Yesterday I took the day off to play cricket for the Lords and Commons. The MPs were invited to Sutton Valence to play against a Lashings International XI where the qualification to play for all but one of their players was success at Test level. We knew we would be well out of our depth.
Rain delayed the start, so it was decided to make it a 20/20 fixture. As it turned out it was a great day for all. The Test stars were never seriously tested, but the final scores were respectable from the Commons point of view. Lashings made 155-4 and the Commons replied with 111-7. We were grateful that the Lashings team bowled mainly spin, sparing us pace beyond our comfort zone. The spin was fast enough and effective enough.
I bowled three overs for 12 runs. It was an experience bowling to talented Test level batsmen who were advancing down the wicket as I came into bowl, determined to make even a good ball into a half volley. I was not out at the end and ran out Mohammad Yousuf with the help of Guy Opperman our wicket keeper . I never expected to be playing against him, when I remember his great achievement as a batsman for Pakistan. Watching his fine hitting was a pleasure – he was their top scorer. Our captain Nigel Admas was man of the match for taking wickets and hitting a lively 24. He led us well by example.
John Redwood has been the Member of Parliament for Wokingham since 1987. First attending Kent College, Canterbury, he graduated from Magdalen College, and has a DPhil from All Souls, Oxford. A businessman by background, he has been a director of NM Rothschild merchant bank and chairman of a quoted industrial PLC.
One Comment
Can you remember what MoYo scored and from how many balls?
Would be nice to know it because he said he wants to return to Pakistan national team after performing in the domestic tournament.
Reply: Yes he was their biggest hitter – can’t remember the stats