My first test match was the Oval test against the Windies in 1976. I only went to day 5 but saw Holding rip through our batting and take 14 in the match.
I don’t forget the mouthy convict sat by me for the 2019 final trying to ruin the moment when we won. Not an enormous fan of India either but would prefer them to win today by a distance.
To be fair, Malta played pretty well and could easily have scored a couple of times. England were very flat, no spark, no energy. Possibly the fact it was a dead game for the group (though maybe not re seedings) didn’t help but I was surprised how distinctly average we looked against what on...
That did make me laugh seeing that you give a Manchester address …… (meant in jest, I spent a really nice few days in Manchester for the Ashes and going back for a few days later this year!).
I stayed in the Rock on both my recent visits. A bit faded glory but cool to see the lights of Tangiers from your balcony. It certainly tests your lungs on the walk back but I kind of liked it. Nice mini zoo/ wildlife park opposite.
I found plenty to do for a week but maybe I’m easily...
I spent 2 weeks there last year over 2 trips.
It’s one of those places with lots of hidden attractions but you have to dig a bit to find them. There are a number of caves and WW2 sites on and around the rock, walk down to Europa Point, the Main Street in the old town is very picturesque too...
Jude Bellingham being out seemed to mean we had almost no forward momentum whatsoever. Our chances in Germany seem already to depend on his form and fitness.
Albion v Blackpool from April, 1978 was on today.
Didn’t end well, but good to see the Goldstone full!
https://www.itv.com/watch/the-big-match-revisited/1a6464
Series 7, episode 34 if you can face it again!