We left early as we had been warned that the traffic would be heavy due to the Hampton Court Flower Show at Hampton Court Palace. The warning proved to correct as we passed long queues of cars lined up waiting for admittance.
We were not the first Australian team to visit this club as the walls of the club rooms proudly display a photo and board naming the members of the 1953 Australian team who played there including Lindsay Hassett, Richie Benaud, Ray Lindwall, Don Tallon and Keith Miller.
Cricket has been played in this area since the 1730s.
The club has its own coffee shop,
Thyme by the River, where you can purchase great ice cream. The day we were there the temperature rose to the mid 30s so they did good business, not just from those at the game but also from anyone walking by the river.
The river path runs along one side of the ground.
It is a tranquil spot.
However there was a game of cricket to be played.
The players checked the pitch
posed for yet another photograph and then the game began.
Australia batted first and could only manage 6 for 196 at the end of 45 overs. Pat Logue was the only player to score 50. Because of the hot weather drinks were taken at every 15 overs. Surrey passed our score with two overs to go. Obviously Australia did not make enough runs when batting however an accumulation of dropped catches and poor fielding where a possible run became four runs did not help. The only good thing from the match was that there were no more injuries to players and those with existing injuries got through the game. We headed back to the hotel ready to face England, the big challenge, the next day.
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