I visited sunny Northampton yesterday and dropped in briefly to watch a Championship match between Northampton and Essex. There were a few more men but no sign of any dogs.
The ground was bathed in sunshine and players and fans alike were taking tea. I walked round this quaint little ground and took in that low key atmosphere. The fans were mainly members and old age pensioners who had come in with their sandwiches and flasks of tea. There was no ICC to impose a strict policy on food and no search of all your belongings as you entered the ground, just friendly and helpful staff with warm greetings. What a refreshing change that made.
There was a splattering of international players on show. The crowd favourite, Monty Panesar, was batting in the middle with his unique style and helping Northampton to stage a recovery after a batting collapsing earlier. Essex had the South African, Andre Nel and England’s rising star, Ravi Bopara bowling. As usual with Nel, there was a lot being said out in the middle with Monty honing his batting skills and holding his own.
The touring Indian team is playing a one day match in August against England A, when no doubt the ground will be full. There is a large Indian community in these parts and they will no doubt come out in force to support their team, and create a special atmosphere. For the Indians, recent tours to England have seemed like playing at home, with their fans in the majority, and with the dry conditions this year, even the playing conditions will suit their style of play. It should make for an exciting series, but first they have a point to prove against Bangladesh.
I left the ground with a smile on my face, having thoroughly enjoyed my short interlude at this friendly ground.
The ground was bathed in sunshine and players and fans alike were taking tea. I walked round this quaint little ground and took in that low key atmosphere. The fans were mainly members and old age pensioners who had come in with their sandwiches and flasks of tea. There was no ICC to impose a strict policy on food and no search of all your belongings as you entered the ground, just friendly and helpful staff with warm greetings. What a refreshing change that made.
There was a splattering of international players on show. The crowd favourite, Monty Panesar, was batting in the middle with his unique style and helping Northampton to stage a recovery after a batting collapsing earlier. Essex had the South African, Andre Nel and England’s rising star, Ravi Bopara bowling. As usual with Nel, there was a lot being said out in the middle with Monty honing his batting skills and holding his own.
The touring Indian team is playing a one day match in August against England A, when no doubt the ground will be full. There is a large Indian community in these parts and they will no doubt come out in force to support their team, and create a special atmosphere. For the Indians, recent tours to England have seemed like playing at home, with their fans in the majority, and with the dry conditions this year, even the playing conditions will suit their style of play. It should make for an exciting series, but first they have a point to prove against Bangladesh.
I left the ground with a smile on my face, having thoroughly enjoyed my short interlude at this friendly ground.
2 comments:
nobody nodding off either!!! r u sure this is the English County scene you are describing? :)
Cheers
I was as suprised as you. My view of the County scene has changed and for the better!I will definitely visit a few more now. :)
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