Tales from the Frontline by Luke Fletcher

Author:Luke Fletcher
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pitch Publishing
Published: 2020-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

19

Derby Days

THERE COMES a time when you feel you really belong in county cricket and that’s when you’ve played against every other team and visited all of the major grounds.

Over the first decade of my career I have had many ups and downs travelling around the county circuit.

New grounds and old, each and every week brings a new experience and over the next few pages I’ll try and run through a few of my favourite stories from battles against the other 17 counties.

Before then, a word on my favourite playing venue.

There’s something very magical about Trent Bridge. I felt a tingle the first time I played there and that’s remained with me throughout my career.

It’s a wonderful ground just to walk upon, having the feel of a springy freshly-laid carpet and the outfield is lightning fast and unforgiving for a bowler. I call it ‘the hoover’ because it seems to suck the ball away from the middle and quickly out to the ropes. Walking out to the middle is an experience in itself and one I’ll never take for granted. The journey begins as we leave our dressing room at the top of the historic pavilion.

Then the descent begins. Each movement echoing noisily as our studs reverberate on the wooden steps.

Past the opposition dressing room we go – sometimes stalling to have a look in if their door has been left open – and then paying homage to the stars of the past who adorn the pavilion walls.

There’s framed photographs of Clive Rice and Tim Robinson lifting trophies, of Richard Hadlee and Derek Randall in their pomp, all Nottinghamshire greats.

As you reach the bottom you begin the walk out under the row of flags, huge billowing pennants that commemorate each of the county’s championship wins.

Then the sunlight and the noise hit you as you leave the pavilion and start to take in the view. I enjoy this the most when I’m going out to bat because you’re making the journey on your own – soaking it all in, aware that everyone’s eyes are upon you.

I always glance to the far end, the Radcliffe Road End, and love to see how many people are up there watching on, with the best view in the house.

When the very top tier is open at that end, for the big one-day or T20 matches, we know it’s going to be a huge crowd and the atmosphere will be extra-special.

One of the strangest times to be playing at Trent Bridge is when it coincides with Nottingham Forest also being at home, across the road at the City Ground.

If we’re fielding, then Broady, Samit and myself – the Forest fans in our team – like to be at the Radcliffe Road End, in order to clearly hear the roars, the oohs and aahs, and the cheers coming from the football and try to imagine what’s going on.

Once the Forest match finishes many of the supporters will come back to the cricket and from the boundary edge tell us what went on.

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