the International Cricket Conference, after its formation in 1993 and following the created of the English Cricket Board, and the ICC has been flexing is power, now that it has moved away to Dubai by making changes to the regulations such as recently in the one International competition without conferring with the MCC.
Just when it looked as if play was to commence at tea time there was further rain. I was not in the mood to stay having enjoyed the play, and the visit.
On the Sunday my approach was different. For the play before lunch I found myself a seat on the middle balcony. I had visited here on the Friday and sat at the back which is covered and close to where Andrew Strauss was having a private conversation with someone. There were fewer people in the ground than on the Friday, with only about ten individuals spread along the balcony area.
Middlesex had progressed to 188 the previous day with an excellent 65 from captain Dexter caught Di Venuto from Stokes. He had added over 100 runs with Malan who made 35 and Simpson who went on to make 35 not out. Malan was caught by Mustard off Onions. Berg (2) was caught Di Venuto from Thorp while Murtagh made 18 before going to Mustard and Onions. Roland Jones also made 17 to Blackwell and Onions while England fast bowler Finn was caught Collingwood off Onions without scoring. Given the start, 188 on this wicket and conditions was a creditable score. Graham Onions 6 for 45 of 24.4 with 7 maidens was the outstanding bowling performance supported by Thorp 2 for 43 and Claydon 1 54 and Stokes 1 for 33. Borthwick, Collingwood and Blackwell were not asked to bowl.
Several Durham batsmen had good starts only to then fall, De Venuto 30, Smith 29 Stokes 45 Benkentein 34 and Borthwick 33 with Onions at the end contributing 20. Earlier Collingwood 19, Blackwell 12, and Mustard 5 all disappointed with Thorp nothing and Claydon 8. The wickets were spread between 4 bowlers with Roland Jones 2 for 26 the best figures. The question to be settled on the Sun was a lead of 50 going to be sufficient for a result given further uncertainty about the weather.
On previous visits I only ventured to the ground floor facilities which include the famous Long Room where is possible view the game from behind the wicket through glass using comfortable chairs with arms rests or high chairs but which only require a small step to reach the seat thus enabling a view over the members sitting in the first row. On International match days this room is also crowded with those standing. The players (and umpires) have dressing rooms reached by separate staircases but converge into the Long Rooms as access to the playing area is through the centre double doors. This means that if a player performs exceptionally well the applause in the Long room is prolonged and reverberates while if there is a batting failure the silence is potentially humiliating. There is a tradition that Members do not approach or speak to players as they pass through the Long Room although if you know a player and are strategically placed then you may be acknowledged.
Running parallel to the Long Room is the Long Room Bar which serves a different main meal dish at each end. On Sunday having free entry to the ground I decided to invest the £8 with what I would have spent on a sandwich and bought lunch there. The choice was between a beef stew with hot veg or four chunky slices of beef in a bun with a variety of colds including new potatoes in skins with mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes. It was an unusual concoction which I enjoyed and beef was fantastic. Afterward I went on a little explore to view the Warner stand before the rains returned and where I noted the members lounge and bar was closed. As it commenced to rain I bought a coffee in the public bar and managed to spill about a third down me as the lid failed to fit properly Yuk.
The Long Room bar contains some commissioned paintings of those players and other personalities of the game invited to become honorary members, including one large collection of former players where I spotted David Gower and Graham Gooch. Gooch has the highest number of runs in an individual Test Innings at the ground 333 versus India in 1990 and six centuries 19875-1994, plus the most runs in Test Matches 2012(39 innings) But where was Ian Botham? At the far end of the room there was one large portrait. It was Sir Ian smoking a fat cigar. Ian has taken 69 wickets in 26 innings to head the wicket takers and the best figures of 8 for 34 versus Pakistan in 1978
It is an experience to sit and watch a game from the Long Room and cold without a top coat I spent the afternoon and afternoon and evening either pacing the rear on using one of the high chairs. On arrival I had the second floor Members lounge to me as it was closed for refreshments and therefore I had been able to read what interested me in the Sunday Telegraph and the Sunday Times at leisure.
Back to the game. At one point Middlesex in their second Innings were 91 for 8 leaving Durham less that 50 runs to win had the innings then quickly closed. However Simpson 47 and Murtagh 45 put on what became a match saving stand of 82. Durham tried all their Bowlers and it was Borthwick 1 for 7 off 2.5 who took out Simpson after Murtagh had gone to went to Claydon. Durham then still had more than 40 overs to get one thirty odd runs. Unfortunately there was a further heavy shower and it seemed to me that no one was in any hurry to get the ground cleared before the game restarted with the total having to get with only 17 overs of play. Onion s4 for 28 was again the star giving him 9 for 73 for the match. Stokes 2 for 22 also did well.
The situation called for 20 20 style batting and to the credit of Durham they had a go. De Venuto 29 and Mustard not 25, but no one else could get going and the match petered to a draw with Durham 82 for 6 and 50 runs short. It was Finn 4.43 to do the damage.
A draw brings Durham to a relegation spot in the championship table and with little play forecast for the game against Surrey, the season has commenced with the worst possible of all starts. There was no play at the Oval on the first day and there is an ominous yet to bat and Close up again although it only lunch time suggesting further torrential bursts and a saturated ground. This is not good indeed.
However I regard my visit to Lords as a great success and on the Sunday afternoon I spent several hours talking to a member of the MCC who was a traditional member without the fevered partisanship of the Middlesex Club supporter. As for Middlesex I suspect their fortunes like those of Durham will depend on the extent to which their International fast bowlers remain playing in the championship. For the past couple of years Finn has taken preference over the then injured Onions.
The present Lords ground is the third to bear the name at three have been within 250 yards of the present playing area. With the first 1781 to 1811 and the second for a short time until 1813. Thus the present site is 200 years old. With a capacity of 28000. The development proposal plans to increase the capacity to just fewer than 40000 with the ECB having given the commitment to play two Test matches at the ground for the next ten years. A feature of the ground is the floodlighting system which is retractable following representations by local residents. Durham will be required to have floodlights for the Test match in 2013 and it appears they will have to adopt a similar system as that at Lords when it had wanted to the attractive system at Nottingham. The large transformer building has been completed.
I will make on further report covering the last full day of the visits and the return journey as well as the relay of the Opera Rigoletto.
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