Yesterday Saturday 7th July 2012 was a great day for British Sport as was the Friday but alas Sunday turned into disaster and speculation of what might have been. There was no ecstasy as a spectator but some agony yesterday which I will attempt to encompass in one piece covering the three days as there is so much of political interest that has occurred over the past three weeks and continues to do so. Other TV included the Sopranos, Prisoner of War, the New Wallander with Kenneth Branagh, Antiques Road Show and films experienced and much else will have to wait although with no cricket to watch this week I hope to write a piece a day until next weekend when my attention will be devoted to participating in the Mouth of the Tyne of Festival at Tynemouth.
Saturday was an important day for English Cricket and its major rivalry with Australia and in particular for Durham County Cricket Club. The day went perfectly despite the atrocious weather beforehand and my guest who had braved the road conditions to travel from the Midlands was able to participate in what proved to be a celebration of the new standard of world class professionalism on the part of the English Cricket Team and of a true coming of age of the Durham Cricket Club ground with an almost full house of 15000 with tickets costing £55, every Box and hospitality area take and huge profit made by the concessions providing alcohol with beer and cider £4 a pint and Laithwaites wine from £22 to £26 a bottle and £5 a 175 medium size glass. There was much to note in addition to the cricket.
The weather forecast had been ominous with a month’s rain forecast to fall in the 24 hours before the game and overnight. Fortunately this rain was concentrated in the South West and although there was a period of continuous rain in the region it was nothing like as heavy as recently experienced and over by late afternoon. This enabled the ground staff to clear the outfield to make it playable and for a prompt start at the scheduled time of 10.45. This amazed everyone with the game at Nottingham abandoned without a ball being bowled and the first two matches delayed because of rain.
When the first one day and Test match International events were held at the Riverside ground there were problems with private vehicles attempting to reach the ground at the same time and traffic became banked up on the A1M motorway and on to the slip roads down to the roundabout which leads to Chester Le Street town centre and the Riverside ground. With the introduction of Park and Ride this was greatly reduced and the potential for crowds being held up and not reaching their seats in the time for the start of the match.
I was determined to set off early and although a little later that planned was on the way by 8.45 to reach the ground around 9.30. Driving along the main road to the commencement of the AIM a warning light indicator showed up on the dash board so I stopped and misinterpreted what was in the manual but fortunately it is a problem which can be serviced and arrangements were made to day for Thursday including the two replacement tyres which were advised at the MOT.
I was surprised at the good flow of traffic to ground but missed out on the few hard standing places on the main car park closest to the ground but was given a place on banking at the back which enabled a good short run on to the track on the way out. Some of the lower grassy areas were left empty with owners parking at there own risk of having problems if more rain fell and the soaked ground quickly turned into mud glue.
Forgetting to get a newspaper to read of Andy Murray’s success in beating Tsonga to get to his first Wimbledon Final having reached and lost semi final contests in the previous three years, I made a quick visit to the Member’s lounge to be allowed in only for a quick cup of coffee or tea. The area was divided to provide decorated hospitality tables by the entrance area before the balcony space. Balcony seats had been made available to members only by ballot at £75 compared with £50 for my ticket with a £5 concession on the price to the public. The purpose of my visit was to see of the club was keep up the tradition of providing members with a selection of regional newspaper. They did not. I greeted some members I knew who had gained seats on the balcony and who were enjoying a coffee at the tables inside before going out. I made a visit to the Gentleman’s before going to the our seats which were allocated to the area which I had requested and two rows from the back of the ground level tier of the Durham County Stand adjacent to the Media centre.
The seat provide a good view from the third man boundary about 45% from the off side of the wicket and with an excellent view of both club scoreboards although Sky had added its own in the corner to the other side of the media centre and next to the new stand with both balconies fully occupied. Although the seating was only half full by the 10.45 start it became at least 95% full with only one area at the back of the temporary stand and a small block in the area between the electronic scoreboard and the Member’s balcony showing vacant seats. I wondered if these were hospitality seats and those who had purchased placed decide to watch from behind glass.
England won the toss and elected to bat on a wicket where there was still moist damp from having been covered over the past three days and with a touch of green together with the heavy overcast atmosphere meant that the ball could be expected to swing and would prove a challenge to whoever batted first. So it proved to be. Australia was only able to score 14 runs over the first 10 overs for the loss of two consecutive wickets. Finn had Warner LBW for 2 runs when the total was 6 and he had Forrest dismissed in the same manner off his first ball. Australia were 2 wickets down for six runs and at this level the game could be considered over all things being equal in the rest of the match.
I thought the tourists did well to reach 200 given their poor start and had been 96 for 6 before a stand of 70 runs between Brett Lee and David Hussey. Watson had showed defiance with one six and two fours was next to go bowled by Bresnan for 28 (57 for 3) and Bailey was bowled by Bopara for 9 when the total was 68 It was when Hussey joined captain Michael Clark that it looked they were going to make a fist of it. Clark was playing solidly making 43 off 85 deliveries when bowled by Finn (96 for 5) Next new man Wade came in and was caught by the wicket keeper Kieswetter off Finn again with his first ball. Kieswetter had to leap full stretch into the air to his right and just about held the catch and for the second time in the match Finn had the opportunity for a hat trick. He completed his ten overs with 2 maidens and 4 wicket for 37 runs and deservedly was awarded the man if the match prize.
Brett hit high into the air to be caught by Stuart Broad off Anderson for 27 having hit a six and two fours to entertain and annoy the crowd while McKay was also caught in the deep off Bresnan for 8. Hussey went in similar fashion caught Anderson off Bresnan for 70 off 73 balls with 9 fours. Pattison was not out 8 with Hiferhaus when the innings closing at 200 for 9.
The sun came out after the mist cleared and although we were sitting the opposite end to the glare, sun hats were required and limbs uncovered quickly caught the sun but the atmosphere was very pleasant with only a touch of breeze and warm without being hot. This was amazingly given what was happening elsewhere and the continuation of flood warning with in the south west at level red. It was the best day of International cricket experienced in terms of facilities, weather and the standard of but of course could not compared the Headingly and Oval games seen in the Botham’s Ashes series, watching Peterson and Flintoff play at Edgbaston, or that first Ashes Test at the Oval in 1948, celebrated as the last innings played by Don Bradman in England before his retirement out for 0 and only a few runs short of achieving a Test average of 100.
I had carefully prepared picnic food the evening before with a soft cool bag hamper containing filled rolls with Ham, Prawns and Salmon with leaves of crisp lettuce. There was an apple turnover which I enjoyed shortly after arrival with a cup of coffee, enjoying a second cup with my first roll. There was a shared carton of juice deep red cherries after the second roll was eaten. Later during the afternoon when the third roll was consumed there was an Eccles cake and Cornetto ice cream and at some point a small portion of iced carrot cake. A veritable feast of indulgence. I had brought water on plastic bottles in a cool bag with two cans of coke which were not allowed in but were replaced with two plastic container bottles. The liquid consumption was modest even frugal by what was happening all around particularly in front where there was a family based party of 12 where every member appeared to take responsibility for a round of drinks during the day, a venture which cost as much as their ticket. None of the party appeared worse for drink despite the level of consumption.
It is also fair to comment that that seven young men dressed as bears together with another young man dressed as Goldilocks also appeared well behaved throughout, removing their protruding head gear when seated not to obstruct the views of those behind. There was noise and boorish chants from the barmy army in the distance. There was also the effort to create the Mexican wave in a lull in entertainment play during the England innings which fortunately did not last for long. I can understand children liking this sort of thing but the excited participation of adults continues to puzzle as well as irritate.
Alistair Cook the captain and Ian Bell have become the established opening partnership for the growing successful English One day side in a team which had previously won eight consecutive games and is building up strength for the world one day series. With England the leading world team in Test Cricket which will be challenged by South Africa in a three Test series shortly which commenced in the week before my visit to London for the Olympic Games and the current 20 20 World champions who were won under the captaincy of Paul Collingwood? Paul who has recently been appointed the captain of Durham in succession to Phil Mustard, a timely development as the club attempts to say off relegation to Division two. Paul was at the game and was interviewed on the ground and was also available for a question and answer session which the public were invited to participate in a separate area of the ground. Graham Onions who the English Test and County Cricket Board spent over £200000 keeping him on the books during his eighteen months of injury provided a demonstration of the preparation which fast bowlers engage in before taking part in games with the help of three female members of the Durham Academy who each bowled an over attempting to hit the area marked on the pitch which can cause batsmen the greatest difficulties. This event took place during the intervals between innings.
The two England openers put on 70 runs before Cook appeared to aim a catch directly at the substitute, one of two who came on to replace two Australian bowlers and therefore weakened the side. Cook had made 28. It then looked as if Bell with Trott would see England win comfortably. Australia had appealed for decisions against the umpire without getting a review and then losing the only review which is allowed in the game. However it was possible to get a review in relation to run outs if the umpires were so minded. Just when Bell looked set for a 100 he sliced a ball onto his own wicket at 69 giving McKay his second wicket, and the only Australian bowler to take wickets in the innings. Bell had scored 9 fours. Trott and Bopara then saw England to victory with 64 runs (4 fours) and 33 runs (3 fours) in the 48th over. The pair took no chances and this bored some of the crowd who wanted 20 20 fireworks. The reaction failed to take account of the conditions and importance of England getting the target without undue risk. It was a tremendous performance.
I have mentioned the party of twelve in front. Next to us on one side were the parents of a Durham cricketer who came over to see they were well placed before the match commenced and between innings. In keeping with key 101 policies and practise the identity remains confidential. They did advise that Steve Harmison was being loaned to Yorkshire for a month as part of the effort to return to the first division. It is to be hoped that they will likewise assist if Durham fails to remain in the first division itself. Today it was announced that the South African Myberg has agreed to continue to play for Durham after his success with the 20 20 side. This could make an important difference.
Alas the 20 20 team failed to gain one of the two third place teams to compete in the quarter final. Yesterday at the same time as the Men’s Final at Wimbledon Durham played Lancashire and had an outside chance of gain one of the places if they won. The match was tied with each team gaining a point and thus they missed out on the Quaterfinals. Yorkshire and Sussex are in the next round.
There was one other aspect of the game on Saturday that should be mentioned. There were two seats next to us occupied by two older men who came to ground separates as the first was contacted by the other. They came and appeared to give the game some attention attempting to engage in conversation with the people in front and then with us. They left individually about an hour into the game, again separately and we did not see them again until shortly before the match ended and they then returned briefly to their seats again separately and then left separately shortly afterwards. One of the party in front asked directly where they had been and they said at the bar. I assumed that this meant some hospitality although they could of course have been journalists going up to the media centre. It was interested and odd.
I as not in the mood for a rush away as some but only a minority did as the end of the game approach as England had looked in command throughout. As a consequence I feared there would be a prolonged wait to get out of the car park but in the event this proved to be closer to a quarter of an hour than a half and again surprised. .
It was possible to view part of the Sky highlights of the game upon returning home. I had intended to watch the full show during to day but other programmes gained my attention as SKY 3D replayed all four of Trevor McDonalds Queen and Country programmes in succession over a four hour period although the individual programmes appear to me to be no longer than 40 minutes. I enjoyed reading the programme which included the 2013 schedule of International Cricket in the UK. New Zealand come between May and June playing 10 matches including 2 tests three I day games and 2 at 20 20. Australia then arrives at the end of June and play 5 Tests with the fourth at Durham, 5 one day games again and two 20 20 games including one at Durham so that over the two years Durham will have hosted a Test, a 1 day and a 20 20 against the Australians. What I cannot get any information on other than the dates of the preliminary matches between the 6th and 17th June and semi Finals also at the Oval and Cardiff and the Final at Edgbaston is the ICC Champions Trophy, that is, the 1 day world championship. England also defend their 20 20 World title in Sri Lanka later this year. The volume of international matches is extraordinary which also gives some justification for the argument that there needs to be a large squad of specialist players for each form of the game to ensure a competitive team of he best inform players and to cover for injuries juries and illnesses, This argument becomes stronger with the ambition early realised of being the best in the world at each and every of the three forms of the game. There is also justification for including more one day games at 50 overs because now the one day game played at County level is restricted to forty over.
Finally I want to say something about Durham’s challenge to remain in the first division and the forecast weather which is grim at least for the rest of July and likely for the rest of this summer. An examination of the present table and remaining matches with still half the season to go suggests that survival is possible. Durham are at Worcestershire this week and need to win although the weather is against them and they are at Sussex the following week with a home game in the run up to my visit to the Olympic Games when they play Middlesex also a game which they have the opportunity to win but where the weather is a factor, I have a double football game in Newcastle on the 16th the day before the Middlesex game begins and then a game on the 29th during the match It is going to be an interesting and important three weeks weather permitting. Next my attention is was on watching Andy Murray play in the men’s championship final at Wimbledon on the large cinema screen and in 3D.
Saturday was an important day for English Cricket and its major rivalry with Australia and in particular for Durham County Cricket Club. The day went perfectly despite the atrocious weather beforehand and my guest who had braved the road conditions to travel from the Midlands was able to participate in what proved to be a celebration of the new standard of world class professionalism on the part of the English Cricket Team and of a true coming of age of the Durham Cricket Club ground with an almost full house of 15000 with tickets costing £55, every Box and hospitality area take and huge profit made by the concessions providing alcohol with beer and cider £4 a pint and Laithwaites wine from £22 to £26 a bottle and £5 a 175 medium size glass. There was much to note in addition to the cricket.
The weather forecast had been ominous with a month’s rain forecast to fall in the 24 hours before the game and overnight. Fortunately this rain was concentrated in the South West and although there was a period of continuous rain in the region it was nothing like as heavy as recently experienced and over by late afternoon. This enabled the ground staff to clear the outfield to make it playable and for a prompt start at the scheduled time of 10.45. This amazed everyone with the game at Nottingham abandoned without a ball being bowled and the first two matches delayed because of rain.
When the first one day and Test match International events were held at the Riverside ground there were problems with private vehicles attempting to reach the ground at the same time and traffic became banked up on the A1M motorway and on to the slip roads down to the roundabout which leads to Chester Le Street town centre and the Riverside ground. With the introduction of Park and Ride this was greatly reduced and the potential for crowds being held up and not reaching their seats in the time for the start of the match.
I was determined to set off early and although a little later that planned was on the way by 8.45 to reach the ground around 9.30. Driving along the main road to the commencement of the AIM a warning light indicator showed up on the dash board so I stopped and misinterpreted what was in the manual but fortunately it is a problem which can be serviced and arrangements were made to day for Thursday including the two replacement tyres which were advised at the MOT.
I was surprised at the good flow of traffic to ground but missed out on the few hard standing places on the main car park closest to the ground but was given a place on banking at the back which enabled a good short run on to the track on the way out. Some of the lower grassy areas were left empty with owners parking at there own risk of having problems if more rain fell and the soaked ground quickly turned into mud glue.
Forgetting to get a newspaper to read of Andy Murray’s success in beating Tsonga to get to his first Wimbledon Final having reached and lost semi final contests in the previous three years, I made a quick visit to the Member’s lounge to be allowed in only for a quick cup of coffee or tea. The area was divided to provide decorated hospitality tables by the entrance area before the balcony space. Balcony seats had been made available to members only by ballot at £75 compared with £50 for my ticket with a £5 concession on the price to the public. The purpose of my visit was to see of the club was keep up the tradition of providing members with a selection of regional newspaper. They did not. I greeted some members I knew who had gained seats on the balcony and who were enjoying a coffee at the tables inside before going out. I made a visit to the Gentleman’s before going to the our seats which were allocated to the area which I had requested and two rows from the back of the ground level tier of the Durham County Stand adjacent to the Media centre.
The seat provide a good view from the third man boundary about 45% from the off side of the wicket and with an excellent view of both club scoreboards although Sky had added its own in the corner to the other side of the media centre and next to the new stand with both balconies fully occupied. Although the seating was only half full by the 10.45 start it became at least 95% full with only one area at the back of the temporary stand and a small block in the area between the electronic scoreboard and the Member’s balcony showing vacant seats. I wondered if these were hospitality seats and those who had purchased placed decide to watch from behind glass.
England won the toss and elected to bat on a wicket where there was still moist damp from having been covered over the past three days and with a touch of green together with the heavy overcast atmosphere meant that the ball could be expected to swing and would prove a challenge to whoever batted first. So it proved to be. Australia was only able to score 14 runs over the first 10 overs for the loss of two consecutive wickets. Finn had Warner LBW for 2 runs when the total was 6 and he had Forrest dismissed in the same manner off his first ball. Australia were 2 wickets down for six runs and at this level the game could be considered over all things being equal in the rest of the match.
I thought the tourists did well to reach 200 given their poor start and had been 96 for 6 before a stand of 70 runs between Brett Lee and David Hussey. Watson had showed defiance with one six and two fours was next to go bowled by Bresnan for 28 (57 for 3) and Bailey was bowled by Bopara for 9 when the total was 68 It was when Hussey joined captain Michael Clark that it looked they were going to make a fist of it. Clark was playing solidly making 43 off 85 deliveries when bowled by Finn (96 for 5) Next new man Wade came in and was caught by the wicket keeper Kieswetter off Finn again with his first ball. Kieswetter had to leap full stretch into the air to his right and just about held the catch and for the second time in the match Finn had the opportunity for a hat trick. He completed his ten overs with 2 maidens and 4 wicket for 37 runs and deservedly was awarded the man if the match prize.
Brett hit high into the air to be caught by Stuart Broad off Anderson for 27 having hit a six and two fours to entertain and annoy the crowd while McKay was also caught in the deep off Bresnan for 8. Hussey went in similar fashion caught Anderson off Bresnan for 70 off 73 balls with 9 fours. Pattison was not out 8 with Hiferhaus when the innings closing at 200 for 9.
The sun came out after the mist cleared and although we were sitting the opposite end to the glare, sun hats were required and limbs uncovered quickly caught the sun but the atmosphere was very pleasant with only a touch of breeze and warm without being hot. This was amazingly given what was happening elsewhere and the continuation of flood warning with in the south west at level red. It was the best day of International cricket experienced in terms of facilities, weather and the standard of but of course could not compared the Headingly and Oval games seen in the Botham’s Ashes series, watching Peterson and Flintoff play at Edgbaston, or that first Ashes Test at the Oval in 1948, celebrated as the last innings played by Don Bradman in England before his retirement out for 0 and only a few runs short of achieving a Test average of 100.
I had carefully prepared picnic food the evening before with a soft cool bag hamper containing filled rolls with Ham, Prawns and Salmon with leaves of crisp lettuce. There was an apple turnover which I enjoyed shortly after arrival with a cup of coffee, enjoying a second cup with my first roll. There was a shared carton of juice deep red cherries after the second roll was eaten. Later during the afternoon when the third roll was consumed there was an Eccles cake and Cornetto ice cream and at some point a small portion of iced carrot cake. A veritable feast of indulgence. I had brought water on plastic bottles in a cool bag with two cans of coke which were not allowed in but were replaced with two plastic container bottles. The liquid consumption was modest even frugal by what was happening all around particularly in front where there was a family based party of 12 where every member appeared to take responsibility for a round of drinks during the day, a venture which cost as much as their ticket. None of the party appeared worse for drink despite the level of consumption.
It is also fair to comment that that seven young men dressed as bears together with another young man dressed as Goldilocks also appeared well behaved throughout, removing their protruding head gear when seated not to obstruct the views of those behind. There was noise and boorish chants from the barmy army in the distance. There was also the effort to create the Mexican wave in a lull in entertainment play during the England innings which fortunately did not last for long. I can understand children liking this sort of thing but the excited participation of adults continues to puzzle as well as irritate.
Alistair Cook the captain and Ian Bell have become the established opening partnership for the growing successful English One day side in a team which had previously won eight consecutive games and is building up strength for the world one day series. With England the leading world team in Test Cricket which will be challenged by South Africa in a three Test series shortly which commenced in the week before my visit to London for the Olympic Games and the current 20 20 World champions who were won under the captaincy of Paul Collingwood? Paul who has recently been appointed the captain of Durham in succession to Phil Mustard, a timely development as the club attempts to say off relegation to Division two. Paul was at the game and was interviewed on the ground and was also available for a question and answer session which the public were invited to participate in a separate area of the ground. Graham Onions who the English Test and County Cricket Board spent over £200000 keeping him on the books during his eighteen months of injury provided a demonstration of the preparation which fast bowlers engage in before taking part in games with the help of three female members of the Durham Academy who each bowled an over attempting to hit the area marked on the pitch which can cause batsmen the greatest difficulties. This event took place during the intervals between innings.
The two England openers put on 70 runs before Cook appeared to aim a catch directly at the substitute, one of two who came on to replace two Australian bowlers and therefore weakened the side. Cook had made 28. It then looked as if Bell with Trott would see England win comfortably. Australia had appealed for decisions against the umpire without getting a review and then losing the only review which is allowed in the game. However it was possible to get a review in relation to run outs if the umpires were so minded. Just when Bell looked set for a 100 he sliced a ball onto his own wicket at 69 giving McKay his second wicket, and the only Australian bowler to take wickets in the innings. Bell had scored 9 fours. Trott and Bopara then saw England to victory with 64 runs (4 fours) and 33 runs (3 fours) in the 48th over. The pair took no chances and this bored some of the crowd who wanted 20 20 fireworks. The reaction failed to take account of the conditions and importance of England getting the target without undue risk. It was a tremendous performance.
I have mentioned the party of twelve in front. Next to us on one side were the parents of a Durham cricketer who came over to see they were well placed before the match commenced and between innings. In keeping with key 101 policies and practise the identity remains confidential. They did advise that Steve Harmison was being loaned to Yorkshire for a month as part of the effort to return to the first division. It is to be hoped that they will likewise assist if Durham fails to remain in the first division itself. Today it was announced that the South African Myberg has agreed to continue to play for Durham after his success with the 20 20 side. This could make an important difference.
Alas the 20 20 team failed to gain one of the two third place teams to compete in the quarter final. Yesterday at the same time as the Men’s Final at Wimbledon Durham played Lancashire and had an outside chance of gain one of the places if they won. The match was tied with each team gaining a point and thus they missed out on the Quaterfinals. Yorkshire and Sussex are in the next round.
There was one other aspect of the game on Saturday that should be mentioned. There were two seats next to us occupied by two older men who came to ground separates as the first was contacted by the other. They came and appeared to give the game some attention attempting to engage in conversation with the people in front and then with us. They left individually about an hour into the game, again separately and we did not see them again until shortly before the match ended and they then returned briefly to their seats again separately and then left separately shortly afterwards. One of the party in front asked directly where they had been and they said at the bar. I assumed that this meant some hospitality although they could of course have been journalists going up to the media centre. It was interested and odd.
I as not in the mood for a rush away as some but only a minority did as the end of the game approach as England had looked in command throughout. As a consequence I feared there would be a prolonged wait to get out of the car park but in the event this proved to be closer to a quarter of an hour than a half and again surprised. .
It was possible to view part of the Sky highlights of the game upon returning home. I had intended to watch the full show during to day but other programmes gained my attention as SKY 3D replayed all four of Trevor McDonalds Queen and Country programmes in succession over a four hour period although the individual programmes appear to me to be no longer than 40 minutes. I enjoyed reading the programme which included the 2013 schedule of International Cricket in the UK. New Zealand come between May and June playing 10 matches including 2 tests three I day games and 2 at 20 20. Australia then arrives at the end of June and play 5 Tests with the fourth at Durham, 5 one day games again and two 20 20 games including one at Durham so that over the two years Durham will have hosted a Test, a 1 day and a 20 20 against the Australians. What I cannot get any information on other than the dates of the preliminary matches between the 6th and 17th June and semi Finals also at the Oval and Cardiff and the Final at Edgbaston is the ICC Champions Trophy, that is, the 1 day world championship. England also defend their 20 20 World title in Sri Lanka later this year. The volume of international matches is extraordinary which also gives some justification for the argument that there needs to be a large squad of specialist players for each form of the game to ensure a competitive team of he best inform players and to cover for injuries juries and illnesses, This argument becomes stronger with the ambition early realised of being the best in the world at each and every of the three forms of the game. There is also justification for including more one day games at 50 overs because now the one day game played at County level is restricted to forty over.
Finally I want to say something about Durham’s challenge to remain in the first division and the forecast weather which is grim at least for the rest of July and likely for the rest of this summer. An examination of the present table and remaining matches with still half the season to go suggests that survival is possible. Durham are at Worcestershire this week and need to win although the weather is against them and they are at Sussex the following week with a home game in the run up to my visit to the Olympic Games when they play Middlesex also a game which they have the opportunity to win but where the weather is a factor, I have a double football game in Newcastle on the 16th the day before the Middlesex game begins and then a game on the 29th during the match It is going to be an interesting and important three weeks weather permitting. Next my attention is was on watching Andy Murray play in the men’s championship final at Wimbledon on the large cinema screen and in 3D.
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