Dinner at Cricket Museum Hove CCC
I always enjoy a dinner at the cricket museum at Hove cricket ground and last night attended a Pre-Ashes one where Sussex head coach Jason “Dizzy” Gillespie entertained us.
Looking at the various exhibits I was struck by a board titled Matt Hobden. I suspect many of our readers do not remember Matt Hobden.
He was an up and coming pace bowler who lost his life aged 22 whe he fell from a roof. The messages from his teammates were moving in their simplicity.
I also like the dedication to those who gave their lives in two World Wars.
One who did not was saved by a cricket loving German officer who recognised the MCC membership card of the soldier left for dead between the lines and duly escorted him back to safety.
What are the chances of that?
Jason Gillespie is an engaging man.
He took over 200 Test wickets but as Stuart McGill was to Shane Warne, Dizzy was a support bowler to Glenn McGrath. He coached Yorkshire to the Championship and hopefully will revive Sussex’s fortunes.
Certainly we have a formidable T20 side. Jofra Archer will be playing against league leaders Kent on Friday and we also have Alex Carey, Rashid Khan, Chris Jordan and Tymal Mills.
As for the Ashes, my prediction is that England will lose this Test badly, recall Archer who will prove deadly with the Duke’s ball and win the series 3-1 … one match wiped out by rain.
