Read part 1 here *** “I enjoyed the environment, I really did. In the late ‘90s, there’d been a real change in the culture of the Blackcaps. They no longer thought they were shit-hot, and were useless, they actually started realising they had a lot of work to do. “They’d really brought guys like Cairns … More Mark Richardson: ‘determination is the biggest thing’ (part 2)
When, in late 2004, Mark Richardson announced that he was hanging up his boots, it invoked an immediate expression: surprise. He was 33 years of age, and only a few months earlier was the Hero of Lord’s. Surely, the masses believed, he was retiring too early? Chairman of Selectors, Richard Hadlee, intimated as much – … More Mark Richardson: ‘determination is the biggest thing’ (part 1)
“At close of play, Mike Smith, the MCC captain, congratulated me on my batting and asked if I had thought of coming to England to make a career out of cricket. My father thought that there was no harm in Mr. Smith putting my name forward when he returned to London – probably nothing would … More Thomas Odoyo: making a difference
August 29, 2012 Andrew Strauss sits at home. England have just lost to South Africa, 2-0. Hashim Amla made 311 at The Oval. Kevin Pietersen’s text messages stole all the headlines. And for Strauss, bat in hand, the runs have dried up. 100 Tests, 50 as England captain. 15 years a professional. Over 7000 Test … More The Rise and Fall of Nick Compton: The England Years (Part 2)
[Read part one here] “You can’t win singlehandedly…” St John’s Wood, postcode NW8. Once part of a Royal Forest, now the most expensive rental area in London. In the 692 years since ownership of the woodland passed to the Knights Hospitaller, it has gone from forest fragment to the fifth highest house prices in London. … More Geoff Humpage: Unwavering Warwickshire (part 2)
“I was, naturally, nervous – that whole process [of getting to First Class cricket] had taken from when I went to South Melbourne as a 17 year old in 1972, until 1978, and I can still remember – I got hit on the pads first ball. The loudest appeal you’ve ever heard. It was one … More Mick Taylor, an unrebellious rebel
The name Richard Petrie isn’t one that sits amongst the upper echelons of New Zealand cricketing folklore. The bowling all-rounder who first took off with Canterbury, and later became a senior figure at Wellington, played just 12 ODIs – and while his stats weren’t poor, they equally didn’t lend themselves to greatness. For those who … More Richard Petrie; ‘you win some, you lose some’
“That’s probably the best one.” Ray Illingworth, a 51 year old veteran-to-end-all-veterans, was trundling in to bowl his winding off-spin. Despite having supposedly retired several years earlier, and despite having been a First Class cricketer for over three decades, Illingworth’s performances in 1983 were more than commendable. Leading a Yorkshire side ruptured by internal schisms, … More Geoff Humpage: Unwavering Warwickshire (part 1)
November 16, 2012 Nick Compton sits in the English dressing room, deep in the bowels of Sardar Patel Stadium. Strapping on his pads, preparing his gloves. He is about to realise his dream, though undoubtedly it does not quite match up with the way he envisioned it as a child. With Alastair Cook by his … More The Rise and Fall of Nick Compton: Becoming an Underdog (Part 1)
The image is a compelling one: imagine the scene, Wellington’s Basin Reserve. It’s the final day of the State Championship for 2005-06. The match is, surely, destined for a draw. Not thanks to a banal set of innings culminating in an absolute absence of fruit-bearing, but instead courtesy of the fresh brace of black clouds … More Bevan Griggs: determination and dedication make the Stag
Mind The Windows 