Bring back the beer match

Rob Eberstein left an interesting comment just now on an earlier post, which I have not published because I think it is worth raising as its own issue. Here is what Rob wrote:

"My friend went to his first day's Test cricket yesterday at Trent Bridge and forked out £50. The game finished at 12pm, and the crowd wanted a full day and ended up cheering the Kiwis. I would be livid if I'd payed out £50 for an hours cricket. We are missing an opportunity here. The authorities could have organised a 'beer' match in the afternoon - Twenty20 with a couple of teams. The teams could be old players, celebrities, schools, local clubs. It really wouldn't matter. The crowd would have enjoyed it, and the bar coffers would be swelling."

I'm not sure a beer match of outsiders could be organised at such short notice (after all, New Zealand still had five wickets to lose yesterday and could theoretically have lasted all day). I also think that if there are fewer than 25 overs played then you get a 50 per cent refund (full refund for under 10 overs). Check the back of the ticket. But apart from that, I agree wholeheartedly with Rob.

An England win is great, but you also want to get some cricket for your money. Especially on a lovely day. I remember the frustration and disappointment of being at Lord's for the third day of England v Bangladesh in 2005, which also ended after about an hour. I found myself very annoyed that Michael Vaughan had declared when only 400 or so ahead on first innings as that more or less guaranteed a very early finish. The fact that I had brough two people who, like Rob's friend, were Test match virgins was also annoying. We had a two-hour picnic on the Nursery and visited the museum, but it was hardly the same.

The players will never wear it, but I think they should be encouraged to play a beer match, even if only a game of ten overs a side, to give the crowd something for their money. Given the size of their win bonus is about to increase, it would be the least they could do. In fact, the first ever one-day international came about through such philanthropy. In 1971, the first three days of a Test between Australia and England at the MCG were rained off and instead of abandoning the match they agreed to hold a 40-over game. Such respect for the paying public from those whom we pay would be welcome again.

Comments

[PLH]

I think you are mistaken about the refund. The tickets for the last day were already reduced, and there isn't a refund if the match finishes early (as opposed to reduced play). I believe this was also confirmed by Giles Clarke being interviewed on TMS.

[Walter]

There is a precedent of sorts for playing a beer match even with the international stars. I was among the crowd at the Rose Bowl when Hampshire played an England XI in a warm-up one-day international in 2005. All over far too swiftly and what happens? The teams step out again for a Twelve12 contest - minus Peter Willey, the umpire, who was grumpy and left, and Shane Warne, who presumably wasn't being paid enough, or had a hair appointment, or a pack of cigarettes to smoke or an assignation behind the pavilion or a hand of cards to play.

[Rob]

Thanks for publishing the article Patrick. I was fortunate enough to watch the Ashes in Aussie 5 years ago and what amazed me was how Cricket Australia looked after their recently retired players. Dean Jones was paraded around the ground at lunchtime, and the crowd gave their thanks for many years of service. Andrew Caddick hasn't even had a phonecall informing him he's not in the tyest XI. Shame!

Why couldn't we get some of the older players together, as they do for beach cricket in Australia, so we can give our appreciation.

This beer match at Trent Bridge could have involved a side of old England / Notts players involving the likes of Tim Robinson, Chris Broad, Derek Randall, Bruce French, Eddie Hemmings, Andy Pick and maybe some ex Notts Forest players like Stuart Pearce, Neil Webb and Nigel Clough. Invite them along for the day, feed them well, and involve them if an early result looks likely!

[Charis]

I couldn't agree more! especially as the first train to Nopttingham arrives at 11am, and was late and I therefore missed a good 40 minutes of the hour's play (ok, getting slightly lost may also have contributed). Seeing approximately 5 balls wasn't entirely worth the trip.

[Innocent Abroad]

Well, they used to be played in the late 50s/early 60s.

I think they are right not to: apart from anything else, there's always a risk of injury, even in a "beer" match.

However, on a floodlit ground, such as Trent Bridge, there could be scope for an England v the Rest "beer" match with teams of, say, six past internationals (how many attend an average Test in England, in or out of commentary boxes?), three ground staff and two places raffled off among the crowd.

This could take place provided there was at least a session unused - and give Sky/BBC a chance to see which of the current players can commentate, too!

[Johnmc]

Given how much professional cricketers are protected these days I find it hard to believe they would be put at risk even in a fun match. However, there are a bunch of fairly well-paid pros who could be forced to play - as your post below points out. Get the commentators and the writers (after copy has been filed of course) out on the pitch. Wouldn't you love it as one minute you're contemplating your lunch and the next you're padding up to face an attack of Willis and Holding. Surely more entertaining for the crowd as well. Might be time for a few scores to be settled as well