Cricket
This is the beautiful game. As we approached the ground at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, the atmosphere appeared muted for an England international match, no tribalism no aggression, just well-ordered and palpably soporific. I liked it. The weather was cool and overcast, a stark contrast to the hot humid weather of the day before. Maybe winning the toss and bowling would be the obvious decision. Which is what South Africa did. The ground took a while to fill-up. Spectators tucking into their hampers early doors, stag-doers fancifully dressed to celebrate impending nuptials and the start of summer. We were all urging the sun to peak through the low leaden grey clouds as they passed low over the ground. Any glimpse of sunlight was greeted with rapturous applause. It was surprising to feel so much part of it. Cricket still maintains a connection with their cultured fans. Accessibility in sport is such a rare thing now...