Back in 1968, my mum fiddled with the dial on her little transistor radio. She always listened to what was then known as the Home Service, now BBC Radio 4, which was a magazine and news programme. However round about 4 pm there was a soap opera, Mrs Dales’ Diary which Mum didn’t like that much.
‘McKenzie bowls and Milburn heaves the ball to the midwicket boundary. Fred.’
‘Cracking shot but McKenzie should pitch it up.’
And so I found cricket and specifically the Test Match radio commentary. Mum didn’t know a lot about cricket but she loved the conversation between the commentators, interspersed amongst the action. It didn’t take me long to be hooked.
Jonathan Agnew and Michael Vaughan and the Oval full to bursting.
Roll the clock on to Friday and I find myself, nervous as a schoolboy outside the headmaster’s study, waiting by the commentary box door at the Oval.
Boy + sweetshop
I spent three hours watching the team at work. I met the commentators and summarizers. During tea I had a little coaching and then I was given a microphone to commentate on an over, alongside the Australian Jim Maxwell. I didn’t go out live; too much to ask but, hey, I had a ball. If you are interested..
And then I woke up…
TanGental 
Don’t wake up – sounds like fun!
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I’m still smiling. My cheeks haven’t ached so much since my wedding
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Lol! I think my brother would love that!!
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It was perfection. I even ate cake
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The cherry on the top!
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Geoff Le Pard doing a little day dreaming.. for some reason mine were never about cricket but firemen… strange that! Great piece Geoff.
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Thanks Sally
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Aww, nice daydream!
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I can just imagine this would be your dream! Well done!
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There’s just one think I don’t understand about this post. Your mum didn’t like Mrs Dale’s Diary? You’ll be telling us next that she didn’t like The Archers!
Nah; only kidding.
Everybody liked The Archers, back when it was an everyday story of country folk, with everyday problems and issues.
These days, every continuing story has to explore ‘issues’ and finish with the mandatory mantra ‘If you have been affected by insert topic here or any of the issues discussed in this programme, the insert name of broadcaster here.has set up a help line at …’
There; I’ve said my piece, now I’ll shut up.
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She didn’t like the Archers much either too worthy. And you are so right today. Am bridge is an extraordinary place full of every problem going. Personally I don’t think enough die.
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Maybe you should contribute an episode – I’d tune in for it!
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There’s a thought!
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Hi,
I am in America and have never been to a cricket game. I met you on Sally’s site, but I know others here, Lucy, Masgauten, Donna Parker, Chris McMullen… Nice to meet you.
Janice
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Hi Janice lovely to meet you. That’s a grand bunch of bloggers. I wonder what the collective noun is? A chat? As for cricket I think it is the only international sport with meal breaks. Only the British would design an athletic pursuit watched by millions where everyone including the players stop for tea. That suits my personality just fine.
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Aye, thee were reet made oop!
Very listenable-to! Thanks for letting us hear. You did really well not to be petrified into total silence, especially with those illustrious chaps sitting around you.
One thing: I can see a book about Tuffers next to the mike – was he reading about himself?!
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I think he needed reminding about his life
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Well done Geoff! You sounded pretty professional to me, very clear, AND you sounded like you knew what you were talking about! 🙂
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Nice. And that is a fantastic photo of you.
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Thanks. It was, for me, something unreal.
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OH! woo! that was brilliant I am so chuffed for you ….. what would dad of said!! I say well bloody done that commentary was ace…. just remember the score in future!!
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Tee gee that is exactly what Jim Maxwell said! Good but the public will be screaming for the score.
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Loved it!
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You had me going, right up to “And then I woke up…”
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Fantastic, love that the person with you was so complimentary. You actually sounded like a commentator.
Were you nervous?
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How did it come about?
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They were looking for talent, and well…. Or I won it in an auction!
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You did an excellent job here, Geoff. I did wonder if it were all for real, and then I heard that man at the end telling you about mentioning the score. If I had been in your seat I think I would have frozen and would have coughed a lot and muttered something about Jimmy Anderson.
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I would say you have no idea how jealous I am but I know you’re probably aware of this already. What a wonderful experience for you! I loved your commentary but laughed at the irony of being picked up on not telling the score, as the presenter in question is one of the worst offenders!
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True though and I hate this i began to understand that Blowers does a decent job.
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I guess this is a good daydream!? I i know squat about cricket and even after watching a match for an hour, came away scratching my head. Need to find a primer on the ganme.
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Need to come with a cricket nut. A TV host recounted taking a friend. After half an hour he was sure his guest understood . Any questions he asked? Pause. So when do they use the horses?
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How wonderful! What a great experience! I am so happy for you that you got to do this. 🙂
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Thanks Elizabeth. Taken a time to get to these comments
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Though I still have no idea what cricket is…you make a fine announcer! You could do rodeo announcing, too. 🙂 Glad you got to live a dream! And I’m fascinated by the way you say “balls.” I think in my region we sort of swallow the word in the back of the throat and it disappears, yet you sort of spit it out and elongate it. Isn’t language great? Anyhow, you have a terrific voice for radio!
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I have the face for radio to, or so some say! Thank you kindly Ma’am
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