There are few better things to do on a Saturday in April than watching some cricket. Especially when one of the teams has a player as dynamic as Jos Buttler and the other is captained by the leader of the best cricket team in the world. As soon as the weather forecast looked good and the day dawned bright and sunny, my mind was completely made up. I was going to the fourth day of Surrey vs Somerset at the Oval. The Oval is relatively convenient for me. A short trip to Huntingdon station followed by quick train to London then a stint on the Northern line down to Oval station.
It was a beautiful day for cricket. Completely blue skies, with so few clouds you could count them on one hand. To get in for the day, an adult ticket was, Football take note, £12. For juniors it was just a pound. One pound! About an hour or so before the start of play, there was still a fair bit of action going on. Somerset were warming up in nets on the outfield, with Marcus Trescothick and then Alviro Petersen practicing their slip catching. Surrey meanwhile were having a game of football (careful lads!). Despite being a hot day, it was cold in the shade. Especially when all your wearing on your top half is a shirt and a jumper thats half way between full-on knitwear and a long sleeved top.
The tranquility of the day is pierced by the odd low flying aircraft, the occasional "oooh" as the ball misses the outside edge as well as the solid, unmistakable tone, of leather making contact with willow. The occasional cry of "Come on the Reeeey" comes from the Laker stand.
Somerset resumed on 6-0, a lead of 24 after Surrey declared 18 runs behind. Stuart Meaker bowled well all day (he'd finish with 5-60) and Trescothick departed in the 6th over. 3 more wickets fell before lunch and at 100-4 there was a slim chance of a result if Surrey could take quick wickets. Alviro Petersen played extremely well for his 91. There is no home or away end in cricket so each milestone is applauded and respected as if the player or team was being supported all round the ground.
At lunch, and tea, fan
s are allowed onto the outfield. The equivalent of being allowed on the pitch at Wembley at half time in the FA Cup final. After sitting in the shade (cold) in the morning session, I moved closer to the pavilion for the afternoon session and to the Bedser stand for the final session. The Bedser stand is situated right in front of the dressing rooms meaning the players walk right past you. Being a raised stand, the view is fantastic.
Somerset went into the final session 8 wickets down with a lead in excess of 200. This ensured the draw was the only realistic result. So after Jos Buttler was out for 94 (knowing he was facing the last over went for a six to try and bring up his hundred and got caught on the boundary) Marcus Trescothick declared, ensuring the draw.
