Arundel, field of suspension of disbelief

Arundel, a Quintessential English Cricket Ground

The Arundel steward, clad in a hi-vis vest, shared a relatable tale of woe: he had brought a flask of hot water to work, only to have it leak out on the way, leaving him with a wet boot and no tea.

On a chilly Tuesday morning, the wind was blowing at 35 km/h, making the 14°C temperature feel like 6°C. Umbrellas were a common sight, and a miserable drizzle set in just as the cricket was about to start.

South Africa's Men's Team Prepares for WTC Final

South Africa's men's team is using a four-day match against Zimbabwe to complete their competitive preparation for the WTC final against Australia at Lord's. Arundel, with its quintessential English charm, is an unlikely setting for two African teams to face off.

The Grounds of Arundel Castle Cricket Club

The Arundel Castle Cricket Club is a picturesque ground, surrounded by tall trees and featuring a naked rope boundary. The field itself is an utterly English greensward, with gently undulating grass banks and a relatively modest pavilion. The scene is completed by a pair of sightscreens, a couple of scoreboards, and a scattering of other buildings, including an indoor school with a state-of-the-art bowling machine.

A Day of Cameos

As the rain delayed the start of play, the players and staff went about their day, exchanging stories and sharing laughs. Marco Jansen found a quiet corner to have a cigarette and chat with a steward, while Aiden Markram availed himself of the indoor nets for a throwdown session. Charl Langeveldt, Zimbabwe's bowling coach, reminisced about the good weather they had enjoyed since arriving in England.

The Cross-Pollination of Cricket

Shukri Conrad, South Africa's coach, highlighted the strong relationship between the two teams, with many of Zimbabwe's support staff having previously worked with the Proteas. The two teams will meet again in a few weeks' time, when South Africa tours Zimbabwe for two Tests.

The Future of Zimbabwean Cricket

Zimbabwe will play 11 Tests this year, including two against New Zealand in July and August, and two against Afghanistan before the end of the year. Despite not being part of the WTC, Zimbabwe is determined to improve and prove themselves worthy of a place at the top table.

The Wait for Cricket

As the rain continued to tease, the players and spectators waited patiently for the game to begin. Finally, at 3 pm, play was abandoned for the day. But the sun broke through the clouds by 5 pm, casting a golden glow over the ancient pubs of Arundel.

A New Day, A New Start

Wednesday dawned golden, if not warm, and at 10:30 am sharp, Tanaka Chivanga bowled the first ball of the match to Markram, marking the start of the cricket action.