Not that it was remotely realistic but I often thought that I would enjoy retirement in England if I could live near a county ground and while away the hours watching (and occasionally dozing) on summer days. On the other hand, I would not want to endure the crowds and noise at IPL games. I know which makes money and which I prefer. It is good to know there are still corners of the world where "old-fashioned" cricket prevails, where non-stop action is not a necessity.
What a lovely thought - although, like you, it would have to be in a caravan. Anywhere near Hove would be far too expensive and, as for Lord's or the Oval...ha!ha! Perhaps a bungalow in a village in the Pennines. But the transport would be too time-consuming. Somewhere near Bristol? I used to think Glamorgan might be affordable but the cost of property in or near Cardiff is as expensive as anywhere. You could always watch the three games of first-class cricket played in Paarl each year. And you'd have the place to yourself...
Neil, have you considered radiation therapy for your Dupuytren's? You can still have it shortly after surgery to try prevent the recurrence of the scar tissue and contracture. I had radiation therapy soon after the Dupuytren's started and so far so good, it's halted or at least slowed progression.
……but your heart-warming comments may prove correct. I spent much of yesterday hooked to Cricinfo following the progress of Dom Bess towards a hundred, and later the sparkling run-chase of Ben Compton and Tawanda Muyeye.
Just a genetic condition in which the tendons of the hand become shorter and require 'releasing' and straightening. I'll be squeezing exercise balls for the next few months to get everything working again... I was a very average wicket-keeper but this has nothing to do with catching the ball erratically!
Lovely article to kick off the County season. Crowds looked good and so was the cricket. You're right about the grip of the IPL, but it's there are plenty of fans under 40 who still prefer red ball cricket and were brought up on a diet of ODIs and Tests. and we have plenty of years left to support the longer format in its renewed glory. Rest up and thanks for making the effort!
Many thanks, Cole. I do actually believe there will always a place and audience for first-class and Test cricket. Always. The 'problem' for most countries is that Test cricket needs first-class cricket in order to survive, never mind thrive. The solution lies in creative thinking around how and, specifically, where to play first-class cricket. You can't just use the regular stadia which actually draw a crowd for limited overs cricket - and then complain that first-class cricket loses money because of the overheads and lack of spectators. Play the games at club and even school grounds where there will, at least, be pupils close by who (even in holidays) who might persuade their parents to come along.
Even though IPL is still going on, I love county championship more so because of live streaming on YouTube. Childhood nostalgia reminds me of Indian players playing in the championship in summers because of no cricket in India. The International cricket used to happen only in West Indies and Pakistan.
Hope you have a speedy recovery
Take care
Looking forward to the second round of county championship
The livestreaming of the County Championship has been superb. The big clubs - notably Surrey - have turned it into a geuine revenue stream, but across all 18 the viewership numbers suggest County cricket is, indeed, alive and well!
Strength with the DP op recovery. I'm 3 months down the line, and recovering nicely. My finger is straight! But still sore and very stiff in the morning.
I realise it won't be a simple or straightforward process, Pete, but at least it is straight at the moment, inside the cast. It had got to the point where it was at 90 degrees and kept getting snagged when I was dressing or undressing. Guess I'll be squeezing little exercise balls for the next couple of months?
Thanks for the reply. Massage and the physio exercises. The squeeze ball was never recommended to me. Mine was also 90 degrees and the left hand is currently at 20. Nothing to do but wait..
Hello again Rippers! I've never been a 'proper' typist. I've only ever used four fingers and a thumb so, being down to two fingers isn't much of a change! :)
Not that it was remotely realistic but I often thought that I would enjoy retirement in England if I could live near a county ground and while away the hours watching (and occasionally dozing) on summer days. On the other hand, I would not want to endure the crowds and noise at IPL games. I know which makes money and which I prefer. It is good to know there are still corners of the world where "old-fashioned" cricket prevails, where non-stop action is not a necessity.
What a lovely thought - although, like you, it would have to be in a caravan. Anywhere near Hove would be far too expensive and, as for Lord's or the Oval...ha!ha! Perhaps a bungalow in a village in the Pennines. But the transport would be too time-consuming. Somewhere near Bristol? I used to think Glamorgan might be affordable but the cost of property in or near Cardiff is as expensive as anywhere. You could always watch the three games of first-class cricket played in Paarl each year. And you'd have the place to yourself...
Sadly, even first-class county cricket has been pushed to the margins these days so hardly a summer's worth.
Neil, have you considered radiation therapy for your Dupuytren's? You can still have it shortly after surgery to try prevent the recurrence of the scar tissue and contracture. I had radiation therapy soon after the Dupuytren's started and so far so good, it's halted or at least slowed progression.
Nice piece……my own assessment was somewhat pessimistic….
https://jwthedilettantepolymath.substack.com/p/county-cricket-commences
……but your heart-warming comments may prove correct. I spent much of yesterday hooked to Cricinfo following the progress of Dom Bess towards a hundred, and later the sparkling run-chase of Ben Compton and Tawanda Muyeye.
Ouch! Was that caused by batting & bowling, or a lot of typing? ;) Get better soon!
Just a genetic condition in which the tendons of the hand become shorter and require 'releasing' and straightening. I'll be squeezing exercise balls for the next few months to get everything working again... I was a very average wicket-keeper but this has nothing to do with catching the ball erratically!
Oh my goodness, all the best! Your hands need insuring as a critical part of your job. I think it makes a good excuse for dropped catches ha ha.
Lovely article to kick off the County season. Crowds looked good and so was the cricket. You're right about the grip of the IPL, but it's there are plenty of fans under 40 who still prefer red ball cricket and were brought up on a diet of ODIs and Tests. and we have plenty of years left to support the longer format in its renewed glory. Rest up and thanks for making the effort!
Many thanks, Cole. I do actually believe there will always a place and audience for first-class and Test cricket. Always. The 'problem' for most countries is that Test cricket needs first-class cricket in order to survive, never mind thrive. The solution lies in creative thinking around how and, specifically, where to play first-class cricket. You can't just use the regular stadia which actually draw a crowd for limited overs cricket - and then complain that first-class cricket loses money because of the overheads and lack of spectators. Play the games at club and even school grounds where there will, at least, be pupils close by who (even in holidays) who might persuade their parents to come along.
Hey Manners
Even though IPL is still going on, I love county championship more so because of live streaming on YouTube. Childhood nostalgia reminds me of Indian players playing in the championship in summers because of no cricket in India. The International cricket used to happen only in West Indies and Pakistan.
Hope you have a speedy recovery
Take care
Looking forward to the second round of county championship
Hi Aditya,
The livestreaming of the County Championship has been superb. The big clubs - notably Surrey - have turned it into a geuine revenue stream, but across all 18 the viewership numbers suggest County cricket is, indeed, alive and well!
Another great article, thanks
Recover well!
I also enjoyed the first two days at Lord’s.
Hope to see you at the WTC
I'll be at Lord's on June 11, Chris. Actually, I'll be there a few days earlier and will be doing a Daily Diary for my readers...
Strength with the DP op recovery. I'm 3 months down the line, and recovering nicely. My finger is straight! But still sore and very stiff in the morning.
I realise it won't be a simple or straightforward process, Pete, but at least it is straight at the moment, inside the cast. It had got to the point where it was at 90 degrees and kept getting snagged when I was dressing or undressing. Guess I'll be squeezing little exercise balls for the next couple of months?
Thanks for the reply. Massage and the physio exercises. The squeeze ball was never recommended to me. Mine was also 90 degrees and the left hand is currently at 20. Nothing to do but wait..
Oh ouch! That looks so painful.
Speedy recovery and thanks for writing whilst so injured.
Hello again Rippers! I've never been a 'proper' typist. I've only ever used four fingers and a thumb so, being down to two fingers isn't much of a change! :)