An Empty Oval
03rd May 2021
The cricketing test match grounds, are amazing stadiums where great sporting theatre can be witnessed. With a full house for Domestic one day competitions, International matches, Test Matches and not forgetting the World Cup, the atmosphere and the buzz is something else.
Whilst it is a great privilege to be able to attend fixtures during the pandemic, it remains slightly eerie that the cut and thrust of domestic County Championship Cricket is played out in front of an empty stage, albeit the entire games are streamed to an on line audience.
The Oval witnessed three days of absorbing cricket this week, maybe not so if you are a Hampshire supporter. Going into this fixture an impressive Hampshire seemed to be scoring runs for fun, and then knocking opponents over. However, Surrey turned the visitors over quickly on day 1 and established a small lead overnight. Day two was dominated by the immovable Hashim Amla who accumulated runs climaxing in his seventh career double century, and an accomplished and lively innings from Ollie Pope to leave the hosts on a daunting 500 plus for three overnight. A quick dash in the morning improved an unassailable advantage which would leave Hampshire 6 and a bit sessions to bat out to save the game.
The hosts, inspired by a career best bowling return for Kemar Roach had other ideas, and apart from dogged resistance from Lewis McManus were ousted in under 2 and a bit sessions to leave Surrey commanding winners. Roach finished with 8-40 from 18 overs. The only disappointing thing, which maybe a little obvious to state, is the fact no - one apart from the media, team mates, coaches and ground staff were present to see the fare.
Whilst it is a great privilege to be able to attend fixtures during the pandemic, it remains slightly eerie that the cut and thrust of domestic County Championship Cricket is played out in front of an empty stage, albeit the entire games are streamed to an on line audience.
The Oval witnessed three days of absorbing cricket this week, maybe not so if you are a Hampshire supporter. Going into this fixture an impressive Hampshire seemed to be scoring runs for fun, and then knocking opponents over. However, Surrey turned the visitors over quickly on day 1 and established a small lead overnight. Day two was dominated by the immovable Hashim Amla who accumulated runs climaxing in his seventh career double century, and an accomplished and lively innings from Ollie Pope to leave the hosts on a daunting 500 plus for three overnight. A quick dash in the morning improved an unassailable advantage which would leave Hampshire 6 and a bit sessions to bat out to save the game.
The hosts, inspired by a career best bowling return for Kemar Roach had other ideas, and apart from dogged resistance from Lewis McManus were ousted in under 2 and a bit sessions to leave Surrey commanding winners. Roach finished with 8-40 from 18 overs. The only disappointing thing, which maybe a little obvious to state, is the fact no - one apart from the media, team mates, coaches and ground staff were present to see the fare.