Reg Simpson is enjoying watching England play today.  He’s seen a few matches in his time.  At 93  he is England’s oldest living batsman.  He was born in Nottingham, and made a dazzling debut  when at 13 he shared an opening partnership of 487 with Harry Betts for Nottingham High School. He made his England debut in the 1948-9 tour of South Africa, but came to prominence in the 1950-51 Australian Ashes tour, where he came second to Len Hutton in the batting averages.  His 31st birthday was a particularly memorable one, scoring 156 not out!  He captained Nottinghamshire for most of the 1950s, and retired at the end of the 1963 season.  His involvement with the club has continued, and he received a warm welcome from members on his visit today.

Two enthusiastic cricket fans who are watching the game with interest from the members area in front of the Pavilion are Carter and James.  Both teenagers gave us their views on the match so far, and their predictions for who will win.

We were lucky enough this afternoon to interview Virginia Lette, wife of Australian batsman Ed Cowan.  Virginia has started her own blog, which tells the less than glamourous story of life as a cricketing WAG on an Ashes tour.   Virginia’s blog can be found at: Continue reading →

Trent Bridge is playing host today to the biggest gathering of Mr. Motivators that Nottingham has ever seen.  Lads from Reading, Leeds and Sunderland  are gathering at today’s Ashes match to cheer England on.  As one of them told Brian Fairchild “We do this every year at different Test match grounds. This year we choose Trent Bridge.  I’ve never been here, but we’ve got brilliant seats, and I’m really impressed with the ground.  We’re hoping to see lots of Australian wickets this afternoon”.  With the support of so many Mr. Motivators, how can England fail?

Tony and Frank have the job of keeping the Nottinghamshire Cricket Club members in check.  Not that’s it a particularly hard job, as they told Brian Fairchild. “The main priority is to make sure that everyone is in the right place.  Not everyone gets tickets for the Pavilion area, so we have to make sure that only members with the right tickets get into the Pavilion itself”.  The Pavilion dates back to 1886, which makes Trent Bridge the world’s third oldest cricket ground.  Frank commented “You should see the competition by the members to get the best seat in the Pavilion.  The Ashes have nothing on that!”

Hannah, Gertrude and Heidi look as if they have just come off the set of ‘The Sound of Music’.  In real life they are Nottingham students Chris Hope, John Petty and Craig Jones.   Getting into the spirit of the Ashes today, John confesses that their choice of costume might not have been the best colours.  ”With all this green and gold, we look more Australian than their supporters do!”  Chris told us his reaction to England’s second innings ” We have a decent total on the board.  I think the Australians will do well to get more than 150.” An England victory today would certainly sound like music to their ears.

Sledging is a natural part of any Ashes game. So, in tribute to the Australian team, three lads from Gloucestershire have come in what they describe as the Australian national uniform! Tom Paterson, Jason Savage and Ronnie Freeman are regulars to Trent Bridge. “We come every year”  Ronnie said “The good thing about Trent Bridge is that everything is on the doorstep. We stay over and have a good night out.” They predict an England win  ”But not until tomorrow” says Tom.  ”We don’t want to go home too early!”