Читать книгу Classic After-Dinner Sports Tales - Jonathan Rice - Страница 7

Captain of Sussex from 1981 to 1986, he scored almost 10,000 runs, including 9 centuries, and took 324 wickets with his off-breaks. Subsequently a leading cricket administrator.

Middlesex v Sussex at Hove in 1980 – I toss up with Mike Brearley and win the toss. Walking back to the pavilion to convey this news to the team, I was addressed by a lady at the boundary edge.

‘Mr. Barclay,’ she said. ‘Have you won the toss?’

‘Yes,’ I replied proudly.

‘And are you going to bat?’

‘Yes,’ I said, even more proudly.

‘And are you opening the batting?’

‘Yes,’ I said, puffing out my chest.

‘In that case,’ said the lady, ‘I’ll go into Hove to do my Sainsbury’s shop before lunch.’