Opening Day Loss for England's Finest

Sadly we have to report a 5 wicket loss to the Australians – after a tense game at the Rajiv Gandhi Test Stadium today. Played in 32 degree heat, the match saw England win the toss and bat; however, we never really got going and mustered only 138 for our 35 overs. Five separate batsmen got in and scored more than 15 only to get themselves out, on a greenish track that had a touch of early morning dew about it.

All credit to the Aussies – they bowled a tidy line, were as noisy as ever and fielded very well. But, in truth, our score did not do ourselves justice and made life difficult for the bowlers.

What was encouraging was that we held some good catches – Mat Gullick at mid on, Ian MacDougall at square leg and Jamie Cameron at gulley took a blinder; our best bowler by far was Sam Buttterfield [who top scored with 22] who bowled a tight spell and took 1-12. Of the other bowlers Deni Matthews took two, and Jamie Cameron one, whilst Dave “SuperHarmy” Rhodes bowled a snorting delivery to get rid of the Aussie number 4 – knocking out his middle stump in emphatic fashion

Celebration of the day was Jamie Cameron who – after getting a second ball dubious LBW decision whilst batting regrouped and took a blinding catch whilst fielding. He promptly threw the ball in the air and shouted “Finally, I've come to the party!!”

We have a rest day tomorrow and another game – this time at the Lal Badahur stadium = the old test ground against Sri Lanka on January 2nd.

The mood is good in the camp and we know we can do better; the Sri lankans better beware…

Meanwhile, as the men did battle on the pitch, the devoted WAGs watched adoringly from the stands and kept the conversation heavily intellectual with discussions on whether palm oil was the best hair conditioner and why men needed such an awful lot of mothering.

SCORECARD:

ENGLAND:

1. Williams – 17
2. McDougall – 4
3. Gullick -16 [including a 7!]
4. Newcomb – 8
5. Dodd – 21
6. Opperman – 16
7. Cameron – 0
8. Butterfield – 22
9. Rhodes – 0
10. Matthews – 2 not out
11. Bob Percy Hall [a legend throughout Asia] 5 not out
TOTAL: 138

AUSTRALIA:

140-5
AUSTRALIA WON BY 5 WICKETS

Opening Day at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium

What a day, sports fans!! Six teams from around the world have come together in Hyderabad to fight for the first ever Lawyers’ World Cricket Cup. This event is massive in India – the whole day’s welcome ceremony, speeches and play in a demonstration 10/10 match was broadcast live on Channel 20, the Indian live sports channel.

Our own Bob Percival [known now to the Indian sporting nation as “Bob Percy Hall”-as he was referred to by the commentator] kept wicket and batted with style and skill in the international team taking part in the demonstration match; also taking part was JC, our leader and founder.

Our itinerary sees us playing Australia tomorrow in the opening game on the Test Ground with the first ball bowled at 9.30am local time. The weather is 30 degrees Centigrade and the pitch shows a touch of green, but has significant cracks in it – there should be something for everyone. On examination we were able to put a little finger in one of the cracks on the wicket just of a length - it should be tasty!

The team of 13 good men and true [and 5 gorgeous WAGS] are in good spirits and ready for what lies ahead. The standard of the opposition is a bit unknown, but the Indians are warm favourites and we are, according to the media, “an unknown quantity” – how little they know!

After Australia we play Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and then India in our final match. Three of our games including our first and last matches are on the Test Ground – with the remaining two games on the old Test Ground in the centre of town and one match out in Secunderabad.

We attach 4 photos of the events of today, which show the mass media coverage and the fact that the last match played here was the India v Australia one-day international. The scoreboard still bears the names of Tendulkar and Ponting!!

Bring on the Aussies tomorrow and watch this space for the match report tomorrow night Indian time.

Nets report

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

A muted evening charactersied by a number of good men and true realising that shortly they will be representing their country.

It is a rare privilege to be comrades in arms with your fellow man; we are doubly blessed to be wearing a shirt that shares our name and our country's name on its back; few have such an honour.

We are shortly to be embarking on a journey together where we will be tested; where we will have to fight the good fight on behalf of each other.

Where the only thing that matters is the man standing next to you.

Where everyone has come from a different place, by a different path, but all of us are in the same boat together.

This is a special time and all of us, I believe, appreciate the opportunity.

The next time we truly line up we will be playing on a test ground, fighting the good fight.

BRING IT ON!!

Nets report

Rare guests at the nets tonight...we are indeed fortunate to have shared the nets with 3 distinguished commentors:

- Cory TV
- Our coach
- Wisden

1.Cory TV paid us a visit, in the form of Cory, their Live video correspondent [aka travelling WAG Corinna Ferguson, taking time out from busy HL practice], who conducted a series of live interviews with the Skip, and many more. In the longer term we will be graced with the video footage of her video analysis of the various "bowling" actions on display...but first her interview with the skip:

Q: Cory TV, (slightly breathlessly to the Skip): "So what do you think are your strengths in the touring party?"

A: The Skip [a little too breathless, as he is not quite yet in peak physical condition]: "Well, we bring a formidable team of drinkers to the party!"

Q: "And your cricketing assets?"

A: "I feel we will sledge well" [said in true Steve Waugh style deadpan]

Q: "What are the strengths of your bowling attack?"

A: "Without doubt our ability to take the opposition by surprise!"

Cue Cory TV 's trophy boyfriend Dave "SuperHarmy" Rhodes giving everyone a surprise, by bowling a lively beamer that cleared the batsman and keeper and breaks the back of the net, with a bullet that moves and lifts in the air a good foot, without actually touching the turf [do not fear, fellow brothers in arms;he then bowled a snorter that seamed and left the batsman before breaking the off peg]

2. Our coach - Tony the inactive Tiger: Tony is a nice man but a pretty rubbish coach; however, as an analyst of our abilities he is up there with Bumble. His analysis went like this:

"You are a team of triers who seem to have a lot of bits and pieces cricketers" [euphemism for: you have no bowlers, but everyone turns their arm]; he then compounds his analysis by stating [I swear he said this] - "you are a bit like the present England team in fact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I confess that for once I was lost for words

3.WISDEN: the last word must go to the Wisden correspondent who came down to record "THE OTHER ENGLAND TOURING TEAM'S PROGRESS....."

Their correspondent stated: "God help India - I am not sure they are ready for you lot" .....HOW LITTLE HE KNOWS!!

Yours in Cyberspace...

the ever improving [and frankly taking a lot of caught deep mid wicket scalps] Henman

Nets report

Another incident-packed evening at the Oval saw significant developments on the development of Team England.

Following a top-level summit in the back of Bob's Jag, featuring "the young Superman" - see below [Guy H], the man they know as "No Helmut" behind the wheel, navigating south london like a veteran taxi driver, and "Henman", on the way to the Oval, many plans are afoot ... Not least the purchase of a team mascot - to be a Lion - and to be named by the assorted waifs and strays known as the Team England WAGS.

Nets featured:
"No Helmut" behind ze stumps, keeping with his usual aplomb, and quiet commentary - he may need some help if he is to become a proper sledging keeper.
Q running in with gusto wearing what can only be described as a pair of ballet shoes so much was he slip sliding away.
Big Dave "Harmy" Rhodes storming in off a long run and giving one and all the hurry up but displaying occasional signs of the dreaded "Brisbane syndrome" amidst the odd jaffer.
JC opened the batting and worked on his demon "malinga swing" round arm;faster ball.
But the star of the night was unquestionably Superman himself - Guy H: never in the history of cricket conflict has one man worn an outfit on a cricket field that so resembled Superman if he liked the noble game of WG Grace and Viv Richards.
It all started when Soups announced that he'd omitted to bring his cricket trousers. Undismayed, our hero raced upstairs, found a sporting goods store [and a handy phone box] and returned clad in his Superman shorts. To say that we, as a group, caught the eye even more than normal is an understatement, but the shorts may have to have another outing because the great man's bowling was transformed, and the left arm outswingers may yet be foxing the Indians before too long.
Throughout all of this "Henman's" own unique brand of dodgy off spin, quiet reticence and ability to force all batsman to hole out at deep mid wicket caught the eye.... he is rapidly creating his own corridor of uncertainty in the area that is deep mid wicket to long on.

Nets report

A fair turnout at the Oval tonight witnessed the skip on fine bowling form (castling Mat G) and batting ok - but he was consistently troubled by the veteran trundlers Cartwright and Opperman, with their collection of demon dibbly dobbleys off breaks.

Bowling is coming on - Mat G is good, Guy H is developing a mean swing (although he joins a distinguished line of bowlers in this side who need a radar) and we continue to keep in depth - Pete may have to look to his laurels if RP continues to keep this well

Batting is our strength - with all playing nicely. All can turn an arm and we may use Jamie as our secret bowling weapon...not!

All save Q were much assisted by Guy H being a left hander and thereby playing into our natural "leg" stump line

We all wish Sam a speedy recovery ...get well soon mate - we need you!!

Yours in cyberspace and very rushed

Guy O
(Sadly christened 'Henman' for over-exuberant use of the underarm clenched fist at the slightest hint of a wicket ...with a yelped "Come ON!")

The Art of War - thoughts to inspire

Courtesy of John Buchanan [Aussie Coach] and Sun Tzu - Chinese Warlord /philosopher

Sun-tzu, The Art of War.
"Every battle is won before it is ever fought."

"All warfare is based on deception. If your enemy is superior, evade him. If angry, irritate him. If equally matched, fight and if not: split and re-evaluate," - cited with approval by Gordon Gecko and Bud his protege in Wall Street.

"Strike when your enemy is at his weakest, when he is mired in self-doubt, and your victory will be assured." - often heard from Shane Warne

The Senshi - "If your enemy has a choleric temper, seek to anger him" - taken from "The Wicketkeepers' Guide to Sledging", a classic oeuvre by Adam Gilchrist

"If you know both yourself and your enemy, you will not fear the outcome of a hundred battles."

Q aka The Skip

Die hard captain in the Paul Collingwood mode - good fielder, bowls lively quick stuff that can trouble anyone on the right pitch; bats well but keeps footwork to bare minimum.

Has thrived on captaincy, organising nets, coaches, dinners, and generally reining in the excesses of his team.

May struggle to impose discipline on tourists - who frankly look a motley crew; recently got engaged.

Wisden:
Team of tourists were described by Wisden as "without doubt the most dodgy bunch of tourists since Philip of Spain said to his sea captains - "Come on lads, lets sail the Armada round the English channel"
(Editors note - Wisden never said that...they were far less complimentary...)

Mat Gullick

Robust middle order batsman, with penchant for expansive driving .... sadly run out by partner [don't do it again Sam!!] for 40 odd when going well against Old Wimbledonians; bowls fast medium seamers; good fielder.

Without doubt the brightest man on the tour; knows every Lord Justices's recent judgments, penchants and blood groups etc etc.

Hoping to be seen in Hyderabad, but going on 2 week tour of northern india first to get acclimatised.

Jamie Cameron

Nickname - JC

Plays for:
- Spent the last 10 years in cricketing wilderness, but was rediscovered this year by Bill Owen's XI in Bristol as allrounder averaging mid 50s and bowling some military medium dibbly dobblers;

Fields - gully or backward point

International Experience

Played league cricket in Germany for Goettingen, in between an enthusiastic but highly unsuccessful and unco-ordinated spell as a competitive Rock 'n' Roll dancer;

Played once for english lawyers:

- First appearance at Wimbledon was delayed by an unfortunate closure of the M4, but eventually arrived to take 1-18 in 6 overs with some deceptive wobblers (they didn't wobble), and was last man out, holing out for a quickfire 29 chasing an improbable victory.

David Rhodes

Nickname: SuperHarmy

Plays: Right arm fast bowler - lethal when good, more lethal when bad.

Guy Holland

Nickname: tbc

Batsman: top order somewhere

Bowler: Not if it can be avoided

Plays for: 'Anyone for Tennis' Regents park league

Played for English Lawyers once: failed

Fields: First slip (need someone to talk to)

Ian McDougall

Nickname: tbc

Bats: I am normally an opening batsman (goodness knows where I will be batting for us!! I haven’t yet been told) who bowls occasional medium pace swing and has been called upon to bowl off spin if the pitch is a total pudding.

Fields: I usually field at first slip (goodness knows where I will be fielding for us!!). My style of batting is accumulation rather than explosive but with decent technique! (hence opening).

Illustrious history:
In the last season I played I was twice out in the 90’s; once for 92 and once for 97. You can imagine how pleasing that was!

Until a season ago I played for Hutton Cricket Club in Essex but stopped recently due to the fact that I am now one of the MCC cricket commentators at Lord’s (broadcasting on the internet on matchdays on www.lords.org, and to headsets in the ground). Like all opening batsmen, I am a frustrated fast bowler who would love to be able to bowl fast bouncers!!!

If you Google me, you get the following page :- http://www.lords.org/lords-ground/media-information/ball-by-ball/ian-mcdougall,736,AR.html.
5) It would be very good (as a thank you to them) if I could get something of LexisNexis on the site (our beloved sponsors, as you say). Let me know what you think I could suggest.

Pete Dodd

Nickname - Daddydoddy (due to habit of attracting single women with children!)

Plays for: Ambleside CC as wicketkeeper/top order batsman (also captain), Temple Heelis CC (works team), KBWCC (as guest player), BEWCC.

Previous teams: Cumbria under 16s and under 18s - played in County Championship against Lancashire side managed by Bumble!- Currently coached by Martin Speight (ex-Sussex and Durham keeper /batsman) at Newcastle Cricket Centre and has been working very hard on batting and keeping with a series of 4 hour 1-2-1 coaching sessions!!Sadly, these sessions have not had a similar impact on his less than washboard stomach!

Batting: Can play anywhere in top 6 but usually opener or first wicket down. Predominantly front foot player who drives well straight down the ground and through the covers but also has a clip through midwicket in his 'locker'. Prefers to time the ball on the deck rather than taking the aerial route but can adapt gameplan to suit the situation and will hit over the top against spin.

Keeping: Reputation for leg side takes standing up and high ratio of stumpings to catches due to refusing to stand back to all but the fastest of bowling. A big believer in vocal encouragement of the bowler and fielders alongside not always subtle comments aimed at unsettling opposing batsmen (usually tongue in cheek but depends on the batsman!).

Bowling: Unable to perform any kind of bowling due to chronic shoulder problem caused by bizarre cycling and wall related accident.

Fielding: If not behind stumps then prefers to be at point which still involves diving around and doesn't require throwing in from deep which is prevented by aforementioned shoulder problem.
- 2007 league season for Ambleside:492 runs at 27.33 on slow, green wickets ooop North including 3 x 50s (top of club averages, 12th in league averages14 stumpings and 22 catches (voted best keeper in Division by poll amongst other teams and topped the dismissals chart)
- Last game for BEWCC (vs Wimbledonians): Given out LBW by Mr Oppermanfor 6 after a comfortable start but would now like to thank the rakish gentleman in question as this has resulted in a technical change for the better! Wicket keeping on the day was functional but a little below par...hoping to put in some better performances in India after, again, some intensive 1-2-1 coaching with Mr Speight.

Robert Percival

Nickname: Helmut

Plays for:

The Grannies CC - see http://www.thegrannies.org.uk/

Marlborough Blues CC

Specialist keeper

Games for BEWCC

- against Indians in Dulwich - in position to take half straight stuff, but they hit them out of the ground - didn't have arms long enough to reach stuff they couldn't reach

- at Wimbledon was the quiet keeper (2nd half), enjoyed standing up to Jamie C, less so to Q, when spraying it a bit - played wristy shot almost for 6, was asked by Indian fielder if I had Indian blood, said not as far as I know - should be useful though in Hyderabad (home of Azharrudin, Dravid and Laxman) !

Jamie Williams

Nickname - tbc

Plays for: - King's Bench Walk Cricket Club in London.

- In Wales plays for Conwy Cricket Club and the mighty Rhos Fynach Taverners. Batting - Right handed opening batsman.

Fields - Slips or Covers.Bowling - Right arm slow.

Played twice for the Bar of England and Wales:
- At Wimbledon took 2 wickets in a devastating display of right arm 'is it still moving' slow bowling.

James Cartwright

Nickname: tbc

The guy who got everyone into this mess by an excess of exuberance.

Played cricket with trepidation 55 years ago and was taught by the Bedser twins to keep my elbow up (Dad thought I could play cricket). Then all lapsed until we formed a lawyers' cricket team, which is always on the lookout for a win but keeps me permanently amused.

Straight bat and terrified of fast bowling. I am only little.

D Mathews..mystery man

Not much we can say about the mystery man....elusive...and we hope very good!
With luck he will be our secret weapon....