ST PJ Hughes Day

As I tribute to Phllip Hughes I will be digging out match reports of games where Phil Hughes played a starring role. The first is by Auntie Janet day 2 against Glamorgan 23/04/2009.  He did manage a century this day, but as you can see there may have been some distractions for Auntie Janet.

Although I watched some cricket Day One, having arrived at 2.45pm, I could not settle as I had not been there from the off.

Day Two was different, as I arrived at 10.00am. It looked a beautiful day for cricket. I settled in my usual place as the Allen Stand filled up. I was pointed out to a woman, we’ll call ‘T’ as ‘the lady that knits’. It turns out that she also knits, and we sat either side of the first aisle, knitting, chatting and watching cricket.

Wallace and Gromit.

Murts started the first over from the Nursery End, and Richo from the Pavilion. The first 4 of the morning came off the 7th over of the morning; only 17 runs were scored off the first 10 overs. Croft brought up the 100 partnership with Wallace with two consecutive 4’s, but was bowled by Murts next ball.

Evans Above

Evans then took over at the Pavilion end, but again did not bowl well and went for 8+ an over, and Udal bowled at the Nursery end. In contrast he was only hit for 2 or 3 per over. Glams soon hit 400, and the overs were running out for us to get the last bowling point. There were a few close shaves but do not know whether the ball carried or not. Only 30 mins had elapsed and I was hungry. I had my usual low GI breakfast, albeit one hour earlier. At home I’m not hungry again until 2.00pm. I started my knitting immediately instead of wasting time with ‘sudoku’. I succumbed and ate my dried mango.

Impromptu Forum

Gus and Vinny were in the Middlesex room for an impromptu forum between 1.15pm and 2nd session on the field. There was also ‘perambulation’. I was torn between going to the ‘forum’ and treading the hallowed turf. In the end I asked a few questions of both Vinny and Gus, and then went for a stroll on the turf. Gus admitted putting them in had back-fired. Berg was preferred to Compton as they wanted the extra seamer. I asked about Keegan, but the issue is complicated because of his previous injuries. Gus assured me that Compton will get his chance. He said that Silverwood is still not match fit, but I suspect he may be given a run out in the one-dayers. Gus answers questions Do you realise folks that we will lose Morgan to the ICC world cup, because if he isn’t playing for England, he’ll be playing for Ireland. Vinny confirmed that the paperwork re Morgan qualifying for England is on its way from the ICC. He also said that Playfair has got it wrong with the number of NQ’s against our players!

Afternoon session

At last another breakthrough as Berg makes a breakthrough - Udal juggles a catch, but he held on this time! They are 498/8. Wallace was taken at slip, and Richo took a good catch to finally dismiss Glamorgan for 505. At one stage I really thought we’d be looking at 550 – 600+. Middlesex Innings Billy and Phil Hughes came out to start our Innings. Some of Hughes’ positivity rubbed off on Billy and he scored faster than normal, although Billy almost ran Hughes out before he had scored. In the end Billy tamely gave Harrison a c & b when he had scored 23. Dexter and Hughes then played positively, so unlike previous years, we did not lose a succession of wickets. Hughes looks a really good player, and Dexter looks a good acquisition. Talk about the real deal!!

PS: I managed 20 rows of knitting in fine cotton on very thin needles.

PPS: I was going to go high tech, and use my new lap-top and dongle. However when I tried to send a test e-mail to Ged it refused to send it, so back to ‘Low-tech pad and pencil!