Cricket writer and broadcaster
Our speaker confessed he was in a melancholic mood and was aiming to, at least for the night, not allow his usual passion for cricket result in a rant! Our experience of his 20 years or so of his visits prompted doubts around whether that might even be possible. Or desirable …
It started well with a lament that the season had ended and that April was a long way off. The winter round of talks had him worrying about what to say and, afterwards, what he might have actually said! With safety in mind Kevin paid an almost misty eyed tribute to the ability, demeanour and character of our own Joe Root:
“We are witnessing now the era of Joe Root, of history being made… truly amazing to have such attributes, abilities and personal traits. This is a wonderful time for English cricket.”
Image shows Kevin with Joe’s granddad, Don Root who was basking in reflected glory after Kevin’s tribute.
In addition, the rising talent of Archie Vaughan and ‘Rocky’ Flintoff indicated that there was also much to look forward to as “we feel the continuation of the game, a connection we don’t want to lose.”
There was delight for new Yorkshire coach, Anthony McGrath, sympathy for the departing Otis Gibson and (mostly) Martyn Moxon following the turbulent allegations of racism at YCCC – and a plea for the club to show more humility and good grace.
The topics kept on coming and, yes, he became passionate. Phew, he was okay then …