By Barmykev
September 28 2003

Needing therapy in the Autumn of 1998 after a broken engagement, I decided the best cure was a trip to the Caribbean to watch an improving England cricket side tackle the fading West Indies. A "once in a life time experience". Arrived at Kensignton Oval, Barbados with England 2-1 down in series. The
match we got off to appalling start- England 53-4 (and later 131-6). However, Judas formed
partnerships with Thorpe and Russell to take our score to 300+. At the time
he was my hero. 86 not out overnight. Swore if he made a century would run
on pitch with my Middlesex kit. As he was closing in on century there was an
announcement that any pitch invaders would be escorted from ground and the
sight of police dogs put me off. He made his ton. I was very emotional, obviously unaware of future events. We had a 1st innings lead and
declared with consummate ease setting 375 just after tea on the fourth day. We got
one wicket before close, but Lara at no.3 just smacked the ball over.
Basically they got target under 300 with intention to win. All sorts of
predictions going on for day 5, draw least likely. However, nobody predicted
the rain that followed that made this match a draw. A potential classic
ruined by the worst weather Barbados had experienced for years. Other
highlights for me of this test was Gus signing my Middx hat; and staying in
my apartments. I also enjoyed drinks with Simian Briggs, who was at time trainee
Wisden writer and is now a respected broad sheet cricket correspondent. Also at my
accommodation the hospitality was superb where my empty glass was filled up
at no cost.

Off to Antigua. Arrived day before test to their "redeveloped" St Johns
ground. Thought I would walk to the ground night before to discover they were
still building the Richie Richardson stand. On day, massive queue outside
growing beyond scheduled opening time. Then I heard the shout from a Rasta
in ground, "where's the f**king key." No joke, they let us in after they
kicked the door down. My seat was near a ghetto blaster that played "who let
the dogs out every five minutes" ouch. Not ideal first thing in morning. I
sneaked into alternative seats. England batted first , but after 1/2 hour it
rained, thankfully only for an hour. However, the roller wasn't working so
they had to sweep the rain up from the pitch by sponges and mops. They
enlisted inmates from the local prison to help. This process took 6
hours (imagine it at Lords). By 5PM I'd had enough. I missed the final 1/2 hr we
were 35 for 2. Next day all out for about 150. Judas out to a shocker
caught off a Carl Hooper full toss having doggedly survived 4 lightening
quickies. W Indies managed 500 + declared, no way were we going to bowl them
out, despite the Cat and Gus presence. Hooper Classic 200, lara ton. They
declared-day + 1/2 for us to survive. We were doing well until Thorpe run
Hussain out when runs were irrelevant. Then he didn't shield tail with
strike. He went out of his way for an extra run to put Dean Headley facing who then got out
next ball. 11 overs left- Tuffers last man facing Ambrose . 6 slips cordon-
out quickly. Crescendo of steel band ouch again. I was watching all this
from Sandals swimming pool in ground. I have never been to a match with so
many incidents on and off the field this test.

The one day series followed. Warm up was playing a President's X1 at Oval.
Desmond Haynes and Gordon Grenidge opening for opposition. I watched this
from Gary Sobers Pavillion-dress code more casual than Lords. This kid
nicked my seat. I got annoyed with him and he stood his ground. I said
something to the effect who do you think you are. I later found out this was
Desmond Haynes son. England won this game easily, but Haynes and Grennidge
put 100 on for 1st wicket which was classic stuff. I was hoping they would
bat for ever

Two more ODIs. Both went to last overs. 1st one we won. 2nd one, last over
Courtney Walsh needed single off last ball. The whole crowd were on edge of
pitch ready to invade. Hit pad -massive appeal sure he was given out- I
thought we'd won-not out sneaked a single. I was celebrating then in
despair. No sympathy from the locals for me. I nearly had a fight with one
who tried to steal my Middlesex hat. I finished on a low.

One final amusing story was when I was watching match listening to radio
commentary. Henry Blofield was setting the scene and mentioned a Halifax
flag behind where I was sitting. I just jumped up and down and waved my
arms. And Blowers said " I can't believe it, there's someone jumping up and
down, waving his arms and nothing is happening. What's he on"