It’s rope-a-dope Hughes

THE ridiculous habit of entitled TV and radio cricket pundits gathering on the pitch before play in international matches mainly in order to be seen was perfectly illustrated yesterday.

Simon Hughes, aka The Analyst, talked from within the roped-off wicket area at The Oval to Surrey chairman Richard Thompson and his guest standing outside, who realised the ropes had been put up for a purpose.

Hughes was also one of the main culprits who trampled through the roped-off area during the last Test at Trent Bridge. lCHRIS SMALLING must be brimming with confidence going into the new season having somehow picked himself to start in a best Manchester United XI from the Premier League era for a Virgin Money promotion. SUSSEX cricket chief executive Rob Andrew was a VIP guest at The Oval yesterday for the ground’s 100th Test match to honour his county’s role in the first Test being staged there.

Surrey wanted a Sussex representative at their landmark game because they were hosts of the first Test match against Australia in 1880 only as a result of Sussex’s generosity.

The south coast county agreed to allow an England team to play the tourists at The Oval when the Aussies had been due to face Sussex.