A Gentleman’s Game
Posted on May 25 2007 | Tagged as: Uncategorized
We’ve spent the last 9 months living within bowling distance of Lord’s Cricket Ground. Sadly, the Cricket season ended soon after our Autumn arrival and Lord’s has remained dormant until recently. Monday was my introduction to the English national pastime. The setting was day 5 of a test match between England and the West Indies. All the elements were there: athletes in starched white uniforms, a steel-hard, 5.5 ounce ball with two sets of stitches straddling its seamed equator, bats that appear designed for punishing boys in a Dickensian orphanage, pitchers of Pimms and lemonade, and plenty of pints to alternatively stir or sedate the crowd.
England came in with an overwhelming lead in hopes of holding off a last inning miracle by the West Indian batsmen. But, as is apparently common on the cricket pitch, victory was elusive. Not because the English and West Indian players weren’t up to the task. Not because the teams played through lunch and tea and on to sundown without resolution. The pitch was ruled by rain clouds that settled over Lord’s about 30 minutes into the match and, while never producing more than a sprinkle, were reluctant to leave the grounds before sundown. The tarps came out, the few fans retreated to their pints and the game was eventually ruled a draw.
Fortunately, I’ll get another chance next week. Middlesex v. Somerset for some local action.
