Reflections on the Final and other Sketches!

Australia take the Big Prize with disappointing England a worthy Second

And so we return to Chennai after a week of reflection and some soul searching by my erstwhile companion on tour the Artist and England player JB

From his position from Beyond the Boundary. JB has created a few reflections of our World Cup encounters in Chennai. Starting with the Final played at The Sri Ravichandra cricket ground my mate ‘Butters’ has sketched a few scenes which represent his own personal impressions of the ground and backgrounds of where England Seniors played some of their games.

With limited opportunities to sketch on the spot JB has been adding to the Sketches made at the games since returning to England. With memories still fresh in his minds eye he has been enjoying extending the flavour of his Imagination into his work as well as seeking to represent a moment captured in time& for prosperity. JB’s painting methods are multi faceted as he both enjoys creating details as in his representation of buildings etc and also ‘fleeting moments’as seen on the field of play. It may transpire at a later date that the artist may choose to home in on the Individual characters playing the game but for now at least he seems to be happy to present a general view of the moment depicted,in his own definable style! Some have referred to his depiction of the players as ‘Loweryesque’! a reference to the paintings of LS Lowery who represented the Northern working men and women in his own distinctive yet personal way. You might say stick men& women but this is to underplay the significance of his impression of their working lives. Much as in a game of cricket and especially fielding depends on the players working as one to defend their total or restrict the oppositions. Perhaps JB’s depictions seek to represent the team as just this a cohesion of purpose all for a collective cause? I have sort to discuss his methods with the artist on many occasions and he like many other artists I know prefer to ‘present their views’ and hope that the spirit of each work communicates positively with the audience. Butters seems to believe that the spirit should be free to express itself at any given moment in a way that represents the feeling in that moment. Be it colourful, expressive or process driven. It is the artists prerogative to represent a personal view and upon this he or she will be judged or valued. His Job is to be honest and true to his process and vision so here it is.

From Waheguru ground v’s New Zealand the first group game of England seniors World Cup

Finally and from the perspective of JB The Artist. I would like to say how much it has been a pleasure for me to be ‘Along for the ride’ with the England seniors Cricket Squad and everyone else. Making this a memorable trip for me ‘ Melvin’ and how delighted I am to see myself featured by the Artist in his final painting! Hope you can spot me in there too cheering on the team!

Let’s end with JB’s fist painting from the Tour which was his depiction (also at Sri Ravichandra ground) of England Inaugural encounter with India seniors team. It’s been a pleasure alround and I hope the artist will do further justice to his and our experiences through his representation of this Unique Cricket World Cup.

England v’s India at Sri Ravichandra ground in Chennai

Finally and again congratulations to Australia Veterans Cricket for their Winning the Over 60’s Cricket World Cup 🇳🇿👏🏆

Melvins Final Blog!

We made it to the Final

And so it came to pass. England versus Australia the much anticipated final match up of the 2nd Instalment of the Over 60’s Cricket World Cup.The two country’s even at this level were no strangers to each other. Some royal battles had been fought on the fields of Australia and England and even Barbados& Canada as well. It’s all to play for then on the biggest stage of all. In Chennai, India for status of World Cup holders 2024!

Richard Merriman won the toss and despite a slightly damp looking wicket& outfield elected to bat first. A regular feature of Englands progress to date had been to bat first and post imposing scores on their opposition. However this time and against the well oiled fielding machine that is Australia would this policy to bat first pay off? We were about to find out!

Perhaps a little surprisingly the Aussies opened their attack with a left arm spinner& a gentle seamer.Which to an extent allowed the England Openers a steady start. However as overs continued to pass quickly our two experienced Openers Started to get a little bogged down with the accuracy of the Aussie attack. Gaywood in an attempt to press the accelerator and get more momentum into the innings perished in so doing. Although a decent start it also felt that pressure was on the England batters to wrestle some initiative back. Douglas& Merriman attempted to do this but the Aussie fielders were cutting off the main boundary options for Douglas in particular and as is Monties won’t he was also turning down a numbered of east singles to keep the scoreboard ticking. I was wondering if England would regret not taking more chances to take on the fielders more.Certainly it looked like a slight panic might set in when firstly Merriman and then Nick Newman were dismissed in quick succession around the midway mark of the innings. Newman had been shuffled up the innings unexpectedly at the fall of the Capt’s wicket a decision which didn’t pay off unfortunately for Nick or England. A Centurion in our previous game at this same ground Newman was dismissed LBW this time without scoring. Hussein Joined Douglas to try and shift momentum and it was noticeable that Mel was trying to put more emphasis on taking singles wherever possible. Not really Monties game but he too suddenly realised the urgency of the situation. The Aussies were simply suffocating any attempts to Score in boundaries and so something had to give. Alas for England it was to be a clatter of wkts in short time and in an attempt to’get on with it’ we suffered two quick run out’s again through pressure and very sharp fielding.

This Aussie team had us between a rock and a hard place with tight bowling and fielding and the pressure to keep scoring was proving a great challenge for our ‘Gun batsmen! It seemed the Aussies had done their homework in seeing the Englishmen’s strengths and weaknesses! Hats off to them for being ahead of us in this respect. Our guys seemed a bit unable to adapt their games to challenge the Aussies control.

Melvin and Marcus reflecting from the boundary edge

And so it transpired that England came up a bit under par at 214-9. I calculated that the Aussies saved up-to 40 runs through their aggressive fields and Englands lack of urgency to take them on.

250+would have been a much stiffer task for the Aussies but it was what it was and England would have to bowl& field like lions to pull off an unlikely victory now.

With Merriman’s words ringing in there collective ears the Englishmen took to the field to defend there honor and attempt to stifle the Aussie response. Unfortunately the Aussie batsmen were as hard to remove from their own mission as you might imagine. The English bowlers struggled to find their usual lines of attack and alas bowled too many four balls and so were unable to apply the much needed constant pressure to the Aussie batsmen.Merriman juggled his bowlers to search for a good combination but even the reliable Marcus& Phillips struggled from their respective ends this time. You might say that the Aussies didn’t allow them to by being pro-active but equally we just didn’t seem to apply the same control that we had in all previous games pretty much!

Also there was a significant difference in the Aussie intent to put pressure on the field at all times by taking quick singles and two’s where England had been less active!

Although we did manage to take a quick double of wkts around half way with O’Riley& Capt Peter going in quick succession this only brought in the impressively fit Graeme Pavey to the wicket who essentially run the England field ragged along with his partner Smith and they took Australia across the line impressively with 3.5 overs to spare.

A sad ending for England who were simply outplayed by a smarter team on the day. Particularly hard for Capt Merriman who had invested so much effort himself in Winning the World Cup but at the last England fell well short. Some obvious mistakes in the final analysis will no doubt be reflected upon and maybe some changes will be made in certain strategies for future tournaments. For now though we have to praise and admire the Aussie success and how they have set the standard for all others to aspire too. It’s a simple logic perhaps but requires a big commitment from its players to want to achieve its goal ultimately.

Time will tell how the England team will adapt itself to fulfilling objectives in the future.

For now though Chapeaux to Australia and commiserations to a tired looking England after 3 wks of effort in the the Chennai heat. Second isn’t bad but could and maybe should have been so much more. Carpe diem as our favourite physio might say.

Let’s step it up for next time!

‘Along for the ride’ with Marvelous Melvin your World Cup Mascot. With accompaniment from his ghost writer JB

Manana manana

In the shadow of the Aussies this time!

Semi Final v’s Sri Lanka..front row seats!

Well we made or rather The England Cricket seniors have made it through to the knock out stages of the 60+World Cup. By recording a clean sweep of 5 straight Wins in the Group stages we’England’are taking on The Sri Lankan team who were runners up in their Group behind Australia. Australia play NZ to determine the other finalist for Friday’s Trophy Final. My front seat view allowed the perfect aspect on match day proceedings. Sri Lanka made 169 all out in their 45 overs. England are currently 90 for 2 with 20 overs to play. So eminently getable the Way our batsmen are going about the chase with patience and hitting the loose balls.

Front row seat for Melvin today🌞

And so as England move in on victory today I look forward to greeting you all on Finals day from wherever that is and against whoever that is Friday 1st is when from 9.30 local time!

Cheers Melvin 🙏👍💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆🕺

Melvin Gone AWOL in Chennai!

Conspicuous by his absence!

On the eve of Our 3rd Group Match of the World Cup concern is growing for the whereabouts of our erstwhile mascot and cheerleader Marvelous Melvin!

Last seen at game one on the outfield( though disguised throughout as a red boundary cone). Melvin was in the thick of the action from the boundary’s edge.The Match v’s New Zealand went the way of England and I like to think Melvins presence gave impetuous to England seniors innings.

However following Melvins return to our wonderful hotel with the rest of the England Squad and supporters Melvin went for a well earned lay down.

But upon my awakening there was No Sign of him. His stand was empty!!! So the hunt goes on. Where is Melvin! If his Adsense continues into tomorrow( which is my Birthday incidentally) I may well raise the alarm and perhaps a missing persons declaration! Fingers crossed it is a simple misunderstanding and perhaps Melvin simply went AWOL for his own reasons and he will return refreshed& in Good spirits. I do hope so for his sake& for the well being of the whole England squad! Melvins absence has been remarked upon by concerned squad members and supporters alike!

Come back dear Melvin we need your support! Hope to find you or you find us again tomorrow🙏🌞👏

After final preparations before the warm up game last Friday.

Melvin was present at the practice session too.

Melvin’s Big Day Out at Chepauk Stadium(Madras Cricket Club)Chennai

First Full day in Chennai presented Melvin and the Full England Touring party with a very Special Start to our Tour today.Organised by Our Tour Manager and especially our Squad member Mel Hussein through his connections with the Madras Cricket Club.We were given the opportunity to play at this historic Club and current home to the IPL Super Giants Chennai Super kings.From start to finish We were all treated like Kings and Queens in fact!

The Match with Members of the MCC was a great occasion for all involved and we were afforded fabulous hospitality throughout the day.This ended with a great and moving presentation involving management of the Club and our Tour Manager and Capt along with Mel Hussein who had a close relationship to one of the Club organisers. Our whole tour group were honoured to receive 175 year History’s of the Club in a lavish book along with a Club tie(which happened to match my trousers perfectly!)

The after party and bar were also great and all in all this day will be hard to Top!

Melvin was rather excited by the whole day as well and really pushed the boat out to enjoy his day out as well.It’s a day that he and all of the Tour Group will not forget in a hurry!Especially those who were a little unfortunate to encounter Melvin towards bedtime, when through slight over excitement he find himself needing a quick rest on the landing on his way to bed.I think Melvin has learned his lesson however and is much better prepared now for what is involved in ‘Touring in India’!

Thanks once again to Mel and Paul and the Organisers for laying on this Special day!

Preparations Continue tomorrow with a Game versus India!

Try and Follow our progress from Next Monday when the competition starts for Real!Try this Link

http://tinyurl.com/28vadeem

We have Lift off!

Melvin is all tucked up for the flight leaving tomorrow from Stanstead via Dubai and onto Chennai.

It’s been a rollercoaster couple of weeks leading up to the night before departure. Melvin badly injured his bottom hand ( attempting a reverse sweep!) and making it touch and go whether he would be sufficiently fir to travel! Luckily and at the eleventh hour his New hand arrived and after a bit of DIY to get the hand to fit Melvin has declared himself’ fit to fly’!

Great News as I think you’ll agree and now 2 hand Melvin is fit to resume his role as Team Mascot and also to be able to write his blog.’ Along for the ride’!

To ensure everything was in working order Melvin had to face some’chin music’ from his co conspirator JB( Butters) a member of the Tour Squad and Melvins Minder whilst on tour.

JB put Melvin through a rigorous work out with bat in hand and is satisfied that MM is fully fit and ready to go!

So, watch this space for Melvins insights into what promises to be the trip of a lifetime for him and The England Over 60’s Squad at The World Cup in Chennai!

Bravo to Melvin and all making the trip tomorrow 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏🏆🇮🇳we can do this say’s Melvin andvI’mbwith him all the way 💪JB

Melvin tuning in with World cup Song Book

Friday Night 26th Jan 2024 and Melvin finding his voice and his rhythm! finely tuning his forward drives and also his voice, for the Songs in the World Cup Song Book.

You can see the contents on one of the England Cricket Seniors Links above and spread the word.Hopefully the rest of the Squad will be in good voice when we reach the shores of chennai and looking forward to what promises to be an experience of a lifetime!

Melvin is happy to act as the music maestro to rally the troops on the way to do battle on the fields of Chennai.Ably accompanied by the song Book provided in hard copies to all the Squad and supporters.Hope that we will create great moments of camaraderie as a group on the way to games and afterwards no doubt!

Take a sneak preview of the list of songs proposed for the occasion of The England Seniors World Cup via the Medias above and you’ll be receiving hard copies of the book on departure from Stansted and Dubai. On route to our destination and base for the World Cup itself.

Lets all join in the Singing with Melvin and make some marvellous memories both tuneful and fun and most of all, use the singing as motivation towards a successful attempt to Win the 2024 Over 60’s World Cup!

Here we Go!

Marvellous Melvin

Introducing our Tour Mascot!

Marvellous Melvin Joins World Cup Tour Party!

We are delighted to welcome Melvin into the fold as a great motivator and friend to our 22 Man Squad for the World cup in Chennai.Soon to be on our way Melvin will fit nicely into my luggage and will no doubt arrive all guns blazing in India.Fully behind our efforts to bring home the 60+World Cup to England.Melvin may become an integral component in this effort as he seeks to add a sense of belief in the playing squad that it is their destiny to Win this Tournament.Melvin hopes that the Players will use his presence to inspire ,motivate and ultimately be triumphant on the back of his unswerving support for the team.Melvin is highly motivated and excited to be present for the entire tour and will be keen to remind the Squad how important it is, to one and all, to give of their best and also to remember to take in all they encounter during the competition. Melvin hopes his presence, will remind every Member of the Tour Party just how much this World Cup Experience will be a once in his Lifetime Experience!

Signing off for now with great hopes and Expectations.

Marvellous Melvin

World Cup Preparations in Full Swing after Loughborough get together for England Squad

And so the preparations are well and truly underway.

Our Squad meeting at Loughborough last w/end brought us all together and thinking ahead to the 12th Feb 2024 when we arrive in Chennai for what promises to be the experience of a lifetime for all of us involved.

We were blessed to have the professional knowledge of Paul Farby)Farbrace to provide great Insight and local knowledge of the expected playing conditions and atmosphere which we are going to encounter during our matches. ‘Farby’ also imparted great wisdom about how we might adjust our thinking as players when approaching these conditions.

We had healthy discussions about this and without giving too much away i do believe that our practice sessions in the ECB Nets will have benefitted both our mind sets and training strategies for the run up to leaving for Cheenai.Both Individually and Collectively.

One of the key areas of discussion was knowing our team mates and communicating with each other as a means to understand each other better. Team building and sharing our thoughts will be a key component of our success on this tour and ultimately towards our collective goal of Winning The World cup.

So feedback and openness were key factors of the training with Farby alongside practising shots which might suit the conditions in India.

The Day was perfectly managed by the Management team and presentations of key information brilliantly handled by our Vice Capt E G-L.

I think the day will have served us all well and we had plenty of opportunity to interact with each other socially during our time together.

I do believe we have the squad to bring the Trophy home. The cricket will be tough in alien conditions but our togetherness will be a great and distinct benefit to supporting us in our mutual goal of enjoying a special experience together.

Bring it on!

England V’s Australia 4th Grey Ashes Test

Suddenly Tomorrow’s Grey Ashes Test between the ‘Older enemies’ takes on even greater significance for this English Cricket Summer! Now the Younger men and women sides have failed to reverse the recent trends of Australia either taking their relative ‘Ashes’ home or retaining the little urn.England ‘Grey Ashes’Team are the only ones in the way of a Clean sweep for the Aussies visiting these shores this Ashes Summer!

Currently and after an emphatic and quite epic win at Southport in the third of the five ODI’s England Seniors hold a one match advantage and with only two Tests to play are in a strong position to at least retain their own Version of the Ashes urn.

Indeed the Older enemy have had to put up with the ‘poms’ holding the ‘Grey Ashes’ now since 2015.

It is a biennial series so either way it goes their will be a reverse series in the Next two years down under.

Hasten to add there is growing popularity and support for these ‘Grey Ashes’ Test Matches which are spread around the Country’s County’s and have drawn a lot of local publicity and crowds to watch each game.There has been online footage and in play scoring via the England Seniors In Play Scoring match day site.

Tomorrow’s Fixture is being hosted by Chipping Campden CC and a fine venue it is too.The Club are rightly proud to be hosting such an auspicious game and hopefully this will attract more attention to the already blooming Over 60’s Cricket programme.

All that need to be said now is, we are looking forward to managing to be ‘friendly with our opponents’,after the game of course!

Come on England..seniors!

Cheers JB