What originally got me following international cricket was an early exposure to Test Match Special. As we all know, test cricket isn’t always the most breakneck paced sport, and filling in the time between overs, the drinks breaks, lunch, tea, and “British-summer” inspired interruptions is not an easy challenge. TMS has done this so well it pretty much justifies the license fee on it’s own. In the most recent 2‑match series I’ve enjoyed “ask the umpire”, I’ve learned about bulbs that repel moles from your garden, and probably the highlight of TMS in 2013, I heard a wonderful “sermon”, written for a cricket loving groom who was getting married whilst the 2nd test was being played. Thank you to TMS for broadcasting this, and thank you to the Revd Stewart Fyfe for writing and sharing it with the nation via TMS.
The original can be found on the TMS facebook page, but I have reproduced it here as text (rather than an image) which is also compatible with screen-readers (because blind and partially sighted people can and should enjoy it too!)
As the Bell rings and you Trott down the aisle like a Swann
and Compton kneel before the Prior, there’s only one thing to dwell upon
It matters not what happens to the weather
and whether the Cook will turn up for the meal,
or whether you’re short and Broad or tall and Finn,
or dressed to the nines or down at the heel.
Remember the love that brought you here and cherish the one that you hold
never let your attention wander or allow your love to grow cold.
Adore forever the dear face that now beams at you through the confetti shower
Forgive and forget, grin and Bair-stow and save and your love will take Root and Flower.
And may god go with you, bring laughter and fun
and give you a daughter Anderson.
“The pink ball appears grey/blue in red/green deficient vision, depending on its severity. I did a simulation with colour blindness…”