Tuesday 13 August 2013

Sir Ian's home is where his heart is

The progress Durham has made in just 21 years has astounded Sir Ian Botham, OBE.
During a break in play at the Ashes Test, 'Beefy' reflected on Durham's double anniversary - ten years of  Test matches and 21 years in the First Class of English cricket.
He said: "These are big times at Durham - it's remarkable how far it has come in such a short time from the days when I was playing first class cricket here in the first year at half a dozen grounds around the country like Hartlepool and Darlington.
"The first Test we played here against Zimbabwe was just ten years ago and now we have an Ashes Test at one of the best grounds in the country.
"If you turn the clock back further to when we first came into first class cricket playing with the likes of David Graveney, Dean Jones, Paul Parker, Andy Fothergill, Wayne Larkins, Graham Fowler, John Glendinning and Simon Brown we would never have thought that this would happen so quickly.
"It's terrific, its great for Durham and the academy is also producing good home grown players. It is all very much happening up here."
Having lived just 40 minutes away from the Emirates Durham ICG for nearly 30 years, Sir Ian said he regards the region as his home.
"The North East is probably as well supported sports-wise as anywhere else in the country. It can manage two premiership sides, a championship side and premiership rugby. It has great golf courses, it's got everything - rivers with fish in them - it is a wonderful place to live and I'm always banging the drum for cricket up here," he said.


 10,000 MILES AND STILL WALKING

Beefy has walked about 10,000 miles raising money for leukaemia research and it's profile.
And he reckons he has raised somewhere between £15 million and £20 million.
His John O'Groats to Lands End walks are as legendary as the man himself and the difference  made is massive.
He said: "When we started the first walk in 1986 there was a 20% chance of survivial for youngsters with the most common form of leukaemia and that is now 92%."
Sir Ian is President of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and it's not just leukaemia research that benefits from his walking in the UK and overseas, including a hike over the Alps.
In November he will be walking through the jungles of Sri Lanka for the Laurens Sport for Good Foundation created after the Tsunami of 2004 and the countries civil war.

England captain Alastair Cook hails the Emirates Durham ICG after Ashes series win

England captain Alastair Cook has hailed Durham Cricket Club and the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground hailing the venue as "fantastic".

The Three Lions won the Ashes series at the Emirates Durham ICG after beating Australia by 74 runs as nine wickets fell in the evening session on day four of the 4th Investec Test, when Stuart Broad picked up six wickets in just 49 deliveries.

Cook said: "I thought it did fantastically well, we were lucky with the weather I think just down the road might have got a bit of a barrage.

"The four days were fantastic, I thought the crowd were brilliant, the wicket was a different wicket than what we were used to in England and it was a bit of a more low scoring game but I thought it produced some fantastic cricket and very entertaining.

"We like coming to Durham and it was a good game."

Knock-out Boxeroos

Nine foot tall boxing kangaroos sparred with spectators.
Fans nicknamed the 'Boxeroos', Warner and Root after the earlier much-publicised 'punch' incident between the opening batsmen, Australian David Warner and Joe Root of England.
And behind the masks were 22-year-old's Josh Greenslade from Bognor Regis and Tim Wong from Kings Lynn.
The University of Nottingham friends - who now both have degrees - were employed to entertain the crowds by global entertainment company, Area 51.
It's a physically demanding job, only possible in hour-long sessions and the unique blade-runner style stilts (unveiled below) means they can never stand still.
Tim said: "To keep your balance means you can never stand still. Its about four times as tiring as running or trampolining and really energy intensive.
"We've had some great banter with the fans - although many of them were really disappointed to discover we don't come from Australia!"
The Boxeroos tower above Yorkshire tea lady, 27-year-old Carly Sunderland, from York.

Best Test day "in the world"

Dedicated England fan David Charlton, from Blyth, Northumberland, couldn't wait to see his first Ashes in his home North East having travelled the world watching Test cricket.


"I've been to four continents watching Test cricket and I've seen the best day ever on my own doorstep. The match was fantastic and also being able to meet one of my sporting heroes made it one of the most memorable days of my life."
David has been to all the grounds in England since he saw his first Test at Headingley at the age of eight and he's been to Barbados twice, Galle in Sri Lanka, Durban and Centurion in South Africa and Perth and Melbourne in Australia 
On his travels, he has met many players from England and the opposition teams but had two burning ambitions he hoped to fulfil - to meet Beefy and Bumble - Ian Botham and David Lloyd.
DurhamAshes.blogspot had a word with Ian Botham and he was only too pleased to make a dream come true during the rain break on day four at the Emirates Durham ICG.
See earlier blog posting "Three year wait worth it for globe trotting Ashes fan"

No 'skipping' the kangaroo burgers!

Burgers made out of kangaroo meat proved really popular for the Ashes faithful.
Hungry fans from both England and Australia queued for the tasty treat - and they were sold out on day four.
John Adamson, pictured, from Ramside Event Catering, said: "The meat came from Australia and we sold all the 1,500 burgers we had.
"Kangaroo meat is different and it's really healthy as it has a very low fat content. I would have sold ostrich too but I can't find a supplier of the meat."

Pay back time for Ashes Maker


At 68-years-old, Ian Darling was probably the oldest amongst the 70-strong 'Ashes Maker' volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the event such a success for spectators.

They were there at the train stations when fans arrived at Durham and Chester-le-Street, they lined the walking routes to the ground and gave a helping hand outside and inside the ground.

And for Ian, from Hexham, Northumberland, helping people find their way to their seats and answering their many and varied questions was repaying an Ashes debt owed since 1956.

Ian's dad Andrew had taken his son to the Ashes Test at Headingley as a reward for passing his 11-plus exams and they decided to stay an extra day.

But with no overnight accommodation and strangers to Leeds they were lost in city when a friendly vicar walking his dog offered to help. After a trip to the local police station the vicar went even further out of his way to lead them to the door of a welcoming bed and breakfast.

"I am here now as an Ashes maker repaying that debt to anyone at this Test match who needs my help!" said Ian, Deputy Chairman of the Ashington-based Bernicia housing association.






Early morning optimism melts in the evening sun!

Australian players step out of the team bus on the fourth morning - determined, upbeat and smiling . . . little did they know what the day held in store!

. . . and bats against the wall - last men standing as the sun shines for Stuart Broad, England and the Emirates Durham ICG

Monday 12 August 2013

ENGLAND WIN ASHES AT EMIRATES DURHAM ICG!!!!

England have won the Ashes series after nine wickets fell in the final session at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground as Alastair Cook's side beat Australia by 74 runs.

Australia started the evening session 120-1 with David Warner and Usman Khawaja at the crease and they continued to put the England bowlers to the sword as they advanced to the 150 mark.

However, Graeme Swann removed Khawaja as the batsman missed a straight ball and was given his marching orders by umpire Aleem Dar.

Aussie captain Michael Clarke arrived at the crease and tried to quell the England attack lead by Stuart Broad, who was roaring into the wicket sending down deliveries of 90mph.

Broad finally got his man with a brilliant delivery, with seamed away from Clarke and removed his off stump. Steve Smith soon followed as he attempted to pull the ball and hooked the ball onto his stumps.

Shane Watson struggled to the crease with an injury and lasted 11 balls before he fell lbw to Tim Bresnan for two and Brad Haddin fell in the next over to Broad, and wasn't saved by a review.

Broad was bowling a devastating spell, with every ball looking like  a potential wicket taker and he continued to fire when he trapped Ryan Harris in front for 11. He cleaned up Nathan Lyon with a leg stump yorker leaving England on the brink.

Bad light forced Cook to turn back to Swann and Joe Root and Peter Siddle and Jackson Bird kept them at bay for a five overs before the sun came out at the Emirates ICG.

Broad returned from the Lumley End and snagged the final wicket when Siddle looped the ball to James Anderson at mid-off to send the ground into raptures, as the Three Lions sealed their series win at the first Ashes Test at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground.

Australia in strong position at Tea

Australia are in command of the 4th Investec Ashes Test at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground as they need just 179 runs to win with nine wickets remaining.

Openers Chris Rogers and David Warner resumed after lunch and rain break with the score at 11-0. England thought they had Rogers caught behind from a delivery from James Anderson, and umpire Tony Hill raised the finger.

However, the Middlesex batsman reviewed the decision almost immediately and replays proved he hadn't edged the ball and as a result Hill was forced to overturn his decision.

Rogers had another fortuitous moment when he was dropped by Swann at second slip off the bowling of Tim Bresnan.

He and Warner made England pay for their mistake and they brought up the 50 partnership in the 13th over.

The pair continued in the same fashion as they powered past the 100 run mark, the Aussies first century opening partnership of the series.

However, just before the Tea break, Graeme Swann struck and removed Rogers for 49, as he was caught at slip by Jonathan Trott.

Warner continued to frustrate England along with Usman Khawaja to leave the Aussies 120-1 at the break.

Australia need 288 to win the 4th Test with five sessions to play

Australia need 288 to win after the first session on day four of the 4th Investec Ashes Test at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground.

Centurion Ian Bell and Tim Bresnan saw off the old ball, but when Ryan Harris was introduced into the attack with the new ball he removed Bell for 113 clean bowling him with a delivery that kept low.

Matt Prior arrived at the crease but lasted only a ball as he was bowled by a great delivery from Harris, that bounced and struck his elbow before clattering into the stumps.

Stuart Broad survived the hat-trick ball from Harris, unlike his previous Ashes experience when Peter Siddle got three in a row in Brisbane in 2010.

Bresnan and Broad took the attack to the Aussie bowlers as the racked up several boundaries before Harris returned to bounce out Broad with a snorter of a delivery, which hit the top of the bat and rose in the air before being claimed by Steve Smith for 13.

England were scoring crucial runs as they took their lead past the 250 mark with Bresnan and Swann at the crease as Jackson Bird and Nathan Lyon took punishment from the pair.

However, it was that man Harris again who returned to the attack to dismiss Bresnan five short of his half-century as he caught and bowled the Yorkshireman leaving the Three Lions 317-9.

Swann hit three more flashing boundaries before number 11 James Anderson fell for a duck as he edged the ball from Lyon behind to Brad Haddin.

Aussie openers Chris Rogers and David Warner came out for a tricky 15 minute spell and saw off the England attack despite one scare, as the Three Lions reviewed an lbw shout from Broad against Rogers, but the ball pitched outside leg stump, as they tourists finished 11-0.

Aussies at the Emirates Durham ICG

Several touring groups from Australia are here at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, we caught up with a couple of people to talk about their experiences of the north east so far.


Kevin Dale, Melbourne

"I think it's a very nice oval and very well presented. It's a very good pitch as well, hopefully we can build on it in the future.

It's a pretty place, we've had really nice weather up to this week. That's just the way of an English summer. We've had a look at the Riverwalk and it's lovely.

"The pitch is excellent and it makes for very entertaining cricket. It's going to be very close and that sort of cricket is the best.



Diane Denton, Newcastle, Sydney

"It's a nice personal ground. It's nice and small so it's very good and we're planning to go for a walk along the river.

"The Castle is lovely and we're planning a closer inspection later, we've been here for three weeks and it's been fantastic."

Sunday 11 August 2013

Hat-trick of Ashes centuries - Stumps on day 3

Ian Bell scored his third hundred of the series to bring back England from 49 for 3 to 234 for 5 and set up a big day at the Emirates Durham ICG on Monday.

Bell came to the crease with England's lead just 17 and walked back to the pavillion unbeaten with his team leading Australia by 202.

Kevin Pietersen fell six short of 50 to the bowling of Nathan Lyon, as he edged the ball to Chris Rogers, after a rescue partnership with Bell of 106.

Jonny Bairstow made 28 before being caught behind, leaving nightwatchman Tim Bresnan to play out the final overs with Bell, the century hero.

The voice secret - honey and lemon


Jonathan Agnew had to "sharpen up" the next morning ready for commentary after Ian Botham's annual barbecue at his North Yorkshire home for cricket friends and colleagues on Saturday night. 
"I have to look after my voice and on tours it becomes quite an issue – I’m a big honey and lemon in water man every day on tour for about a month. It really helps when you are broadcasting all day every day."
Before the Test started, Jonathan met his radio sparring partner Geoffrey Boycott for a live stage show in Newcastle to raise money for the PCA Benevolent Fund.
The pair were dubbed by Wisden as "The Lennon and McCartney of cricket broadcasting". Jonathan joked: "To be honest I’m not quite sure which is which - 'Little and Large' might be more appropriate maybe.
"But seriously I love working with Geoffrey - we are a good, if unlikely, combination. But in commentary at Durham when I was explaining the DRS I thought he was going to hit me!"
The Benevolent fund helps professional cricketers who fall on hard times and also supports families.
"A very good example of its importance is the help the fund has been able to provide for the family of former Surrey left-arm quick bowler David Thomas, who had multiple sclerosis and died in the early 1980's aged 53.
"That was well before his time. It's a very very worth cause and it's nice to be able to do something to support it," added Jonathan.
   


Agger's dogs tail!


A dog friendly hotel was a must for commentator Jonathan Agnew.
Aggers and his wife Emma found digs for them and their pet pooch - cocker spaniel Tino (named after cricketer Tino Best) in Newcastle.
They also have other dogs - Bracken and Hoggard - again named after players!
He said: "The cocker came for the weekend and Emma took him up to Bamburgh and they had a lovely time. It is all part of the job - we go away a lot and it makes a big difference if Emma can come and spend a couple of days and do her own thing."
Test Match Special commentator Jonathan knows Durham well and has been visiting for years, although he never played cricket at Durham.
"It is incredible to see how the place has changed, developed, transformed, improved but one thing has always been the same – it is how friendly it is to come here and it is a lovely rural set up. A feature of coming up here is the people who have always been so pleased to see us," he said.   



Onions should have played - Agnew


Jonathan Agnew said he would have played Durham paceman Graham Onions on his home ground.
"I think Graham Onions would have made quite a lot of difference here – I’m all for picking the right team for the right conditions and I would have picked Onions instead of Bresnan," said the voice of BBC radio's Test Match Special.
"That’s not in hindsight or retrospect or anything - I said that at the start. It is a balancing act between being loyal to the players that you have and also giving people a chance to get into the side.
"A closed shop is not a good thing. It is good to be consistent and be loyal to your players but you have got to have incentives for people to come in," he added.

Finely poised at tea on day three

Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell tipped the balance back towards England with both batsmen 37 not out at tea.

The game ebbed and flowed with England at 49 for 3 and Australia seemingly in control before Pietersen and Bell dug in to see England at 123 for 3 at tea with a lead of 91. 

Ryan Harris had England rocking with all three wickeets to fall. He had Alastair Cook caught behind by Haddin for 22, Joe Root bowled for 2 and Trott also caught behind by Haddin for 23.
With runs hard to come by the full house watching at the Emirates Durham ICG have a tense and very important session afte tea which will have a big influence on the outcome of the fourth test. 
  

RAF cadets perform at the Emirates Durham ICG


Air cadets marching proud

An award-winning Newcastle band kept up the rythm for spectators during the lunch break on day three at the Emirates Durham ICG.
Air cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron paraded the outfield entertaining the crowds with local tunes.
The squadron recently won the Lees Trophy which is awarded annually to the top performing RAF air cadet squadron in the country.
Some of the youngsters are being assessed for their performance unit of the BTEC First Deploma in Music.
They have played for HM the Queen at the official opening of Tyne Tunnel 2 and also at St James' Park
on Remembrance Sunday as well as welcoming the Olympic Torch into Newcastle City Centre and performed at the Olympic football last year.
Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said: "Our young people have performed at some very prestigious occasions and to be perfroming at the Ashes is an incredible opportunity that they will remember for many years to come.

Keeping the media informed


England keeper Matt Prior on camera before play on day three

Spin signing in the sun


One lucky autograph hunter gets Australian spin bowler Ashton Agar to sign

Test match special for Nick


Pat and Katherine Sherwood from Newcastle were first in the queue to get Jonathan Agnew to sign a copy of his book.
Wife Pat bought the book, 'Cricket, A Modern Anthology', as a birthday present for husband Nick who will be 60 on the fifth day of the Test on Tuesday.
Pat and daughter Katherine, aged 32, slipped away from dad in the stands on the excuse of 'spending a penny' and instead bought the book.
"The reason why the whole family likes cricket is because dad is from Sussex and we always have Test Match Special on all the way on the long journey. We have been indoctrinated with cricket from an early age!" said Katherine.
Mum Pat added: " Nick will be delighted with the book which is extra special having been signed. We all particularly like Aggers sense of humour."

Durham Pride


Nigel Harris has been a spectator at Test matches since 1961 and he reckons the first Ashes match at the Emirates Durham ICG is one of the very best he has ever been to. 
"It's been amazing in Durham. So many people should be proud of what has been achieved, not just because of the great organisation and how quickly it has reached this status, but as an event in it's own right.
"So many things have been very successful, there’s been a wonderful spirit – people have had a fantastic attitude and stewards and all the member of the team are always looking to be helpful – nothing is too much trouble. It is a wonderful ground and let’s hope it hosts many more Tests," said 60-year-old Nigel from Dartington in South Devon.
The couple are on a fortnight's holiday which started at the Old Trafford Test. "A holiday isn't complete without a cricket match - ideally a Test match," said Nigel.
Wife Viv travels with Nick - last year they were in Sri Lanka - although she doesn't watch the cricket and is content enjoying all the other things the venue has to offer.
"We are staying in Durham and it's been wonderful – we have both seen the Gospels and had a tour of the cathedral, Viv has had a tour of the castle and she is at Beamish today. We are really enjoying the fantastic region and we will come again," added social worker Nigel.



Day Three Here We Go!!!

The crowds arrived in their droves for day three of the 4th Investec Ashes Test at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground.

England players Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Jonathan Trott and Joe Root all signed autographs to the awaiting masses following their arrival at the ground.









Saturday 10 August 2013

Broad: 'We need quick wickets'

England bowler Stuart Broad feels that he and his teammates are in for a crucial morning to get wickets against Australia at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground.

Broad took four wickets on day two but the Baggy Greens ended the day in a strong position at 222-5, just 16 runs behind the Three Lions' first innings total, thanks to a maiden Test ton for Chris Rogers.

He said: "That's the way cricket works sometimes, you have to give them credit for the way they dug it out. It is a really grinding wicket and you have to accumulate your runs, it's certainly the best wicket we've had to bowl seamers on in this series.

"The new ball with a slightly fuller length did seam around, I think when the ball got 45/50 overs old we saw a big change and there wasn't as much seam movement as there was earlier, which made the inroads with the new ball pretty crucial.

"It actually gives us a lot of hope for tomorrow because we know that ball will seam around and we need quick wickets. We need to go out there and not expect everything to just happen and try and force the issue and create some chances and make it happen."

Rogers 'relieved' to get first Test ton

Australia opener Chris Rogers has revealed that he felt "relieved" to score his maiden Test century at the age of 35 on day two of the 4th Investec Ashes Test at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground.


Rogers is playing in just his fifth Test for the Baggy Greens after being recalled for the first time since making his debut in 2008 against India.  The 35-year-old admitted that he thought his chance of scoring his first ton had escaped him after losing his wicket for 84 at Old Trafford.

He said: "It was a nervous time, I got the score in the last game and thought maybe that was my opportunity and then I got to the 90's and the England boys were saying if you don't score it now, you may never.

"It was a fantastic moment to finally get it. After all this time you're fully aware how much it means to get a hundred playing for your country is just a magnificent moment. I'm so happy and so relieved I got it.

"I'm not huge celebrator but after all this time, after playing a lot of domestic cricket, to get this opportunity is one I never thought I would and to get a hundred is something you can only dream of, I guess you just want to soak it all up."

Rogers maiden ton puts Australia in strong position

Australia opener Chris Rogers' maiden Test century put his side in a strong position at the end of day two of the 4th Investec Ashes Test.

The Baggy Greens had the perfect start to the second morning when Jackson Bird clean bowled James Anderson for 16 as the Three Lions failed to add to their overnight score of 238.

England hit straight back at Australia though through Stuart Broad who grabbed the early wickets of David Warner and Usman Khawaja to leave Michael Clarke's side 12-2.


Clarke and Rogers led the Aussies the 40-run mark before Broad struck again to remove Clarke as he edged the ball to Alastair Cook for six.

Steve Smith and Rogers steadied the ship until lunch but after the break Smith fell to Tim Bresnan for 13 leaving the Aussies 76-4.

All-rounder Shane Watson dropped down the order to number six and looked comfortable at the crease with the impressive Rogers, who eased his way to a half century.

The duo continued to punish the England bowlers moving racking up their 100 partnership as Watson joined Rogers in passing 50.

However, Broad returned to the attack and got the wicket of Watson as he attempted to clip the ball off his legs and could only edge the ball to Matt Prior for 68.

Rogers struggled to get off 96 as England turned up the pressure on him but he finally managed to find the boundary to bring up his first Test century.

Bad light at 6pm ended the day as the umpires brought the players off the field with Australia 222-5.


Fancy Dress Roundup

Saturday saw some fantastic fancy dress at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground on day two of the 4th Investec Ashes Test.

From Sesame Street to the Village People, members of the public came in costumes all shapes and sizes.




Four boxing Kangeroos


Luigi and Mario

Scooby Doo




Stone Cold and the Undertaker

Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Kermit and Elmo

Badger

The Village People

Which Costume is the best?
Nun
Crocodile
Boxing Kangaroos
Mario and Luigi
Scooby Doo
Dick Dastardly and Robin
Hulk Hogan, Elvis and the Invisible Man
Bully and Friends
Stone Cold and the Undertaker
Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Kermit and Elmo
Badger
The Village People
www.poll-maker.com