It was Public Enemy, in their seminal hit “Fight The Power” that they issued the line “most of my heroes don’t appear on no stamp”. Given Danny loved my Eminem reference last time, I thought I had to do another rap lyric to get the piece started. I’m a bit dense like that. But there is a point. If just a weak one.
Public Enemy clearly had civil rights and black empowerment in mind in their song, but we have our own more sedate versions (and I’m tearing this link apart too much, I know). When it comes to cricket, the game we play(ed), there are plenty of heroes, unsung ones from club life around the country. Those that give up their time, play into old age, keeping clubs going. They don’t appear on the major stage, nor would they want it. It’s the love of the game.
From my perspective, my club had one in particular who passed away in 2014. A terrific man, a terrific inspiration and a great recipient of the humour that came his way. He’s still missed.
However those of you on Twitter, who follow our feeds may well know where this is leading. Chris is going to be too modest to shout this out, but his piece written a year to the day tomorrow has been included in the Blog Review in this year’s Wisden Cricketer’s Almanack. The piece “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” was an amazing one that resonated far and wide, proved, if proof were needed that this blog is not a one trick pony, and that one of the best writers out there gets the due credit his effort and ability deserves. Yes, it’s a bit Smashy and Nicey, but well done sir.
Three years out of four for this blog and it’s predecessor in Wisden. Not bad for bilious inadequates. Whereas the last two were for hammering a message, this one is for the brilliant handling of the subject matter, and catching the mood in a game completely insecure in its standing in the country, nervous at the future. Looking back to the past reminds us of what we probably need to do. Remembering who went before is essential. They are inspirational.
Top stuff, Chris.
Being Outside Cricket 
Well done Chris and of course well done to this blog too.
LikeLike
Congratulations and so deserved. The articles on here are a beacon in the murk of cricketing journalism as practiced by you know who. I have followed this blog in all its different names and places and check it every day. Some of the more esoteric technique articles are a bit beyond me but I love cricket so much and am most grateful to you all.
LikeLike
Think he preferred Vera Lynn to Public Enemy but nice homage LCL. I trust you and Rascal will be fighting the power at the Oval.
LikeLike
I am actually off down there on the Friday of the test match. Someone has kindly offered me a ticket.
Not going down to Guildford for the Kohli nonsense this year?
LikeLike
Congrats from me too. The joy of good cricket blogs is that they have a wider perspective. When I was playing, the guys in the changing room and in the pub after a match talked little about what was happening at Lords or Melbourne and plenty about our game, next weeks game, friends and family, holidays, how to bowl a googly, whatever happened to old Bert …….
LikeLike
Well done Chris. It’s an evocative and yet completely topical and relevant piece of writing. The wider recognition it’s receiving is richly deserved.
LikeLike
Wouldn’t mind – are you planning on going?
LikeLike
Think it might be a bit mad.
LikeLike
Thank you all. Not sure what to say. I’m pleased but also slightly embarrassed, and note that as a team this is our third entry in four years, so that’s pretty good going.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s a lovely bit of writing. Congratulations, LGL!
LikeLike
Bit off topic here, but a quote from the Telegraph CC preview. From the Kent section:
‘Backroom looks good, too, with Paul Downton the new director of cricket and Allan Donald as assistant coach’
Agree with one of those. Wonder which one will get the credit if Kent are successful
LikeLike
well done Chris, much deserved…
LikeLike
Excellent going
LikeLike
Wisden just isn’t what it used to be, obviously . . . 🙂
Only joking. It’s heartening that such a great bit of writing is hopefully going to be read by many more people now, thanks to its deserved recognition in the big W. The whole blog too – keeps popping up in establishment circles despite the best efforts of some to put it down.
LikeLike
It was as good as anything I read about cricket last year, congratulations; the game needs a David Conn.
Musically your reference is very apt for this piece: Fight the Power, with, For the Love of You.
Fight the Power until The Heat is On I should.
LikeLike
Well batted sir!
LikeLike
Still representin the inadequates all across the world
Still hitting hard with those blog articles, girl
Still calling out all the ECB elites
And they still got love for the tweets
It’s the B.O.C.
LikeLike
Congrats to Chris (it was a top piece) and to all four of you.
And thank you.
LikeLike
Just read the article again. Bloody marvellous
LikeLike
Such loquacious yet liquid elegance from thelegglance – congrats all!
LikeLike