Weighty issues as counties vie to impress the press with culinary delights
ONE OF the highlights of the Test series has been the media function at the end of day one of each Test thrown by the series sponsors Investec. There is no better way to get cynical hacks to like you than giving them free food and err, refreshment. The post first day ‘do’ at The Oval was definitely the best so far. Hosted on ‘the Terrace’ situated on the third floor of the OCS Stand, there was a fine selection of pork sausage, burgers and a variety of err, refreshment. On a cool, clear evening, The Oval’s Old Pavilion made for a pretty picture. Old Trafford, which hosts the fourth Test next week, has a lot of work to do to match it.
BIG NAMES As part of the celebration of the 100th Test, the Surrey County Club hosted a number of former players at the match on Saturday. Chris Lewis, Martin Bicknell, Alex Stewart, Micky Stewart, Alex Tudor were among the former Surrey Internationals who enjoyed a day out. The Old Pavilion was also renamed The Micky Stewart Members Pavilion. The likes of former British PM, John Major and the England rugby coach Eddie Jones were seen enjoying the cricket from there on Friday.
EXTRA TRAINING The Ride London cycling festival has caused road closures which have forced the English team to head underground to get to The Oval. While James Anderson admitted he was entirely comfortable with the commute, having used the Tube many times before he became a famous sportsman, he mentioned that Stuart Broad found it all very new and exciting. Joe Root tweeted a picture of Broad staring at a picture of himself in a SkySports ad at Bank Station feature to which Alex Hales, England’s ODI opening bat replied: “You can even see the smug look of self-satisfaction from behind.”
FEED ‘EM AND WEEP Cricket Grounds are determined to make journos fat. There can be no other explanation for the cabinet at the back of the press box packed with chocolates, chips and sweets. That’s in addition to the delicious lunches served every day, while at tea time there are pork pies, cakes, and a cheese platter. According to one local scribe, the various grounds are in some sort of competition to serve the best meals.
LOCAL IS LEKKER? Away from the Test series in England, it seems Cricket South Africa is determined that the T20 Global League lives up to the global bit in its name. All eight owners are of course foreigners (there are minor Saffer shareholdings in two franchises), the launch for the competition took place in London and this weekend there’s been a workshop for the owners in Dubai.