Tony Bishop

Iran War (that has already been won about 38 times according to Donald Trump) keeping you awake? Bloated, overly commercial football (sorry, soccer) World Cup in what was once the Land of The Free already leaving you feeling empty and disillusioned? Petrol prices, cost of living and a government implosion at home meaning there is just no place to hide from relentless misery? Take a breath, relax. The English County Cricket season and specifically New Road Worcester has the perfect antidote for you.

When Herman Göring demanded of Adolf Galland, the top German Luftwaffe ace, what his fighter pilots needed to defeat the RAF, Galland’s legendary response was “Give me a squadron of Spitfires!”. Fortunately, he didn’t get them. Ask many a cricket coach what it takes to win championships, it would not be a surprise if their answer was “a team of Ryan Higginses”.

Day One of this game between Middlesex and Durham had been played in mid – summer heat beneath a blazing sun. The forecast for this second day was a lot more late spring than early summer. Or perhaps ‘typical bank holiday’ weather would be a more accurate description for British folk who love nothing more than gazing upwards, tutting and harumphing. How often do conversations start with “Well goodness me, the weather today is just perfect”? It’s just not really very British.