A Day at the Cricket

Photo © Anne-Marie Minhall

The last day of August & it's time for some cricket at Lord's.

England v Sri Lanka Men's International Test Match Series - Day 3 of 5.

It's also an opportunity to catch up with a fellow cricket fan & friend. We try to see at least one match together every year.

There can be no more game more conducive to the happiness of mealtimes than Test cricket. The two will be forever intertwined. There's an order to the day.

To begin, it has to be a Bacon Butty in the Harris Garden right near to the Pavilion and in earshot of the jazz band. Brown sauce for me, Ketchup for my compadre who informed me that .. "If I was having a Full English, then it would be HP Sauce, but, for a Bacon Sarnie, it has to be Tomato Ketchup." To accompany, two Yorkshire Gold teas - proper brews with the strength of two builders.

The bell rings in the Pavilion at 1100 & play gets underway. We have great seats thanks to my friend reserving them earlier in the morning. Before we know it, it's 1300 & lunchtime. Time to venture into the Long Room Bar to see what delights await us. The food is unwaveringly good here & the service, swift, efficient, friendly & organised.

Here's what's on the menu ..

Coronation Spiced Roasted Chicken Breast or Aubergine served with Spicy Bombay Potatoes, Bay-infused Cauliflower & Cumin Carrots

Or

Rib of Beef with Roast Red Onions & Horseradish Crème Fraîche & Mixed Salad

The two of us went for the beef which was served in a very decent Brioche Bun. Just like the Breakfast Bap, servings were generous & plentiful.

Then it was time for the second session of the day & back to our seats to watch Joe Root head towards a record breaking 34th century for his country. Magical & beautiful to watch.

An early Tea is taken after England were bowled out for 251 giving them a sizeable & probably unassailable lead of more than 450 runs. I'm still fit to bursting after both meals so no Scones with Jam & Cream for me nor Chocolate Cake or Victoria Sponge. However, my friend still has room left & opts for the Sponge. He disappears back to our seats as I treat myself to a glass of fizz. Upon my return, the cake has already been devoured .. "Oh, did you want to try some of it?" 

The floodlights have been on at the ground for most of the day &, as we head towards the end of the afternoon, the gloomy sky intensifies & the umpires consult their lightmeters plus the Sri Lankan batsmen .. 

Play comes to an end with England in a match-winning position.

What a wonderful day & a suitable way to salute the end of summer.

AMM