Memories of Hove 1980

Dingy Bags recalls an awesome Gillette Cup semi-final from 1980. Described with vivid detail and in Dingy Bags' signature flowing style, this wonderful piece makes you feel as if you had been there even if you hadn't even been born then. Many thanks to Dingy Bags for this truly engaging piece.

One of my most enjoyable days watching Middlesex was, in fact, two days: a Gillette Cup semi-final at Hove that went into a second day. But it was the second day that was most enjoyable, so it counts as my favourite day. If you see what I mean.

1980 was the last season of the Gillette Cup. Since we went on to beat Surrey in the final, we are the holders of this particular trophy. I also saw the final. Selvey bowled an amazing spell (12-5-17-2), helping to keep the brown caps to only 201. Then Brearley scored an assured 96* and the game ended with Roland Butcher flicking sixes nonchalantly into the crowd. But that’s another (happy) memory.

The first day of the semi-final started wet. We arrived at the ground to a general sogginess and it was hard to say when the rain actually stopped. The locals called it a “sea-fret” and, as inspection followed inspection, complained bitterly that Brearley was delaying things unnecessarily out of fear of the Sussex seam attack. This included amongst its number GG Arnold, eking out his playing days on the south coast. Can’t remember who he played for before, just that they weren’t much good.

Sure enough, we lost the toss and had to bat first when play did eventually start. And also sure enough, Arnold, not as fast as in his England days but twice as crafty, helped reduce us to 90-4 overnight.

There never was more than a partial recovery on the reserve day but I do remember van der Bijl, in his only season for us (but what a season!), hitting hard and high to help us to 179. Eight batsman got into double figures; Gatt top-scored with only 32. Not enough, was the unanimous view, on what was now a drier pitch and in brighter weather.

However, towards the end of our innings had occurred what turned out to be the single most significant piece of action of the match. Imran Khan, bowling with considerable speed, had knocked Wayne Daniel’s helmet off with a vicious bouncer. The significance of this was not immediately apparent. But there was history. Earlier in the season, in a B & H quarter final, Imran had objected to Daniel launching bouncers at the Sussex tail, after breaking Wessels’ arm. Imran, as non-striker, had protested, Brearley had intervened and “incredibly” (Wisden) he and Imran had nearly come to blows.

When Sussex came out to start their reply, the first indications that all might not be lost were at once apparent. For those too young to have seen Daniel bowl, a few words on the subject might be of help. He was an impressively athletic Bajan, with a vigorous, if not especially fluent action. His run up to the wicket was quick and it radiated menace. Oh, and he’d bowl all day for his captain, if needed. However, like Roberts, Garner, Holding and others he was naturally very laid-back and of a relaxed demeanour.

I met "The Diamond" once, during his benefit year at a “Cheese and Fosters” evening; you could almost call him shy. But now, smarting, I am convinced, at the Imran bouncer and mindful of other recent history, he stood at the end of his run up doing violent physical jerks, more like a rugby forward in those nervous moments before an international.

He then proceeded to run down that hill there at Hove and bowl like the wind. Barclay (whose third initial stood, really, for Troutbeck) went second ball, his bat only halfway down into his stroke, and I remember a stump dancing crazily back almost to where Paul Downton was standing – and he was standing a considerable way back. I have never seen a stump knocked back even half as far since.

Daniel’s final figures were an amazing 6-15, and he was ably assisted by van der Bijl who took only one wicket but bowled nine overs for nine runs. Emburey managed to return figures of  12-5-16-0, though I have no memory of that. Whatever happened to him?

Sussex managed only 115. When a stand of 40 was posted, it was ended by Imran running Colin Wells out disastrously. All in all, not a great day for Imran (who remains one of my most admired cricketers).

I saw some superb performance from Daniel in those years but this was the most explosive. I never saw him as animated again. My final reflection was one of even greater admiration for the man. He had managed to channel his anger, his thirst for a riposte and his determination to prove himself into a heightened performance, even from his remarkable standards. It could have resulted in a wild spell, of no balls and wides.

Instead, he produced the most successfully hostile spell from a Middlesex bowler I have ever witnessed.