Cricket comes in many forms and I certainly experienced that on consecutive Sundays in August. On the 11th I attended the inaugural men’s Over 70s World Cup final while on the 18th I watched the fourth finals day of The Hundred. I doubt many other cricket fans did the same double, the calm before the storm.
A difference in pace both on and off the field without question. From the peace of the Wormsley countryside in leafy Buckinghamshire to the razzmatazz of the city at Lord’s. A brass band played melodic tunes and anthems at Wormsley while the pop sensation Zara Larsson boomed out in front of the pavilion at the home of cricket. What some members thought, I wonder!
There are no finer grounds in the world than Wormsley at the late Sir John Paul Getty’s estate and Lord’s. Wormsley must be like playing in heaven without the grandstands, a pristine wicket and outfield along with a thatched scorebox and pavilion. Lord’s, the mirror of Wormsley two centuries ago, now encircled by stands named after revered former players Edrich, Compton and Allen.
Some people would argue that the only cricket game was the match at Wormsley, such is the vitriol some people give to the short form competition, though I disagree. At 63 years old I suppose I shouldn’t fall into the category of people who like The Hundred, but hey I do. I like the intensity and contrast of high level women’s and men’s matches all packed into one action packed day. I accept everyone is entitled to their opinion but the division it creates spoils this wonderful game of cricket. Cricket is cricket, whatever format.
At Wormsley I arrived with my partner Myrna on a hot cloudless sunny day, 27 degrees, it was the day before the hottest day of the year, with our picnic chairs We set up behind the bowler’s arm although on reflection underneath the trees at the opposite end was the best spot.
As for the action Australia won the toss and decided to bat. The seven-nation tournament began on 28 July with group matches played across the home counties.
During the group stage Australia had won all their six matches narrowly beating England in a rain reduced encounter along the way while the hosts came 2nd with five victories.
All was set up for a tight contest and it proved to be. Australia scored 208/8 in their allotted 45 overs. Not as frenetic as the action at The Hundred but nevertheless I witnessed some quality batting with Phil Drescher top scoring with 65. No Jofra Archer’s steaming in for England at Wormsley, more of the slower variety relying on good length, flight, and guile.
Had the England team scored enough runs to win the first men’s over 70s World Cup? For a long time, they might not have, as the Australians after taking an early wicket, tied down the England pair of skipper John Evans (78) and Duncan Elder (78). But the pair gradually increased the tempo adding 161 for the 2nd wicket. And keeping the runs per over target at manageable levels once they were both dismissed, Derek Towe (20 not out) and Simon Sargent (14 not out) guided England home with 8 balls to spare.
The following Sunday was less warm, and the action started at 2.15pm instead of the 11am start in Buckinghamshire. Unlike the leisurely walk to behind the bowler’s arm at Wormsley, we queued for an hour to enter the Grace gates where we mingled with the many families wearing their multi coloured hundred shirts. I think I saw one of each franchise before I entered the ground. Despite all the brickbats the competition receives you could feel the enthusiasm and excitement of the youngsters, some making their first visit to the famous venue.
Fireworks greeted the players in the two Hundred finals, children were waving their paws for 4’s and music was played between balls, very different from the quiet applause at Wormsley.
The women’s final between the group winners the Welsh Fire and the London Spirit went down to the last set of five with the home side led by England captain Heather Knight winning with 2 balls to spare in a low scoring game.
The Hundred has been a boom for the women’s game. Crowds continue to rise, over 22,000 watched this year’s final as does the recognisability of the players. Women’s sport has been transformed in the past five years and The Hundred is playing its part. The likes of Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, and Sarah Glenn are now well known to the scores of girls and boys who assembled after the final for their autographs and the chance of a selfie.
In the men’s final the holders Oval Invincibles batted first and reached a competitive tally of 147 against the Southern Brave’s pace barrage of Archer, Chris Jordan, Tymal Mills and Craig Overton. The match looked like it was going down to the wire with the Brave poised at 99/3 after 72 balls until Saqib Mahmood grabbed three wickets in seven balls to leave the darker green side’s innings in tatters. The Brave eventually finished 17 runs short.
Two contrasting occasions, one played by people who want to grab every last breath of their playing career, the other by a group of players looking to inspire the younger generation and some oldies like me. But if you love the game as I do, both are games of cricket.