Devon Cricket Board - Nick Evanson looks back on day in the box at Lord's

Nick Evanson looks back on day in the box at Lord's

Nick Evanson at work in the scorebox at Lord's
LITTLE did I think four decades ago when I started scoring for Torquay CC 1^st XI that I would reach my Silver Jubilee season, let alone celebrating it by working in the scorebox at Lords, writes Nick Evanson.

Much has changed over this time, the ACU&S has become the ACO and, more importantly, scorers are now seen as equals in terms of training and opportunities hence my ‘work experience’ at Lord’s.

I am currently on the pilot level three scorers course and as part of this I was invited by Andy Scarlett, the lead tutor who runs the scorebox at Lord’s, to be the Duckworth-Lewis match manager for the YB40 match, between Middlesex and Glamorgan.

Although the weather was beautiful, I certainly wasn’t unemployed in the scorebox. Come rain or shine the DL tables have to be produced at tea time and checked.

Likewise the scoreboards have to be updated each over - and at the fall of each wicket - with the DL par score after tea.

There wasn’t a cloud in sight, but what if play was suspended because of a security incident?

Apart from producing the tables and once agreed update the scoreboards, I had the opportunity to change the displays on the scoreboards and identify the fielder who has just fielded the ball.

The latter was certainly a challenge in many respects more than DL itself as you can easily lose a player with the grandstand as a back drop. Player identification is an area I need to work on.

Duckworth-Lewis aside, the main thing I learned was about communications between officials.

The extended team - up to six people within the scorebox - have to work together to ensure the smooth operation of the scoreboards and that they agree the score.

However, there is always still time for some good old banter and a ‘word of the day’ seems to be a common occurrence between those in the scorebox.

With the ever present threat of penalty points/runs for slow over rate, there is a need for regular communication with the on-field umpires (via walkie-talkies) regarding allowable time.

However, what was most surprising was the banter between the on-field and off-field umpires. It was certainly very amusing. Umpires “sledging” each other, surely not!

I must thank all those in the scorebox for making me feel so welcome, but in particular Andy Scarlett for giving me my Lord’s debut live on Sky (no added pressure) and Sue Jones (Berkshire CCC) who acted as my mentor for the day.

The result, although incidental in many respects was a 26-run win for Glamorgan.

Whether I achieve level three status - that is for others to decide in the fullness of time.

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773