Star Man

By Groundie
May 17 2011

Groundie brings us an excellent report on the build up and events on and off the field for our three Dayer v Sri Lanka. A cracking reoprt from start to finish

The phone rang one January morning, “Vic, it’s Angus Fraser, would you be able to stage a game against Sri Lanka at Uxbridge?” Didn’t really take much thinking about and happily the club agreed a couple of days later it was confirmed.

The thought of Jayawardene. Sangakara and Malinga made this a huge fixture enhanced by the teams performance in the World Cup.

Yet a few weeks before the game, it was clear that the IPL players would not be available, this was offset by the news that Andrew Strauss would be making his first home start since the Ashes campaign.

Then came an email a month or so before the game to say that there would be a protest at the game and subsequent tour matches. This was all to do with alleged war crimes. Why sport has to suffer, one struggles to understand but then it is an easy target.

Normal preparation continued until early in the week of the match a security meeting was called. All manner of high ranking officials were present plus a rather bewildered groundsman who’s only concern was for the safety of the pitch. Not to worry two rather burly guys were assigned to protect the pitch overnight.

More phone calls from Angus, “can Strauss & Dalrymple come in for nets on Thursday & Friday mornings?” “Of course.”

All the time pitch 8 is under preparation, it looks very flat, which is the aim. This match is really about players getting practise in the middle and this pitch has been made with that in mind, rather than the usual method. The difference being that this one is hard and has been shaved of all grass cover, so that it should be a batting “road”.

Thursday comes and the planned net practise to commence at 10:00am. Ram and I are just putting the final touches to the nets when at 09:15, the England captain walks across and shakes hands. “Congratulations on the Ashes victory” we say and “if you have a spare 5 minutes, could you sign some bits for our curry night?” So we go for coffee and the signing session is duly completed.

Two days of practise completed against a group of young Academy bowlers, both players look in fine form.

Friday, the ground is transformed into County mode, final touches made to the pitch including all markings and at 8:00pm, it is handed over to the security.

Saturday morning starts early for all concerned, Loz & Fletch, security and ground staff alike. The Middlesex CEO is spotted doing a security lap of the ground, way before 8am. Thankfully no George Davis type signs on the pitch, although as it turns out, he wasn’t so innocent after all. Loads to do, uncover, fold up sheets, cut, roll and re mark pitch, set up stumps. Two bowling strips for the teams to practise on, two hitting nets for throw downs, check the boundary rope, cut the square, rope off the second square and start watering. No bacon sandwiches today!!

The security is tight – rightly so – the protesters are expected by 10:00, by which time the players will be safely in. The Green team have a role to perform in providing security for players and public safety as well. They are often abused but on this occasion, their presence is welcome.

Finally the game is due to start, Andrew Strauss had already confirmed that there would be no agreement to Sri Lanka batting first and he was keen for a knock. Meet the umpires, both familiar faces and good blokes. Middlesex will bat. Here we go, usual first ball nerves, will it bounce?

When Strauss is on 80, I get an email from my mate Stu, the head groundsman at Chelmsford, it says “apparently the M25 has been re routed through Uxbridge for the next 3 days”. Not long after and Strauss completes a hundred. Then is the turn of Housego, much to the delight of a certain Jeff Coleman. The Sri Lanka bowling looks as weak as the pitch looks flat.

The protesters were an irritation but at least they took away the usual road noise. One has a certain amount of sympathy for their cause and if they remain as peaceful, then good luck to them. Thankfully they were gone by tea with one female member slightly hoarse one suspects.

Day 2, having told me he was declaring on the overnight total Dawid Malan decided to carry on batting for a further 7 overs. When the innings closed we all ran on to perform our various duties, me with the light roller, when the Sri Lankans all shouted no the big one – this is of course allowed in a tourists game – as I turned in haste, they all broke out in laughter and called the little one on. This was a difficult day for the Middlesex second string and they toiled. Dilshan looking especially impressive before retiring. The over before tea, with the other opener on 94 a message was sent out, could they be declaring one wondered but it was soon clear that if he wanted a hundred, then he should do so before the break, which of course was achieved and he stayed in the pavilion on the resumption. The lunch break had seen Steve Finn having a bowl and getting some advice from Derek Pringle. The groundstaff team sold raffle tickets and cakes at lunch, raising over £200 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Day 3 was a really interesting day, first one of the Sri Lankans came over for a chat and to the amusement of the rest of the team he said “I would like you to come around with us and be our curator for all the test matches”. After he had gone, I asked “who was that guy”, Lee said that’s Samaweera and he averages 50 in Tests. Richard Johnson asked if Moggy could have a hit in the middle at lunch, which we cleared with the umpires. Play began and immediately the Sri Lanka bowlers found a bit more life and swing. Wickets began to tumble as Middlesex wobbled.

The lunch break was interesting, try concentrating on painting straight lines when 10 feet away from Mr Morgan with a bat in hand and a rickety old bit of netting. Yet it was a good session as Moggy was joined by Neil Dexter to bat against Tim Murtagh, Gareth Berg, Tom Scollay and a certain Angus Fraser.

Soon after lunch Middlesex were skittled leaving a target of 214. Sri Lanka changed their order and coasted to victory although the Middlesex bowlers again worked hard. Anthony Ireland (complete with MTWD sponsored shirt) looked to turn in a whole hearted performance.

A very enjoyable three days. Good luck to the Sri Lankans, they are a lovely team. Team Middlesex worked tirelessly from top to bottom.

For me the overriding memory will be the total professionalism of the England captain. Early arrival every day, worked extremely hard at his game and never once left the field, others could learn a lot.