Wales is well known for rain and sheep, but not, until very recently, test match cricket. The First Test of the summer saw the all three in conjunction, as the SWALEC Stadium hosted its second ever Test Match. A large group of Nomads ventured into a foreign land by various routes and transport modes. Unfortunately the start was delayed by rain (see above). Consequently the anticipated rendezvous was delayed. Strange as it may appear, certain Nomads felt that the rain delay should be spent in a hostelry serving fluid refreshments.

Play finally started at 2pm. As the weather improved steadily (from a very low base), eventually hills appeared in the distance. However the temperature remained stubbornly low, and the wind added to the chill factor. Someone must have left the door open when they came into Wales. A winter anorak and gloves is not the normal choice of cricket watching gear.

After Anderson, the night watchman, was dismissed soon after the start, Cook and Trott settled in to accumulate runs. The Sri Lankan attack lacked penetration. Without taking any real risks, the England pair ticked over at about three runs per over. It was a workmanlike performance without setting the pulse racing. At the end of the day both batsmen had centuries to their name.

Being the Saturday of a Test Match, fancy dress was much in evidence (although not among the Nomads – unless some always wear fancy dress and the rest of us have simply failed to notice). There were various superheroes in evidence. There were at least seven dwarves (Grumpy, grumpy and grumpy etc.). And there were sheep (see above), complete with a shepherd. They were drinking beer. Apparently Welsh sheep drink beer when watching cricket.

As the day drew to a close, the Nomad group started to disperse. Some travelled straight back. Others decided to carry out research into the quality and quantity of the local pubs. Honourable mentions are due to those who partied into the night and then travelled back in time to play on the Sunday.

Let’s hope for better weather next time.

K2