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Lord's. The aristocratic centre of cricket. Here was I, right in the heart of it, to see the grand opening of the 1999 World Cup. How lucky can you be? Especially as I was also present at the last World Cup match played at Lord's 16 years before - the epic final when India amazingly beat the West Indies. I have been to Lord's many times since and have seen dramatic changes in this breathtaking arena. The Mound Stand where I sat at ground level on a wood plank seat has been replaced by the giant gift of John Paul Getty, a multi-tiered construction with huge tent like canopies atop. The Grandstand, where I had my ticket, is opposite the Mound Stand and its mighty construction has forced the venerable old Father Time, the symbol of Lord's, to travel with its famous old clock as perch to a site formerly above us but now opposite, next to the Mound Stand. The laughable old scoreboard with its almost total lack of information has been superseded by two superb electronic boards, with all manner of detail now screened as routine. You don't need to keep the score any longer, but you can still buy the scorecards for 50p each. They must have thought long and hard about erecting boards that really do away with cards, but the authorities have discovered to their delight that these printed mementos have collectors' appeal. There are subtle changes to the other amenities. The old Q Stand, where vip's and parents were once placed, is now a splendid two storey affair with inside/outside watching facilities and an excellent bar. Unfortunately the crossing where I used to make clandestine entry to the Members' Pavilion is now not accessible, and I have to rely on my wits to bluff past the white coats on the front door. It's not easy but there are always ways and once inside I am able to take up my post as the sole overseas member of the Middle Balcony club, a free-spirited unit that has its own tie and always grabs the best spots around the camera on the middle balcony. On this occasion the MBC is in recess for the restrictions are much tighter than usual. Members' cards are marked "not valid for World Cup matches", a decision that did not go down well. As a result the only vacant seats on World Cup opening day are the wooden benches in front of the grand old pink stone pavilion. There is some concession in that the sightscreen at that end is only half the size of the screen at the Nursery end, although to be fair it is on slides. Opposite the Pavilion are the Compton and Edrich Stands which were there when I last visited in 1994. Not then present, but now an imposing edifice indeed, is the Media Centre. With their penchant for the grand and spectacular Lord's committee has erected an extraordinary viewpoint, extraterrestrial in its spacecraft shape and with sloping front windows that lean forward by 25 degrees. The impression from outside is that the pressmen are about to topple over, but that is not the feeling when you get inside. Inside? Of course, for I had my New Zealand media card with me and it was immediately recognised. I had no trouble finding a seat at the very end of the front row that looked directly down the pitch and took in the entire coliseum. All the press have allocated seats complete with telecommunications and personal air cooler. The decor is a mix of azure and eggshell blue, except for the white television screens and the large semicircular bar at back. The undying impression is of Star Wars, and the public perception from outside is to look up and see all the journos hard at work, oblivious to the equal number working hard at the bar behind. The top floor embraces the electronic people so I did not attempt to penetrate that eyrie. There were over a hundred writers alone on my level and I was content to enjoy the facility before resuming my ticketed seat square of the pitch. This position is less than one hundred metres from the action, so it provides an intimacy not attainable in the remote satellite I have just described. By the time I returned the lager had taken effect and the conflict between the Barmy Army and the Currymunchers had escalated. It was entirely good humoured, for the police instantly removed trouble makers. The most riotous call came from a Cockney just behind me who rose and announced " me and me mates have paid for all your passports so you shut up." Even the myriad Sri Lankan supporters, all waving their teatowels, joined in the applause. The match? You will have seen it live and on highlights and may have reached my conclusion that England were too clinical and efficient for the holders Sri Lanka. One suspects that the Lankans are lacking bowlers and missing the vital element of youth, except for the bubbly Kaluwitharana, whose effervescent batting and jack-in-the-box keeping was a feature. It was a win that was greatly appreciated in England, whose supporters are desperately seeking susan or at least a Cup win at last. Maybe this time they can do it but there will be much to savour over the coming weeks. And that hovercover! Isn't it brilliant? It took 45 seconds on average to remove it from the arena. Just another first for Lord's. And I haven't even told you about the new Indoor School! I will, I promise you. Send Dave some feedback. | ||||||
