VANISH

I got to Lord’s this morning and realized that I had my ‘reporter’s t-shirt’ on, the one I got chocolate cake down. Fortunately the stains vanished with err ‘Vanish’ products so I was able to use it again.

Verdant Lord’s

I sat glued to the TV Monday and even Headingley had parched and straw-like patches on it’s out-field. Not Lord’s however. I was told that Mick Hunt has friends in high places (localized showers and all that), and liberally uses a sprinkler which I saw being used at the Nursery end (through the gap under the Media centre) and on the pitch at close of play.

The Toss

 Won by Middlesex and we are batting. Billy Taylor was at Lord’s but in the capacity of 12^th man. The wicket seemed quite central albeit nearer the Mound stand than the Grand Stand. I spoke to a committee member before play who reassured me that this was the match that Middlesex was going to turn things round and things would be different. I must admit I was a bit skeptical, but thought let’s wait and see. Smith and Compton opened the batting and after two overs Compton had not faced a ball.

At close of play Ed Smith was in quite a chatty mood so I asked him what the pitch was like and he said that it was placid and low, and care had to be taken in the first hour.

How Appealing

Smith lasted an hour for his 24 runs when he edged one to the keeper (33/1). I was disappointed as he had hung around for an hour, seen the shine off the ball and I really thought he’d cracked it this time.

We were subjected to at least two appeals per over (hence the sub title). Compton did not strike a boundary until 12.05pm. He was then adjudged lbw to Mascarenhas for 11. By this stage I had been joined by Mr Weekes Snr, and he said to me that Compton was well forward. During the lunch interval Blake Keegan told me that Nick had got a ‘dodgy’ decision (according the video data that they use). Others also said to me that Nick was unlucky to be given out.

I then thought: “Here we go again…….. Taylor not playing step up………………”

However despite Hampshire using seven bowlers we were 94/2 at lunch

Presentation time

I got this half right as I said to Bobby Weekes that I thought Compton and Silverwood would get their caps. It was actually Styris and Silverwood. Most people I spoke to were bitterly disappointed that Compton was not included. I then approached the same committee member to complain on Compton’s behalf. Apparently the rationale is to keep him hungry for runs and he could still yet get his cap this season (Notts game). We were not allowed on the out field, but I got a photo of Silverwood from the corner of the pavilion (see below). So much for Ben Hutton being in Spain as he presented the caps to Styris and Silverwood.

Rescue job

Joyce and Shah batted well after lunch and Joyce brought up his 50 (53) just before the 100 partnership (151/2). In fact he had out-scored Shah at this stage. On 152 Joyce was bowled by Thornley, just when he was beginning to look good. A few balls later Shah brought up his 50. Dalrymple was looking increasingly more confident when he was adjudged lbw to Warne. He was another one I thought would get a big score today.

I was royally entertained by the banter between Messrs Shah and Weekes Snr. Talk about one-upmanship………. Only it wasn’t about their sons but their own prowess at cricket. Now that would be a competition I’d like to see.

Then came the most ridiculous appeal of the day. Styris wafted and missed a ball (oops forgot to write down which bowler) and Pothas caught the ball. Pothas jumped up and down for what seemed like forever appealing for a catch. At tea we were well placed on 279/4 with Styris and Shah going well.

Ten balls later Styris also brings up his 50, and soon we are 300 up. Going well………………. Don’t speak too soon!

Warne strikes twice in quick succession as both Styris (63) and Shah (91) are lbw to Warne. 310/4 becomes 310/5 to 311/6. What a disappointment. Mr Shah snr then comes back to the Allen stand protesting that his son was not out. [All the lbw’s were given by the same umpire (Kettleborough I think) and as Compton’s was deemed unlucky by many, perhaps one or two of the others were also].

Come on Ben lets see what you can do

Ben Scott joined Paul Weekes at the crease, and the pair played sensibly and were still there at stumps, Scott 17 not out and Weekes 14 not out.

I suppose to be fair, honours even. New ball is only 4 overs old. I hope Weekes and Scott can be as circumspect as they were this evening when play restarts and see us through to a big score. Here’s hoping both go on to get at least 50, maybe even 100.