Test of friendship Cricket fan helps out mate by commentating match
ALORRY driver from Bristol has gone viral on social media after commentating for his blind friend at a cricket match in Antigua.
Avid cricket fan Rich ‘Tiny’ Nicholls from Bristol described the action at England’s first cricket test against the West Indies to blind supporter Martin Lloyd.
Martin and his wife Tara made their way to Antigua for the test, joining the Barmy Army travel group going to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to watch the test match.
It was at the ground that he met fellow supporter Rich Nicholls, who decided to offer his assistance by spending a couple of hours every day describing the action ball-by-ball for his new friend who is registered blind.
In 2013, Martin was diagnosed with a detached retina. A year later he suffered the same problem in his other eye and, four years ago, lost his sight completely.
However, his new friend Rich made sure he was still going to enjoy his experience at the test match.
The pair were side by side when Zak Crawley reached a century on day four. A viral video of the occasion was shared on Twitter and attracted the attention of tens of thousands who witnessed the special moment.
Just a day later Rich was back on commentary duty when England skipper Joe Root followed suit on the final morning.
Martin Lloyd said: “It’s been an emotional trip, I was meant to go to New Zealand nine years ago so it’s brought things full circle to finally get out on tour. This is the first time I’ve travelled to watch the cricket, I’ve waited and waited because I didn’t want to advance the problems with my retinas.
“It was superb to be here for Joe Root’s century, Rich talked me through it all, and I’m a Kent fan so to witness Zak’s century was a top moment.
“Rich didn’t have to do this for me, come and talk me through the game. I only met him on Tuesday on the first day of the cricket.
“The Barmy Army is a Barmy family really, everyone looks out for everyone and I just want to say thank you for the kindness and consideration.”
Rich Nicholls tried to take inspiration from previous commentators he’d listened to. He said: “I grew up listening to the cricket, Aggers and Blowers (Jonathan Agnew and Henry Blofeld) were my favourites, and I just tried to copy what I’ve heard.
“I really hope I see Martin again. He didn’t want to travel before but I hope it’s been a brilliant experience that he wants to do again. There’s a core of us who do it and we all look after each other, that’s what we’re all about.”
It’s been an emotional trip, I was meant to go to New Zealand nine years ago so it’s brought things full circle to finally get out on tour
Martin Lloyd