19:26 Kings Cross - Leeds

By Barmy Kev
March 15 2009

In the first of a two-parter, Barmy Kev, who was there at the Rose Bowl on Finals Day, reviews the two matches from the perspective of the commemorative DVD. From a genuine fan's perspective, you get real insight into what Kev did and didn't take in on the day itself, as he watches the matches in full for the first time in the cold light of the DVD player. First up - the semi-final.

6 months after the unbelievable day at Rose Bowl, I finally got round to watching the DVD of finals day. The circumstances could not have been much more different. As opposed to a stifling hot day mainly on a high and in a mood to celebrate, this was watched during a return Kings Cross/Leeds train journey (using a recently acquired portable DVD player) on a cold day making a trip I would have rather not have had to make. The journey time was 2 ½ hours long both ways and plan was to watch semi final DVD going, final on way back, while fast forwarding parts to enable me to watch the end before arrival back at Kings Cross.

Semi Final- Kings Cross to Leeds  

The coverage of semi final commenced approximately 1 hour before actual start of match. It was clear this DVD was just a repeat of SKY coverage without the adverts. There was discussion about the then current England team, Harmison’s recall which was old news and not interesting. I fast forwarded this and had no interest on day and on the repeat of mascot race -and this was not sour grapes as Kenny the Sorry mascot won and picked up their only Silverware of season. Given the pink Middlesex flavour cover of DVD and this was a DVD for Middx fans, I feel the club missed a trick here.   They could have used this time for extended highlights of ¼ finals, some action from group stages and interview some players of thoughts before the big event.   

As part of pre match analysis it appeared all of the pundits predicted a Durham win.   Hmm we’ll see, I thought.  I was glad to forward on to start of actual game and eagerly awaited Super Tim’s opening over that set the tone of day. A wicket and 2 runs only conceded and from train felt our row in stand at the Bowl rocking and could hear the “Super Tim” chants in background. 

The first blooper of day was Nasser saying the catch was by Shah and then corrected himself by saying it was “Dinesh Karthik”  (who?)  twice without correcting himself.  

Bumble never failed to amuse me with his observations. One classic was when Shaggy cleared up a Billy G mis-field and in his own style commented “common lad give the old man a break, he’s 19 years your senior.”  

The next phase, I was looking forward to watching was the break in run rate put on by our spinners and Chanderpaul’s struggle.  At the time, myself and people around me including Durham fans were heckling and I was glad my chants of “ur only ear 4 ur average” and “r u Benning in disguise” did not come out on TV.

However, Bumble commented akin to my vocal comment at time, although I must add articulated it differently, “you know what Middlesex are better off with Chanderpaul there”.   What the coverage did show, which you cannot appreciate at ground, was a chart depicting the spots where our spinners pitched the ball as well as from the slow motion replays the revs of the ball turning.  This clearly depicted consistent spinning of the ball at right line and length which was main reason for Durham’s modest total.      

Keep it Slow, Shiv, Keep It Slow.    

With our chase going well with 60 + opening and all commentators were saying how we were easing to victory. Then two openers are out and suddenly Durham had a sniff.  I remember how astounded I was when Hendo was next in. I thought Morgan/Malan even Scott would be better for some consolidation. Perhaps the understatement of year was Bumble’s comment “it looks like Middlesex are looking for some impetus in their chase of target”. My shout at time of first ball was “play yourself in Hendo.”  The response was an uncultured slog for a single.  Ironically then Bumble commented “I don’t think e’s looking to play himself in”.

What followed was a slog fest which I could see over and over again. Shrek Wasp and Barmy Paul were featured on TV celebrating big hits. One side of this I failed to appreciate at the time, was Ace’s innings, playing secondary role just nudging singles allowing Hendo to have strike and take over.  The finish with overs to spare allowed me to watch the semi-final match to the end as the train approached Leeds station. No mention was made of how all pundits were completely wrong and I hope humble pie was on order for them during the break before the final.         

Will Barmy Kev manage to complete the Twenty20 Final on the return journey from Leeds to Kings Cross, or will the rail network confound our Kev by running to time for once on his return journey?  Find out when Part Two of this article goes up in a few days time.  Many thanks to Kev for writing up this rare insight for us all.