Banbury - First ODI against England

Wednesday 8 August and we were off to Banbury in Oxfordshire for the first ODI against England.

Before the game the players needed to get ready for the team photos and national anthems. There was some discussion as to whether shirt collars should be out over blazer collars.

As six of the Australian players were playing their first ODI match, caps needed to be formally presented.

Phil Smith, Alan Reid, John Terrell, Stirling Hamman, Tom Wood and Ian Gibson received their baggy green caps from the Australian captain, Ian Petherick.

The England team posed for their team photograph.

 The Australian team photo including the scorer and manager.

It was then time for the singing of the two national anthems.

The Australian captain won the toss and decided to bat. At the end of the 50 overs the score was 7 for 205. John Stackpoole (35), Ian Petherick (14), Alan Reid (30), Stirling Hamman (43), Roger Edmunds (21),  Ian A Gibson (24 not out) and Tim Spear (20) were the main scorers.

This turned out being a very close game with England making 9 for 200 in their 50 overs. Ron Kasputis (3 for 14 off 8 ) and Tim Spear (1 for 37 off 10) opened the bowling. Tom Wood, Colin Cooke,  Phil Smith and Stirling Hamman each took one wicket and there was also a run out. A great win.

James, Melissa, Zoe and Eliza came to watch the game before returning to Australia. Zoe wanted to practise her bowling in the nets.

After the game the two teams enjoyed dinner in the clubrooms.

It had been a most successful day.