A Nottinghamshire based sport in the community company are leading the way with their community work and are showcasing their projects on the big stage.

The work of the Leadership Academy Network was visible for all to see at Trent Bridge today with lucky children getting the opportunity to form the guard of honour for the players as they entered the field of play for the fourth ODI in The Royal London Series.

The volunteering organisation are working closely with schools and local cricket clubs to provide amazing and life changing experiences to children.

Not only are they showcasing their fantastic work with experiences for these children like making the guard of honour, they are able raise the awareness of their brand through the use of television at these big live international cricket matches.

Controlling thousands of fans at the cricket is a huge task. If you’re wanting to move across the stands during an over, you’ll cross the path of the steward who will stop you until the over has finished.

This is a big job around the whole ground. It enables seated fans to get full view of every ball without being blocked by others moving back to their seat.

One steward we spoke to has been doing it for years. He also controls the rope in the walkway for domestic t20 blast games and says its an enjoyable job to do. It’s jobs like these that keep the fans moving and the game in focus.

 Jeff and Phil are brothers from Swansea.  They are here today at the top of the Radcliffe  Road stand enjoying the view of their favourite ground from their regular spot.

Phil told us “We’ve been coming here for over ten years.  It is the best ground in the country.  The view from the Radcliffe Road stand is outstanding, and the staff here have got to know us and always give us a warm welcome.”

His brother Jeff, who now lives in Wollaton, adds “We have never had a game rained off, and we end the day with a curry and a taste of the Nottingham nightlife”.

As the clouds darken over Trent Bridge their optimism is not dulled “It’s just the top of the beer blowing off in the wind” Phil says “There’s no way play will stop today.”

Conwyn Cricket Club are here!  The club have built their day out at Trent Bridge around a number of  games with local cricket clubs.  In tribute to their hosts, they have all come today in Robin Hood dress.

All except for Patrick, who as the Englishman in the team gets to dress up as Maid Marian. He told us “We are having a great time.  We played Nutbrook last night, and tomorrow we play Notts and Arnold”.

There are fifteen of them on the tour, plus one or two extras who have joined them today. “Trent Bridge is a great place to see cricket”, Patrick adds “It’s really friendly and we have been made very welcome”.

With fourteen Robins for company, this is one maiden who looks likely to have a long day in the field.

We chat to BBC Radio Commentator Robin Chipperfield about his 16 years of reporting from the best seat in the house, and just manage to catch the second wicket falling at Trent Bridge.

As Nottingham gears up to a summer of international cricket at Trent Bridge, its not only the weather that’s hotting up but also the vibrancy and options of eateries available to us on big match days.

Throughout the excitement of the fourth ODI and The Ashes in August, the festival caterers, Taste of India are bringing their culinary delights to the home of cricket.

With Chicken Balti and Tikka Masala to name but a few, their options are endless and will hopefully leave cricket fans with an alternative to the standard burger and chips to accompany their pint.

Their second appearance at Trent Bridge in as many years has seen a real rise in profile for the company and they feel they are making forward steps, opening cricket fans eyes to the other culinary delights that are available on match days.

Ex England cricketer Derek Pringle took part in the TwelthMan Q&A session earlier this afternoon. He expressed his delight of England’s current style of play and the squads potential for the future. He also said he is excited for what today’s game has to offer.

Pringle said “the ball moves around here in Nottingham, especially with some cloud cover, but with both teams playing with confidence, expect fireworks”. He also said “England need to put the last two games behind them, it’s a new day and i think we’re in for a thriller.”

Everyone who follows cricket has an opinion on team lineups, their performances and also umpire decisions. Whether its arguing ‘ that’s definitely out” or ‘no chance, missing leg’, everybody has a say and that’s one of many things that brings people together in discussion over this wonderful sport.

The different backgrounds of cricket fans is always a fascinating one on international match days, and a fan who was especially interesting today was a man from Leicestershire whose best friend is controlling the third man box today.

The technology used in modern sport is second to none and the way it is used in cricket is no exception. And thought it has certainly improved the accuracy of umpires decisions, there’s no doubting there will still be plenty of fans debate that third mans decisions later today.