Mr (Carib) Bean?
Caribbean Capers Part Three
Mr (Carib) Bean?
By Barmy Kev
October 23 2008
As Barmy Kev flies off to Antigua to represent MTWD in the Stanford Super Series, we publish the last of his three-part story from his cricketing trip to the Caribbean in 1998. In this part, Kev returns to Barbados after Antigua to enjoy some one day cricket and to become (in)famous for 15 seconds.
Mr (Carib) Bean?
October 23 2008
As Barmy Kev flies off to Antigua to represent MTWD in the Stanford Super Series, we publish the last of his three-part story from his cricketing trip to the Caribbean in 1998. In this part, Kev returns to Barbados after Antigua to enjoy some one day cricket and to become (in)famous for 15 seconds.
Part 3
Back to the Hovel, Barbados.
Once again, I was travelling to next stage of holiday on disappointment of the 5th day of cricket. But I was looking forward with anticipation of the 3 1 day matches ahead.
Friendly Fire
1st one was a friendly a local select team against England who bought their one day specialists over. The main attractions in this local team were Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes ( one of my Middx heroes) and Jeffery Dujon plus some local up and coming stars. For this game I decided to buy a prestigious seat in the Gary Sobers pavilion.
I took my seat and despite hardly anyone in crowd, my seat was taken by a young black kid, who was playing around with another in area. I abruptly told them to move which they did. It was pointed out later that these kids were Desmond Haynes sons. I cannot forgive myself for treating the sons of god in that way. My other issue was I bought some bottles of this local alcopops, but forgot bottle opener. The gentleman next to me came to the rescue by using his teeth to open beverages.
As far as cricket concerned England batted first and achieved a formidable target against a weakened attack and no one cared. The ground started to fill up towards end of innings, not at anticipation of seeing Angus Fraser but for the two legends. Dessie and Greenidge didn’t disappoint and put on 100 for first wicket, perhaps not quite as lightening as in their heyday, but showing some great timing. No one celebrated when both were out soon after each other and match subsided. Fraser didn’t bat or bowl in match and I shouted to him at 3rd man whether he was picked for his fielding.
ODI - Kev's Famous for 15 Seconds
1st ODI match we won with just enough in hand having batted first. It was memorable for two superb centuries from Knight and Lara. It was good to witness my first England international victory abroad.
Main talking point was one of my funniest cricket stories, I have told this before. I was listening to the radio commentary on my headphones throughout, which was the same as our BBC one and was good way of following match. During dull period, Henry Blofield was commentating on various aspects of ground commenting on trees, pigeons in background then moving on to England fan base. He then highlighted this massive Halifax Town FC flag of which I happened to be in front of. When mentioned I started waving, jumping up and down, to those around me and Henry for no apparent reason. He commentated “and there is a young man waving and dancing up and down like a lunatic”. I always though I’ve got good face for radio.
ODear
2nd ODI a closer affair. The weather in morning was akin to last day of test. Thankfully it relented and only ½ hour lost. It was running a parallel theme to first game, except W Indies collapse was slower. Basically it came to penultimate ball with 1 needed to win and Courtenay Walsh coming out to bat at 11. At this stage thousands including me had climbed the fence and waiting to invade pitch. All I remember of that ball was it hitting Courtney’s pad an appeal a scrambled run and W Indies celebrating victory. In my despair some local then nicked my Middx hat and I was not happy. Bad way to finish
Life After Windes.
Yes there were highs and lows, but did not lose my appetite for touring with England. Did 5 further tours and after the Ashes series tour 2002 thought that was my lot and my next overseas cricket tour would be following Middlesex. OK, I did Ireland last year, but thought best hope then would be drawing Netherlands away in 1 day competition. When opportunity arose for Stanford games, I knew I had to be true to my words of six years ago and looking forward to this next adventure.
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