Summer 2011 £2.50 Offical magazine of Nottinghamshire CCC

eyes on the prize has his sights set on international recognition

Ali Brown calls time l Ashes bidding explained l Nottinghamshire’s eight lions

Welcome Nottinghamshire Chief Executive Derek Brewer inside your prepares for the outcome of a competitive bidding process. latest issue...

As I write these notes and 2016. The detail is ALEx hales following our Friends Life covered elsewhere on page batsman is t20 home quarter-final 6 and the implications for 08 on the up tie against Somerset, it is our future are significant. members’ survey heartening to reflect that As well as producing a we act on more than 155,000 people detailed bid document, we 14 your opinions watched at Trent were required to make a england expects Bridge during June, July presentation to the Major notts represented at all levels and early August. Match Group in London 18 It was superb to see not on 5th August. only full houses for our Peter Wright, Lisa International matches, Pursehouse, Tracey 18 but a 19% increase in our Francis and I outlined home t20 attendances. Our players all that we have achieved in recent deserve great credit for such a thrilling years as well as setting out our plans campaign and there are times in for the future. professional sport when you just have to Part of our presentation involved congratulate the opposition. Somerset’s video footage of others telling our quarter-final run chase, masterminded story and, whatever the outcome, by some extraordinary hitting from I would like to place on record our Kieron Pollard, was one such instance. sincere thanks to all the MPs, Local The Test Match also Authority Leaders and Executives, provided some outstanding cricket, and along with local business leaders, our Head Groundsman Steve Birks and who provided such unstinting support. his team deserve all the credit they have We were also very pleased with the subsequently received for producing a local media coverage and it made such Contacts pitch with such pace and carry. They a difference giving a presentation with Michael Temple, Editor work tirelessly throughout the year such a weight of powerful support Head of Marketing & and those of you who have watched behind us. Communications Domestic cricket here will know how I have been asked on numerous [email protected] good the pitches have been all season. occasions about the likely outcome Chris Botherway, Deputy Editor With such excellent weather, and the and it is impossible to predict. The New Media Manager inspirational sight of in competition is formidable, highly [email protected] full flow taking a hat trick, the match respected and, in many cases, we have Bev Soar will live long in the memory of all who formed alliances and friendships with Membership Services [email protected] were there. those we are competing directly with. Amid all the excitement on the field, The only categorical statement I can Mark Worrall Sponsorship & Advertising we have been working very hard behind make is this. As an Executive and non- [email protected] the scenes to try to secure the future Executive team working closely together, Trudie Warsop of our great Club. I have written in we have, we believe, done everything Conference & Banqueting this column on many occasions about we can to articulate our case. We await [email protected] the competition we face to stage major the Major Match Group’s decisions in Photographs supplied by matches in the future, and in a few the full knowledge of their complexity, Getty Images; Nottingham Post; weeks time our governing body, the consequence and magnitude. portraitcollective.com England & Wales Cricket Board, are Designed by BowlesAssociates about to make some decisions which Nottinghamshire CCC, will shape not only our future but that Trent Bridge, Nottingham NG2 6AG of the majority of Test Match venues. Telephone 0115 982 3000 As many of you are aware, we have Ticket Hotline 0844 811 8711 been bidding, as have our competitors, www.nottsccc.co.uk for a package of matches between 2013

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK  Stuart Broad launches into his celebration after securing a Test hat-trick at Trent Bridge

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ngland batsman Michael Lumb has signed a three-year contract with ENottinghamshire after announcing that he will leave Hampshire at the end of the season. Lumb has been ruled out for the remainder of the domestic season through injury but will join Nottinghamshire following stints with in the Big Bash league and in the . “We’re delighted that Michael has agreed to join us and the meetings that we’ve had with him have been very constructive in terms of our respective ambitions and the role he sees himself playing in fulfilling them,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell. “We have been in the market for a proven batsman and we believe that he has the pedigree and the drive to improve our standing in all formats.” LUMB Lumb has a first class average of 34.51 BRAVO and has featured in eight SIGNS Internationals for England. “I’ve enjoyed five great seasons with THREE- BECOMES Hampshire and it has been a real pleasure to have won two limited-overs trophies,” YEAR said Lumb. FOURTH “However, I feel that now is the right time to make a fresh start at a new club and I’m DEAL pleased to be offered the opportunity to OVERSEAS play for Nottinghamshire. It’s a challenge PRO and one I’m looking forward to.” arren Bravo became the fourth overseas player to represent T20 CROWD BOOST DNottinghamshire this season when he Notts Outlaws were the best supported the Outlaws’ home quarter-final ensured checked into Trent Bridge in August. team in the North Group of the Friends that the fixture was the best supported The half-brother of international team- Life t20 with official statistics revealing in the knockout stage, while the total mate Dwayne Bravo and a relation of Brian that attendances at Trent Bridge were the group stage attendance of 58,966 was the Lara, Darren was briefed to add steel to the highest outside of London. third highest behind Surrey (83,843) and top order having been drafted in following The 12,070 supporters in attendance for Middlesex (59,862). the departures of David Hussey and Adam Voges. Bravo has a Test average of 39.88 from eight matches having made his Test ENGLAND TWELFTH MAN STINT debut for the West Indies in November. Two of the six Test Match fifties he has to his name EARNS ELSTONE CULT STATUS came against India. “We scoured the world to find an overseas Nottinghamshire batsman Scott a lasting impression. batsman to reinforce our top order and we Elstone enjoyed a hero’s welcome in the “The reaction of the crowd was felt that Darren was a player who was worth Outlaws’ Friends Life t20 quarter-final incredible after the second catch and pursuing,” said Nottinghamshire Director of after playing a leading role in England’s it seemed almost as loud as when they Cricket Mick Newell. victory India in the second npower reacted to Broady’s hat-trick,” said “He has an excellent record for a 22 year Test at Trent Bridge. Elstone, who steered clear of England’s old batsman and we feel that he is a player Elstone fielded as twelfth man post-match celebrations, preferring to who has the hunger to succeed in county throughout the climactic fourth day of return home. cricket. His Test record demonstrates that the Test and caught Suresh Raina and “Usually my head is very clear when he is comfortable in adapting to different in addition to dropping I’m preparing to take a catch but whilst conditions and we’re hopeful that he can a chance presented by Praveen Kumar the ball was in the air I was very aware of make a good contribution between now and and admits that the atmosphere the crowd and a lot was going through the end of the season.” generated by the capacity crowd left my mind.”

 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK notts news... in brief

For up to the minute news & exclusive audio and video bulletins, visit nottsccc.co.uk

Confirmed Major Matches at Trent Bridge 2012 England v West Indies Test England v South Africa England v West Indies International Twenty20 2013 2 x England v Australia International Twenty20 2014 England v India One Day International 2015 England v Australia One Day International 2016 England v Sri Lanka One Day International

Matches to be allocated in this round of bidding 2013 2 x England v Australia Test England v New Zealand One ECB TO ANNOUNCE Day International England v Australia One Day International ASHES HOSTS 2 x World Test Championship Semi-Final 2014 rent Bridge officials will learn whether two Ashes Tests on the table for 2013 and three England v India Test their bid to host an Ashes Test in 2013 for 2015. 3 x England v Sri Lanka or 2015 has been successful when Headingley and The Kia Oval have long-term One Day International major match allocations are confirmed staging agreements in place that guarantees them Twenty20 Finals Day in late September. a Test Match and a One Day International each England v India Twenty20 TNottinghamshire submitted a comprehensive year until 2018 and 2020 respectively. As part of bid document in July and delivered a presentation those deals, The Kia Oval will host Ashes Tests in 2015 to the Major Match Group at the ECB offices at 2013 and 2015 although Headingley will have to 3 x England v Australia Test Lord’s in August. settle for New Zealand Tests in those years. 3 x England v Australia The outcome of the bidding process is the A premium package of matches destined for One Day International culmination of the Whole Game Approach, a Lord’s takes another Ashes Test off the table in 2 x England v New Zealand new method for allocating major matches that 2013 and 2015 and the Emirates ICG in Durham One Day International replaces the old system of sealed bids. has already secured a 2013 Ashes Test as part of England v New Zealand “In years gone by, venues were asked to their staging agreement in that year. That leaves International Twenty20 include a financial bid in their submission which Trent Bridge competing with Edgbaston, Old 2016 went a long way to deciding which venue would Trafford, The Swalec Stadium and The Rose England v Pakistan Test Match host each match,” said Nottinghamshire Chief Bowl for the two unallocated Ashes Tests in 2013 2 x England v Pakistan Executive Derek Brewer. and three in 2015. One Day International “The new system, which we’re very supportive “The landscape is fiercely competitive but England v Sri Lanka of, is distinctly different in that it gives each rather than focussing on the competition, we One Day International package a fixed price with a scorecard of non- have kept our eye firmly on our own venue,” England v Pakistan financial criteria used to decide which venue gets said Brewer. International Twenty20 their preferred set of matches.” “The outcome of the process is vitally important England v Sri Lanka Existing staging agreements and matches to us and will have a huge bearing on the future International Twenty20 allocated in previous rounds of bidding leave direction of our club and our venue.”

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK  COVERED FEATURE

“This England Test side is the best in the world and there are a lot of people with ambitions to break into it.”

 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK COVERED FEATURE

HALESTORM he senior professionals in the Having grown up in the unaffiliated to a county and made Nottinghamshire dressing Buckinghamshire village of Chalfont moves to shift his focus to holding room believe that Alex Hales St Peter, Hales showed early promise down a top order place with his has every chance of playing as a fast bowler at Gerrards Cross club side. T “My pace didn’t really improve for England. With his CC and opened the attack alongside Twenty20 prowess beyond question in representative cricket. between 14 and 16 so I knew that and a burgeoning reputation in There is a solid sporting pedigree I had to try and apply myself as a one day matches, his value in all in his lineage. His father Gary was batsman and my Dad suggested that formats certainly puts him on a par a good club cricketer whilst his I told my club that I’d been training with the group of young English Grandad Denis took a teenage Rod hard and fancied having a go at the batsmen routinely touted as future Laver to five sets at Wimbledon. top of the order,” he said. internationals. His exploits in a Cricket Idol “I broke into the First Eleven at my An off-season tour with the England tournament at the Lord’s Nursery local club and made steady progress Lions is in his sights and he has Ground sprung him to the national from there.” already been selected to face India conscience when, batting down the Selection for Buckinghamshire in in an International Twenty20 at order, he hit 55 runs off a single over. Minor Counties cricket soon followed Old Trafford. “Neil Burns had resurrected and Hales went on to gain a place on He’ll need to produce consistent London County Cricket Club and he the MCC Young Cricketers scheme match-winning knocks in LV= staged a founders’ day tournament at Lord’s. A mutual acquaintance of cricket before to celebrate the anniversary of former Nottinghamshire Jason he is seriously considered for Test duty W.G.Grace establishing the club,” Gallian helped to arrange a trial at but his transition from raw second said Hales. Trent Bridge, as Hales realised for the eleven rookie to established first team “We needed 77 runs from two overs first time that a career in cricket was performer is now complete. and the bowler offered up three no within his reach. “My ultimate ambition is to play for balls that I managed to get hold of. “You are always around England in all formats but if I’m going The boundary is quite short at the good players at counties and in to get anywhere near that then I have Nursery Ground so I hit out and we representative squads so it didn’t really got a lot of hard work to do,” he said. got what we needed.” occur to me that this is how I would “This England Test side is the best His elevation has not been without end up making a living,” said Hales. in the world and there are a lot of setbacks however. Having been invited “There were some great coaches people with ambitions to break into to join a representative team on a tour involved with the Young Cricketers it. My four-day cricket is still short of of South Africa off the back of his scheme and Clive Radley (the where it needs to be but I hope that performance at Lord’s, he endured former MCC Head Coach with I can do myself justice in England’s four consecutive ducks. eight Test appearances to his name) Twenty20 team.” At this stage, Hales remained helped me a lot.

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK  COVERED FEATURE

“Stuart Broad has become a good friend and the lads give me stick for it by claiming that I’m a fan of his.”

“The scheme backside. I’d scored 150 in a prodigious talents for elevation to is geared to helping young one-day game and finished the ultimate stage. players to secure county the previous season in the “There are some class acts in the contracts and they were very championship side and I rested on Lions setup and I think those three happy for me to trial with Notts, my laurels a bit and expected to be will wear England colours at some although there was an unwritten in the side. Missing those first few stage,” he said. rule that you were expected games last season made me realise All eyes will be on the to play for the MCC Young that no one’s place was secure.” Nottinghamshire top order next Cricketers in the Second Lesson learned, and Hales didn’t season as the side look to re- Eleven Trophy. look back. Four months after his establish their standing as title “I had two noughts maiden first-class , he was contenders having preceded their and a thirty in my celebrating winning the LV= County Championship winning campaign first three knocks for Championship. with consecutive second-place the Nottinghamshire “The day we won the finishes. Hales will be expected Second Eleven and championship was the best day of my to play a leading role and with I didn’t expect to life so far,” he said. further recruitment rumoured get the call to come “We didn’t see it coming because to complement the signing of back but they gave me even when it became clear that we Hampshire’s Michael Lumb, it is another invite and things needed 400 runs and three hoped that top-order woes will be improved.” it seemed quite an unrealistic target. addressed. Hales was twice crowned Adam Voges and were “Signing Michael Lumb is big news Second Eleven Player of immense and the way that the for us because it demonstrates our the Year at Nottinghamshire bowlers went about securing the intent in the Twenty20 competition as he learned his trade three wickets was a credit to the way as well as reinforcing our top order in under the watchful eye of they had performed all year.” other formats where he can make a Wayne Noon. He was the Plaudits followed with Mike big contribution,” said Hales. club’s leading run-scorer Atherton amongst the first of a band “I’m looking forward to playing in the Second Eleven of notable observers to suggest that with him and I’m confident that we Championship in 2008 (357 Hales possessed the potential to can score a lot of runs together. runs at 35.70) and 2009 (423 runs succeed on the international scene. “The future is looking bright for at 52.88). He was second to Andrew McDonald Notts particularly when you consider He made his first-class debut in a of Leicestershire in the run-scoring the players that are coming through rain affected draw against Somerset charts during the Friends Life t20 our system.” in September 2008 which didn’t group stage this season and produced A housemate of Graeme White and provide him with an opportunity to an assured 78 from 51 balls in the a close friend to and bat and enjoyed six appearances the Outlaws’ quarter-final defeat. Stuart Broad, Hales is at ease in his following season with a high-score Having forced his way into the dealings with emerging youngsters of 78. A maiden first-class century England Lions squad for the One- and senior professionals in the followed against Hampshire at Day Series against Sri Lanka, dressing room. Trent Bridge in May 2010 as Hales Hales now has his sights set on a “Mick and I get on really well demonstrated his worth having winter tour with England’s brightest and he seeks out me and Luke started the season firmly entrenched prospects. Fletcher when he feels the need to in the Second Eleven. “Getting into the Lions team has have some banter in the dressing “You go through patches of good been a major target of mine for the room,” said Hales. form and bad but I didn’t do enough past couple of years,” said Hales. “I’ve got a great relationship with training to get myself back into the “I was disappointed with my him and he’s helped me out a lot. groove and, rightfully so, I lost my showing in the one-day series “Stuart Broad has become a good place,” said Hales. because I had done well in limited friend and the lads give me stick for “Quite simply, I didn’t work hard overs cricket for Notts but I failed it by claiming that I’m a fan of his enough at the start of the year and with the bat against Sri Lanka.” but our friendship has more to do I was out of nick. I was told that I Hales names James Taylor, Ben with banter than cricket.” needed to bat myself back into form Stokes and Jonny Bairstow as the Cricket chat will be higher on and I had to go away with the second three standout young Englishmen the agenda now that Hales has eleven to do that. on the scene and acknowledges joined Broad in England’s “It was a welcome kick up the that he is competing with some Twenty20 squad.

10 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK COVERED FEATURE

“You go through patches of good form and bad but I didn’t do enough training to get myself back into the groove and, rightfully so, I lost my place.”

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 11 club history

PLANES, TRAINS AND WICKETS & BAILS Club Historian Peter Wynne-Thomas traces the exploits of Nottinghamshire’s Cricketers on the Sub-Continent.

his coming winter England, was worth 17s 6d (87.5p) - it was all things being equal, will merely solid iron coated with gold be playing Sri Lanka, India paint. T and Pakistan and have at Of course Tennyson was the least two Nottinghamshire players amateur captain, what about the in their squad. workers? Joe Hardstaff and his The schedule of Tests and One fellow cricketers went to plenty of Day Internationals is now such that banquets. The Maharaja of Cooch players appear to have an itinerary Behar bet the players he could drink that comprises: Airport, plane, them under the table. Hardstaff was airport, hotel, cricket ground, hotel, the last man standing and made a airport, plane, airport, and so on. friend for life of the Maharaja, but Is that better or worse than the he was also the batsman at itinerary of sub-continental tours of the end of the day’s play and had to yesteryear? continue his innings in the morning Did, for example, - which he indeed did and was still Nottinghamshire’s Joe Hardstaff batting the innings when it was enjoy his 1937/38 tour of what is declared closed. now India and Pakistan, or was it a When, many years later, I asked necessary chore for a top professional him about the incident, he said he of the day? didn’t remember batting in the His captain, Lord Tennyson morning. I didn’t know Hardstaff (grandson of the Victorian poet) well enough to ask him about certainly had an entertaining another reported occurrence on the time, at least judging from his tour when the team were entertained reminiscences. He played golf with by the Maharaja of Patiala and the Viceroy, who’d been his fag at supposedly were given the pick of Eton, he went on several big game his 300-strong harem. hunting expeditions and when his The tour’s final match was in team won the Test rubber, Tennyson Peshawar (too dangerous to visit was presented with a solid gold bat in 2011/12) and then ended with by a Bombay Brewery. a trip to the Khyber Pass. Even the That trophy might have become most hardy tourist wouldn’t venture the India-England equivalent of the there today. Ashes Urn, except when Tennyson Sir Julien Cahn took his side to came home and thought he’d better Ceylon (Sri Lanka) the previous get the gold bat valued for insurance winter. As in India the off-field purposes, he was informed that it entertainment for the players was

12 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK “The Maharaja of Cooch Behar bet the players he could drink them under the table.”

Lord Tennyson lavish. Cecil Maxwell, Stuart Rhodes, were brought out to the Indian century for the Services XI v India at (left), sandford John Hall and Tom Reddick were batsmen when a boundary was hit. the Brabourne Stadium and Harold robinson (above) and the Notts players on that trip and I Lord Hawke, the England captain, in Butler took four wickets, including refer those interested to Reddick’s his memoirs, noted this and added, the Indian opening batsman in (top right) book for more details. ‘However, I firmly prohibited such both innings. The first Notts cricketer to play on a persistent violation of the spirit of Of more recent memory is Derek the sub-continent was Billy Barnes, the rules.’ Times have changed! Randall’s visit to India in 1976/77 a member of the England team of Charles Wright told the story of when he entertained the crowds 1882/83 intent on capturing the a local batsman who hit the ball by performing somersaults whilst Ashes for the first time. The ship vertically so high, that the batsmen fielding on the boundary - definitely stopped over in Colombo and a ran two, but the ball dropped down not something to be done this winter. two-day game was played – Barnes in the block-hole and bounded on to On the l987/88 tour, Notts had took three wickets, but scored the stumps and the batsman, Pearce, four players in the England squad, only 5. The first England tour to was run out. Wright however was , Chris Broad, Bruce the sub-continent occurred in ever a joker, so little credence can be French and Eddie Hemmings - the 1889/90, but had no Notts players given to the tale. most from the county in the 20th present, although the second in Three Notts players were stationed century on a single Test tour. 1892/93 included Charles Wright in India during the Second World Finally, and coming right up to (the builder of Edwalton Hall) and War and managed to get leave to play date, Stuart Broad, Samit Patel and Sandford Robinson. some cricket - Reg Simpson actually were in the Test It is amusing to read that on a made his first-class debut for Sind in party of 2008/09, though Samit only blazing hot day in one match, drinks the Ranji Trophy. Joe Hardstaff hit a played in One Day Internationals.

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 13 MEMBERS’ SURVEY

In the biggest membership survey in our history, we asked for your thoughts on a range of issues including ticket pricing and match scheduling. Chief Executive Derek Brewer analyses the findings...

ast winter we undertook a large and feedback on International cricket. When asked important survey of our membership. to consider the different formats, 59% of We knew that the ensuing months respondents preferred to watch Test Matches. L would provide much opportunity for You will see elsewhere in this issue of the debate and discussion on the future structure strenuous efforts we are making in this regard. of our game and we were very keen to ensure It is clear that pricing of International tickets that the views we passed on as a Club truly to provide good value for money is very conveyed those of our members. important and the way we have priced our We were absolutely delighted with the level tickets for 2012 has been influenced by your of response and very appreciative of the time feedback. We are, for example, introducing so many of you took not only to answer the an Under-21 ticket to encourage students or individual questions but also to provide more those who have just started work to attend our general comments about Trent Bridge and the matches at Trent Bridge. way in which we operate. We also pledged to We posed a number of questions about collate the information and let you know how catering and 58% of respondents said they it would be used. had purchased food from Trent Bridge As many of you are aware, David Morgan, catering outlets on a Domestic match day. former Chairman of ECB and President of We are looking to develop and enhance our ICC, is undertaking a review of the whole non-match day conference and banqueting structure of our game. He is talking to a wide offering, so your feedback on other events was range of people and when he came to visit us very useful as well. recently we were able to provide him with the An increasingly important role is being views of 27% of our membership, given that we played by the Trent Bridge Community had such a high response rate from you. Sports Trust in relation to our Social One of the messages coming through Inclusion projects. 55% of respondents loud and clear was that a two division said they would like to find out more about LV=County Championship is sacrosanct. all that we do and we will follow this up. It Two important questions were then asked in was also interesting and useful to learn that relation to the frequency of each format of the primary sources for Nottinghamshire the game and, if a reduction in the Domestic Match reports were national newspapers structure was deemed necessary, which (30%) and our website (25%) respectively. format should be reduced. We will continue to develop this area for The responses were very clear. 59% reports on our First XI, Second XI and suggested that too much Twenty20 cricket Academy sides. is being played and 66% believed that this When the outcome of the Whole Game format of the game should be reduced process is known, we will commence a in preference to CB40 (23%) and the detailed strategic planning process. The LV=County Championship (9%). feedback provided by our members from We were able to feed this information the questionnaire will be used and we plan directly into the ECB and next year’s schedule in the months ahead to continue to ask will include the LV=County Championship members for feedback as we shape our future in its existing format and 10, rather than 16, at a challenging and exciting time. We really Friends Life t20 zonal matches. appreciated such an excellent response. You also provided some very important Thank you to all those who participated.

14 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK MEMBERS’ SURVEY

& OUR SURVEY SAID

What is your primary motivation for buying a membership? 9.3% 62.2% 24.9% 3.6% Priority access Access to To demonstrate It was bought to international support for the or received tickets domestic as a gift matches county club

What format of Would you prefer to tailor domestic Cricket your membership package to are you most include access to specific interested in? competitions? Yes 15.4%

FLt20 - 8.9% No 73.8% CB40 - 7.3% 72.7% Undecided 9.5% LVCC - 72.7% LVCC Unknown 1.3% We have resisted any temptation to offer competition-specific memberships although a Twenty20 season ticket is in place.

Which format Test Matches - 59.4% Do you feel that our of international international ticket pricing cricket do you ODI - 5.3% structure provides good prefer to watch value for money? at Trent Bridge? International T20 - 1.4% Exceptional - 8.4% I would watch all formats of Good - 35.8% international cricket - 22.7% Fair - 36.4% Only 6.7% of respondents identified as their preferred international format with 82.1% either Poor - 12.6% declaring a preference for Test cricket Unknown - 11.2% or happy to enjoy all formats.

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 15 MEMBERS’ SURVEY hOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CCC? 6.6% 23.4% 37.3% 1 year 32.7% 2-5 years 5-10 years 10+ years

Opposition Scheduling Attendance Of which Members attendance BREAKDOWN members as % at domestic twenty20 Derbyshire Fri 6pm 8585 3618 42.1% matches IN 2011 featuring Yorkshire Sun 2.30pm 6163 3117 50.6% Warwickshire Sat 2.40pm 6565 3501 53.3% opposition and percentage Durham Thurs 7pm 6653 3437 51.7% of members in present Northants Sat 6pm 5458 2666 48.8% Leicestershire Fri 6.10pm 8260 3180 38.5% Lancashire Sun 2.30pm 8148 3732 45.8% Worcestershire Fri 7.10pm 8919 3190 35.8%

When do you Which of the club’s communication tools prefer to watch do you enjoy most? (1st choice) domestic 40-over matches? Website 35.1% Covered Saturday afternoons 46.3% 22.1% Extra Cover 2.6% Sunday Afternoons 57.9% Year Book 13.8% Midweek floodlit Unknown 2.2% 13.6% Unknown 46.3% of respondents identified Covered as their preferred communications tool, slightly more than the 35.1% who preferred the official website. 6.4% If we use an accumulative points system that awards 3 for first choice, 2 for second and 1 for third then Covered, Website and Year Book are the three preferred communications tools amongst respondents.

Have you What is your purchased primary source food from of Notts match Trent Bridge reports? catering 57.9% 42.1% Club Website - 24.7% outlets on NO BBC Website - 17.6% a domestic YES Cricinfo - 6.7% Nottingham Post - 18.5% match day? National newspaper - 29.7% Unknown - 2.8%

All respondents were invited to provide comments or suggestions regarding their membership and any other element of our products and services.

The vast majority of comments were overwhelmingly positive and l The friendly welcome and atmosphere perpetrated by stewards, primarily endorsed: staff and fellow members l The successes of the professional team with most noteworthy praise l The thoughtful redevelopment of Trent Bridge reserved for the winning of the LV= County Championship in 2010 l The pride of the membership in hosting major matches l The quality of the permanent replay screen

16 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK Community SCHOOLBOY CRICKETER HAS ENGLAND AMBITIONS earan Gibbs, an 11-year-old all-rounder born with no arms from the elbow down, K took a step closer to realising his dream of playing for England when he took part in a training session at Trent Bridge. The schoolboy cricketer was presented with a Nottinghamshire shirt and a signed bat by Stuart Broad before receiving tuition from Akhil Patel as the national team netted ahead of their victory over India in the second npower Test. Kearan’s aim of representing his country in a Disabilities Eleven appears to be on track following dedicated training sessions at Astwood Bank Cricket Club in Redditch. “I grip the ball in different ways to make it spin and sometimes I throw in a straight one,” said Kearan. “I want to be on the England team some day. I want to be like Bell and Trott and I look up to Graeme Swann too because he is an ace bowler. “Meeting all of the England players was one of my dreams and now I’ve done it.” Akhil Patel was suitably impressed by Kearan’s technique. “His accuracy is amazing when you consider that spin bowlers generally use their fingers to grip the ball and to control direction and movement,” he said. “Kearan is an example to us all because he is making the most of what he can do with a cricket ball and proving that there is no obstacle that can’t be overcome if you have an ambition.” NOTTINGHAM KNIGHTS SECURE VITAL FUNDING Nottinghamshire Royal Society for continued development of cricketing Knights to reach their goal of competing environment, which is a vital step in the Blind have successfully ‘sports- opportunities for people with a visual in the British Blind Sport Cup.” allowing players to make progress in matched’ a sponsorship injection from impairment across Nottinghamshire,” Development officer Martyn the game.” ITT Water and Wastewater to fund the said Faye Dale, Sports & Healthy Dobson has championed disability Mansfield Hosiery Mills CC host early stages of the expansion plans for Lifestyles officer for RN SB. cricket across the county and works Nottinghamshire Disabled CC whilst their visually-impaired cricket team. “The funding will allow us to buy our closely with the Knights to help their the Knights enjoy use of the facilities The NRSB Knights have worked first officialR N SB Knights team kit and players achieve their potential. at Thurgarton. closely with Nottinghamshire County equipment that has been specifically “Our aim is to ensure that cricket “Pathways are in place for all Cricket Club’s Community and developed for Blind cricket. is available to all regardless of any impairments,” said Dobson. Development Department to put a “The development programme impairment,” said Martyn. “Opportunities are there for players development programme in place for that Nottinghamshire County Cricket “We have established specialist hub to progress and I’m hopeful that we talented players. Club have helped us to put in place will clubs with tailored facilities to allow will see playing standards increase as “This money will ensure the provide a fantastic opportunity for the disability groups to flourish in a safe competitions develop in the future.”

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 17 National service

EIGHT LIONS

Jon Culley explores Notts’ booming contribution to England teams at all levels.

he demands placed on distant future are Samit Patel and develop England players. Given that international cricketers Alex Hales, who have played for the money channelled back into in the modern era England Lions. A little further down the game by the England and Wales T mean inevitably that an the line, perhaps the Under-19 trio Cricket Board draws heavily on the established England player can only Sam Kelsall, Sam Wood and Brett revenue from Tests and One Day occasionally turn out in domestic Hutton, plus Under-17 prospect Internationals, it could be argued cricket, but that does not lessen the Simon Webster, will have similar that it is almost an obligation. sense of pride a county feels to be ambitions. There are further financial represented in a Test Match. Patel, back in the fold after incentives, too, from the ECB’s It is recognition not only for the successfully proving his fitness, has performance-related payments skill and effort of the individual but also added to his tally of One Day scheme. Newell insists, however, for the work put in by his home club International appearances. that the county’s efforts to put more in equipping the player to perform “We had a little golden patch Notts stars in the selectors’ sights at the highest level. recently where we had seven playing are driven foremost by pride and the Nottinghamshire has a proud in various England teams within desire to see a strong England team, tradition of supplying England a week of each other,” Director of rather than by money. players. From Billy Barnes and Cricket Mick Newell said. “It is a “You just want to produce the best Fred Morley, the two Sutton-in- terrific achievement that reflects players and see them play for your Ashfield lads who made their debuts particularly well on the club and country,” he said. “You want guys against Australia at in the academy in particular. The like Hales and Samit to go on and September 1880, to Stuart Broad three Under 19s and Samit were all play for England because it reflects and Graeme Swann in Andrew developed by our academy all the well on your club. Strauss’s successful side, there have way through. “Guys like Swann and Ryan been 41 Notts players capped by “Yet at the same time the first team Sidebottom came here in a situation England while with the county. were battling away for a decent draw where they were not fulfilling their Among then have been some against Durham up at the Riverside, potential at their previous clubs and illustrious cricketers with names which shows the depth of talent at while you take some credit for their that still resonate in the game such the club.” development, where you are most as Arthur Shrewsbury and Alfred Having the selectors come calling proud is when you develop a player Shaw, Joe Hardstaff junior, Reg is not simply the by-product of a from scratch such as Samit. Simpson, Harold Larwood and Bill successful county team or a reason “Samit has been with Notts from Voce, Derek Randall, Tim Robinson merely to raise a self-congratulatory under-13 so he has been through and Stuart’s father, Chris. glass or two in the committee room. the youth teams and the academy, a It might not be too long before It is a matter, to a certain extent, of Notts product all the way through.” that list grows a little more. Already why the counties exist. Wood, Hutton and Kelsall have this summer, no fewer than eight England’s 18 county teams all made their first-class debuts for Notts players have worn the three naturally devote much energy into Notts this season but if it is Newell lions, from the senior Test side down competing with each other for the ultimately who gives budding talent to the Under 17s. Championship and the other prizes the chance to shine in the shop The pair hoping to emulate but some would argue that their window of the senior team, the man Broad and Swann in the not-too- prime purpose, really, is to raise and responsible for cutting and polishing

18 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK national service any rough diamonds in the first place for investment to maintain the is Academy Director Chris Tolley. effectiveness of the academy, he says “We work with the players in age that the financial downturn that has “It is a terrific achievement group sides from 10 and 11 onwards hit the game generally in recent years and in the academy set-up from 13 has actually helped younger players that reflects particularly well to 18,” Tolley said. “The England develop. Under-19 side is the pinnacle, the “The downside is that smaller on the club and the academy first real step on the international county staffs mean there are fewer ladder and we are enormously proud senior players passing on their in particular.” of the work these lads have put in to experience in second eleven cricket, get them in that position.” but there have been a number of Tolley named Anuj Dal and Tom younger players making their first- Rowe as two more to look out for and class debuts this year, especially in sees the academy not only yielding the second division, and there is no from playing county cricket. further Test players down the line but doubt that playing with and against Sam Kelsall, for example, played also helping Notts develop a team senior players brings them on. well for the England Under-19s with an increasingly home-grown “It is great for Tim Boon against South Africa last month flavour. and Scott Elstone (England’s head of Performance but would have seen a difference have both made the transition into Development) because he likes to when he opened against Durham the professional squad this year and see his Under-19 players get a taste in the Championship. There is Nottinghamshire’s Cricket Strategy of first-team cricket.” a toughening-up process that document places a premium on self- Newell, who coached the England Championship cricket provides.” produced England-qualified players. Lions in the West Indies last winter, There is a balance to be found. “A lot of what we can do in the agrees that exposure to a high Tolley, like most academy directors, future will depend, in financial terms, standard of Championship cricket would like to see more young on Trent Bridge continuing to stage is an essential step in developing a players ‘toughened up’ sooner; important Test Matches but I’m very potential England player. Newell, like any coach judged by pleased with the way the academy “Playing representative results, needs to ensure he has has developed, especially in the last international cricket helps players enough experience in his team to couple of years now,” said Tolley. get used to being in the England stay competitive. Nottinghamshire “Through our links with South set-up and as a coach you learn a continue to strike a healthy balance Notts College, who sponsor the lot about a player on tour,” he said, and, at all levels, the England academy team in the Notts Premier “and while some members might selectors are watching keenly. League, and Worksop College, a lot grumble if we lose players to the (left), sam more players can tailor their education Lions mid-season it is accepted that Jon Culley edits thesportsbookshelf. kelsall (top to fit around their cricket, giving us playing for the Lions is important in com - a site dedicated to reviewing middle), samit patel (bottom more time to work with them.” making the step up to the Test side. books about sport, and covers middle), sam Though Tolley stresses the need “But there is a lot to be learned cricket for The Independent. wood (right)

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 19 It’s in the diary

03 September 2011 04 September 2011 England v India CB40 Semi Finals Emirates Durham ICG 1st NatWest Series ODI

06 September 2011 07-10 September 2011 England v India Warwickshire The Rose Bowl Edgbaston 2nd NatWest Series ODI LV= CC1

09 September 2011 11 September 2011 England v India England v India The Kia Oval Lord’s 3rd NatWest Series ODI 4th NatWest Series ODI

12-15 16 September 2011 September England v India The SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff 2011 5th NatWest Series ODI Sussex Trent Bridge LV= CC1

20 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 17 September 2011 21 September 2011 CB40 Final End of Season Lord’s Dinner and Presentation Evening Guest Speaker David Fulton £55.00 per person

Contact Yvonne Larder on 0844 811 8712 for details 07 October 2011 14 October 2011 17 October 2011 Trent Bridge Lunch India v England India v England Guest Speaker Stephen Mumford RGI Stadium, Uppal Ferozeshah Kotla £15.85 per person 1st ODI 2nd ODI

Contact Yvonne Larder on 0844 811 8712 for details

20 October 2011 23 October 2011 India v England India v England PCA Stadium, Mohali, 3rd ODI Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 4th ODI

25 October 2011 29 October 2011 India v England India v England Eden Gardens, Kolkata Eden Gardens, Kolkata 5th ODI Twenty20

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 21 Offi cial Equipment Supplier to the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club Academy

www.gm-cricket.com commercial news

Our Commercial Partners play a vital role in supporting our professional team, community initiatives and thriving academy Notts Outlaws 40 over Official Team Sponsor Shirt Sponsor Academy Shirt Sponsor

SOUTH NOTTINGHAM COLLEGE RE-AFFIRM academy SUPPORT otts Academy continue “The Notts Academy has a great to enjoy the backing track record in introducing players of South Nottingham to careers in professional cricket GUNN AND MOORE NCollege as they set their and we’re proud as a college to sights on a top three finish in the have an association with that,” said BACK ACADEMY Nottinghamshire Premier League. Adam Beazeley, Head of School for The Academy won promotion as Sport, Travel and Tourism at South PROSPECTS champions of the Bassetlaw League Nottingham College. in 2009, earning them the right to “It’s important that aspirant Nottinghamshire-based cricket manufacturers Gunn compete in Nottinghamshire’s most sportspeople don’t lose sight of the and Moore have continued their association with the prestigious cricket league. A solid value of education whether they club by renewing their pledge to provide protective debut campaign confirmed their make it in the professional code or gear and bats for the club’s academy prospects. status as genuine contenders. not and we hope our courses have The company provide bats to some of the world’s Several Notts Academy players are proved to be a good fit for members of most prominent international players including enrolled on academic courses at South the Academy.” Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott, Graeme Smith and Nottingham College and combine their Notts Academy play their home Shane Watson. Their commitment extends to the end of studies with a structured programme fixtures at Lady Bay on Saturday the 2012 campaign. of cricket at Trent Bridge. afternoons and admission is free. ORCHID it MAINTAIN SUPPORT FOR TRENT BRIDGE Orchid IT have continued from the company’s services Developing prosperous Orchid are acutely aware their support for Trent Bridge including supporting the club’s IT partner-ships with sporting of their Corporate and Social by committing to a Business infrastructure, business systems clubs has formed a key part of responsibilities and support Partner package following the and business continuity. Orchid’s growth strategy and the several local charities including conclusion of their stint as During the season they company continue to provide St Anns Advice, Million Trees Twenty20 shirt sponsors. have entertained existing and services for Nottingham Forest, and Derby County in the Notts Outlaws were adorned in prospective clients during the Derby County and Sheffield Community where they have just the Orchid IT brand throughout Outlaws unbeaten home run Wednesday where they are made a £20,000 contribution to their charge to Finals Day last in the Friends Life t20 group providing a fully comprehensive a new community initiative. season and continue to benefit matches at Trent Bridge. IT support package.

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 23 Top of the Notts

41 wickets in six matches (best in an innings 7/44) Alec Bedser A mainstay of the dominant Surrey side of the fifties, Bedser took 100 wickets in a season 11 times in a career that was interrupted by the Second World War. Bedser was the dominant bowling force in England’s Ashes conquest of 1954 and enjoyed match figures of 14/99 in the Trent Bridge Test that year. He became an England selector following his retirement from the game and was the oldest surviving England player before his death last year at the age of 91.

33 wickets 32 wickets 29 wickets in five matches in five matches in four matches (best in an innings 7/43) (best in an innings 5/27) (best in an innings 6/33) James Anderson Fred Trueman England’s king of swing has Fiery Fred was the first man to Warne acknowledged that the mastered the unique bowling take 300 Test wickets in a career current England crop have ‘all the conditions on offer at Trent Bridge remembered for brilliance and ingredients in place to dominate’ where he enjoys a Test bowling insolence. Always willing to after their elevation to the number average of 17.52 in comparison challenge authority figures, he one spot in the ICC Test Rankings to his all-venue average of 30.52. took seven wickets in England’s with a comprehensive series victory His career best 11- haul victory over India at Trent over India, following comparisons against Pakistan in 2010 was also Bridge in 1959 and it would be with the great Australia side of the secured here. 52 years before an England side nineties of which he was a central repeated that feat. Trueman once component. Although he is suggested that he would title his second to autobiography ‘the definitive in the Test wicket charts, it’s easy volume on the finest bloody fast to make a case for Warne in any bowler that ever drew breath.’ debate about the best of all time.

24 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK TOP OF THE NOTTS

42 players have taken 10 or more Test wickets at Trent Bridge, but who’s leading the pack?

28 wickets in six matches (best in an innings 5/31) Brian Statham Statham’s consistent line and length provided the perfect foil to Trueman’s aggression as the duo formed an effective partnership in opening England’s bowling as well as a friendship that stood the test of time. When Statham fell on hard times in retirement, Trueman organised benefit dinners in support of his friend and former team-mate. Statham died in 2000 aged 69.

25 wickets in seven matches (best in an innings 6/34) 21 wickets England won three times in in five matches the 1980s, only to lose the urn in 1989 (best in an innings 5/65) to mark the start of a 16-year wait for redemption. Botham, the iconic all- Trent Bridge re-affirmed its reputation rounder of the eighties, was the main for producing a result-pitch as a influence in those series, which marked formidable West Indies side won the the peak of his powers. first Test in an otherwise all-drawn series in 1980. It was a slender margin of victory though after Willis had run 26 wickets 24 wickets through the middle order with 5-65. in six matches in five matches His tally of 325 wickets from 90 Tests (best in an innings 5/92) (best in an innings 6/80) is testament to his pedigree. John Snow Richard Hadlee A tempestuous fast bowler who often The first Test cricketer to be knighted fell foul of the England selectors, before retirement, Hadlee took 6-80 20 wickets John Snow possessed genuine pace at Lord’s and Trent Bridge as New in four matches and would have added to his 49 Test Zealand completed a remarkable series (best in an innings 5/53) appearances if he had cemented better victory on English soil. His record for Phil DeFreitas relations with his team-mates. Sussex Nottinghamshire was nothing short ‘Daffy’ scored 10,991 runs and took once dropped Snow for an apparent of remarkable although injuries and 1,248 wickets in a first class career lack of effort and he lost his place in international commitments restricted spanning 21 seasons. He captained the England team after barging Sunil him to three full seasons between Derbyshire and Leicestershire and Gavaskar in a Test at Lord’s. He took his club debut in 1978 and his final spent time as Nottinghamshire’s 5-92 as England drew with Australia appearance in 1987. He took 105 bowling coach before moving into in the 1972 Ashes encounter at Trent wickets in 1981, 117 (on top of 1,000 schools cricket. He took 5-53 against Bridge - the 700th Test match. runs) in 1984 and 97 in 1987. New Zealand at Trent Bridge in 1990.

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 25 ali brown ALI & OUT Ali Brown will call time on an illustrious professional career when his Nottinghamshire contract expires at the end of the season.

ith 16,898 first class contribution here and will be having telegraphed a subtle change runs to his name at remembered for his efforts in in the batsman’s grip before Samit an average of 42.67, helping to win the Championship Patel’s had pitched. W Ali Brown possesses last season,” said Newell. “I tried something similar against a list of feats that many greats of the “When we signed Ali we were Durham when Dale Benkenstein game would struggle to match. expecting Samit Patel to become a was batting and managed to get Brown scored centuries against regular in the England one-day setup my hand to the ball but couldn’t every other county during his 18 years and we thought that he could play hold on to it so when I saw Nash’s at Surrey, struck 176 from 97 balls in a role in strengthening our middle hands move for the shot I got into their World Record 496-4 in a one- order when he wasn’t around but the position and this time I held on day match against Gloucestershire our primary motivator was to stick to it,” said Brown. in 2007 and announced his arrival him at the top of the order in one- “Nash had already played that on the international scene with a day cricket. shot twice before so I decided to hundred against India in 1996. “It’s far from ideal to have a player try and pre-empt it if he looked like of his experience in the Second trying it for a third time.” Eleven but he has maintained Brown began this season batting exceptionally high standards and at number six as Nottinghamshire he’s someone that I trust as having launched their LV= County sound judgment when I want to Championship defence with victory know who is performing well away over Hampshire at Trent Bridge but from the first team. he failed to fire with the bat scoring “He has an awful lot to offer a total of 34 runs in 5 innings before to the game and I’m sure his he lost his place in the side. coaching ambitions will benefit “Quite honestly, I knew three from the perspectives he has gained months ago that it was time to go,” throughout his career.” he said. “My fitness is still very good and “I suffered a back injury in I’ve had a few knocks where I’ve February which affected my felt that the old instincts were with preparations for the season and me but this will definitely be my when the matches started I wasn’t last season in professional cricket,” as consistent as I wanted to be. said Brown. “There have been a few occasions “I always had this idea in my head where I’ve felt on top of my game that the day my age exceeds my but it’s not enough for me to be batting average it would be time to there or thereabouts. I’ve always consider calling time on my career. maintained that older players need That hasn’t happened yet but if to be making more of a contribution I carried on then it could well do than younger players if they are to next season.” justify their place in the team and His 849 Championship runs at the last thing I want to do is to be 40.42 in 2009, together with his preventing an emerging talent from aggressive efforts at the top of the making their way.” Allied to his career-defining 268 order in 20-over cricket, demonstrated Brown has been particularly against Glamorgan in a 50-over that he still had a lot to offer. impressed with Alex Hales and has match in 2002, it’s easy to see why Last season, Brown was one of three enjoyed watching his transition Mick Newell thought he was worth a ever-presents in the LV= County from young county pro to England punt when he brought him to Trent Championship winning team, firing hopeful. The duo formed an Bridge in 2009. 805 runs as the Nottinghamshire effective opening partnership in last “I knew that we were signing a middle order prospered. His season’s run to t20 Finals Day and quality player when Ali became perception and winning mentality Brown, a veteran of 16 One Day available and although it was was highlighted in September 2009 Internationals, is backing Hales to clear that he was in the twilight with an insightful dash from second go all the way. of his career, he has made a big slip to catch Chris Nash at leg slip “Alex isn’t just a possible England

26 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK player, he will be an England player,” Nicknamed ‘The Lord’ for the not to pursue but I am keen to he said. apparent ease and untroubled coach and I want to work in county “He’s up there with some real high manner with which he has cricket.” quality batsmen in terms of the talent constructed the extraordinary “I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends that he has displayed at this stage of innings that have punctuated his 20- at Trent Bridge and The Oval. his career. He’s blossoming all the time year career, Brown plans to take a I’ve had an excellent career at two and I have no doubt that he’ll make break before planning his next move great clubs and I’ve managed to his mark in international cricket.” although he makes no secret of lofty win Championships at both of Newell must now consider coaching ambitions. them which is something I could recruiting a replacement for Brown “It has always served me well to only dreamed of when I started my having already secured the signature spend time removed from cricket career. of Michael Lumb following Mark during the off-season and that’s my “I’m available for all selection Wagh’s mid-season retirement, plan for the first three months of my until the end of the season and although Academy hopefuls Sam retirement,” he said. hopefully I will have an opportunity Kelsall and Sam Wood have designs “I had a long-standing job offer in to turn out for one final match for on first team elevation. schools cricket which I have decided Nottinghamshire.”

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 27 affectionately known Left-arm spinner Andy Afford looks back on his career with former team-mate Jim Hindson.

ndy Afford once nearly Two decades later, I’m sitting having I was a late call up. I was so young ruined my lunch - long lunch with ‘Aff’ as he is universally and naïve that I couldn’t drive and before I had even met him. known. The 47-year-old is now a didn’t even have a Notts jumper as I A I was 13-years-old, sitting successful editorial consultant and was just a bloke on trial. I remember with my family around the dinner he’ll not mind me saying he’s a wee bit convincing the scorer, Les ‘Foggy’ table. Craning our necks to watch the fleshier and certainly wiser. However, Tomlinson, that I wanted to be down television in the lounge, we could see he still retains that wicked sense of on the scorecard as Mr J A Afford and Essex’s was in full flow humour that he brought to the Notts that I also intended to go through a in the 1989 Benson & Hedges Lord’s dressing room. different gate to the professionals! I’d Final and was tucking into Afford in “I was a boy from Lincolnshire who heard of Derek Randall and also that a second wicket partnership that had took lots of wickets with slow left-arm Notts were really good, but other than cruised to 70. spin,” he explained, charting his rise to that, I hadn’t really got a clue about My father could take no more: becoming a professional cricketer. “In being a cricketer - in a good way - and “Come on Afford, you bloody idiot,” an Under-19 game against Notts I did I’m thankful for it. Otherwise I’d have he yelled at the screen, his frustration particularly well in front of the then- probably rung in sick!” boiling over as Notts found themselves manager Ken Taylor, who invited me Afford went on to establish himself struggling to get a foothold in this to winter nets and then to pre-season in the first team, revealing he got into showpiece final. I stared at the peas after that as a net bowler.” the team ahead of Peter Such simply on my plate - and wished they were As I read out the team Notts picked because of his left-handedness. “Suchy dot balls going against the England to play Oxford University when Afford was really good and we were no better batsman. Our meal continued in made his first-class debut in 1984, he or worse at batting or fielding, but he silence until another roar at the screen grins. “I was definitely the worst player was an off-spinner - the same as Eddie - this time of delight as ‘useless’ Afford in that side! It was the first time Tim Hemmings, who was always in the side clean-bowled Gooch to put Notts Robinson and Chris Broad opened the and was simply brilliant. back into the game. “I knew he’d get batting together and I remember they “Bowling with Eddie made my him in the end,” concluded my dad, put on what felt like a thousand runs in transition easy. I’d only play if it was now happily tucking into leftovers. both innings.” stinking hot, dead flat or it looked like it The rest of us raised our eyebrows “That same year, I played my first was going to turn. And because Eddie and asked to leave the table while the Championship game at Blackpool. was so good, there was no expectation going was good. Peter Such had broken his finger and and reliance on me. He’d bowl a load

28 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK affectionately known

we had 10 internationals winning the on. I had nothing to be bitter and THEN AND NOW: Championship. I came in for the odd regretful about and I’m really blessed AFFORD CELEBRATES game and it was great to be a part of it.” with the good relationship I have with ANOTHER In 1989, Afford played a starring the club.” WICKET (LEFT) role in the Benson & Hedges semi-final “I do stay in touch with people I AND TAKES IN against Kent, taking four wickets and played with. I believe some things SOME CRICKET AT TRENT cementing both Notts’ and his own are worth making an effort for and BRIDGE (BELOW) place in the final. “I must have bowled this is one of them. You invest all that really well as I got invited round to Tim time in the game and go through such Robinson’s house - which nobody ever incredible highs and lows. They are the did! I remember drinking gin and tonic best times of your life - although you in the Committee Room and thinking don’t realise and rarely appreciate it. that I’d made it.” You are as fit and good looking as you Eddie Hemmings famously hit the are ever going to be, and you are doing last ball of that year’s Lord’s final for something you love and are doing it four, off Essex seamer John Lever, to outside. There is no downside really. win the game and it was a shot which And as a bit of an old git - I like to Afford watched on TV from inside the remind people of that.” dressing room. “The game was driving With that, the interview was affectionately me bonkers and I was doing the maths concluded and Afford continued on for how many runs we required off to London for business. The man precisely how many balls - which they who nearly ruined my lunch all those do automatically now. I remember years ago has become an incredibly very vividly getting to the point where respected editorial consultant, who I knew I couldn’t get in to bat and is sports editor of the Sky Sports known quickly taking my pads off. quarterly magazine and editor of All “There was an inevitability from the Out Cricket magazine, in addition way they moved the field - bringing to performing coaching duties with cover in and putting fine leg back - that Repton School and as a spin bowling we would win. Eddie could only hit it coach at Notts. one side of the field and being Eddie, He is certainly the busiest man I that’s exactly what he did. We erupted, knocking juice all over the dressing room as we grabbed each other to celebrate. Then I remember being on the balcony getting medals and being really emotional about that.” “I was definitely For a while it seemed Notts would the worst player sweep all before them, but changes in personnel and retirements saw the side in that side!” struggle through the mid-Nineties, something that Afford remains philosophical about. “The great equaliser in cricket is talent, and in the Eighties, we had an incredibly talented group. In later years, I think our side was of overs and if I bowled well and got more talented than results showed - but some wickets it was a bonus. I was the certainly less so than previous seasons. classic fifth man in the attack - a luxury. Playing in a great Notts side, and then You can’t have a bowler like me in a in a very average side actually gave me four man attack because you needed a good grounding in cricket that not that predictability that Eddie gave.” everybody gets. It made me think about Afford cites the opportunity to come the fine margins in sport and gave me in under no ‘real’ pressure as a pivotal perspective. I began to understand what factor in being able to settle into the happens in a good dressing room and side and learn about the game. By conversely a bad one.” 1987, he had developed into a key Although Afford topped the know and he even finds time to run member of the squad, but plays down Championship averages in 1996, with the rock band Dr Comfort and the his part in Notts’ Championship 47 wickets to his name, a combination Lurid Revelations. After performing success that year. “I was a second of a dip in form and injury led to him best man duties for me last year, I teamer really, and we were playing at announcing his retirement towards think even my dad has forgiven him outposts like Worthington Simpson the end of the following season. “I got for being whacked for a boundary by and Marske. Richard Hadlee and to my 30’s and was only doing ok. I Graham Gooch. And, believe me, that Clive Rice were the star names but told myself to get on with it and move is some achievement.

NOTTSCCC.CO.UK 29 FINAL BALL final over RIKI WESSELS How do you unwind after a game? I like a bit of Toy Story 3 on the PlayStation and a glass of red wine. Who’s your best mate in cricket? Alex Wakely from Northants. We came through the ranks together and we’ve always been close. What one aspect of cricket would you change? A no-ball in championship cricket should be followed by a free hit. If you weren’t a cricketer what would you be? I’d like to think that I’d be a Paratrooper in the Army. Definitely something physical. What’s on your iPod? Bruno Mars, Kings of Leon and some other stuff that I’ll never admit to. Which football team do you support? Tottenham Hotspur. Jurgen Klinsmann is my hero.

CompetitionCaption did he really say that? David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd: Are you a Twitterer, Athers? Mike Atherton: No. Bumble: Facebook? Athers: No. Nor MySpace. Bumble: ...what do you do with your life?

That was unplayable, just like the Spice Girls. Shane Warne

I’m a pretty safe character and don’t take many risks in life, so batting is my outlet. Andre Adams

Win a I haven’t watched a Test in so long that I actually don’t know signed if this is good or bad. Zimbabwe’s Media Manager Notts Jeffrey Murimbechi reacts to the Zimbabwean return to bat! the Test arena I never saw Viv leave a ball because I only watched For your chance to win, email The winner will receive a The winner of April’s caption a caption to accompany this Gunn and Moore bat signed competition was Gary Andrew: highlights. image of Graeme Swann, by the Nottinghamshire squad “It’s a good job Swanny’s got West Indies batsman Kirk Samit Patel and to and have their entry printed Broad shoulders.” Edwards on watching his [email protected] in the next edition of Covered. compatriot Viv Richards The closing date for entries is Friday 14th October.

30 NOTTSCCC.CO.UK