World Cup 2015 Cricket Tour - Match 38 Afghanistan vs England - Sydney

When we all decided that we were going to venture to a World Cup game during this tournament, this was the one that came up on our radar. I also decided to take the opportunity to get tickets in the new Victor Trumper Stand at the Sydney Cricket Ground, so we could experience the view behind the bowler arm at a match that was vaguely affordable. The tickets were $38 each, pretty good value in this tournament. Of course, if we hadn't purchased them ahead, and just bought that day's Daily Telegraph, we could all have gotten in for free. Of course. The best laid plans etc etc.

There were also big black clouds looking north from Oak Flats Railway Station, which is a pretty typical event for when we are going to the cricket. Still, as we said at the time, if worse came to worst, the pubs would be dry and the beer would be cold.

Jason at the ready with Chicken Esky in hand.

Six of us made the journey - Dan, Jason, Bono, Dad, Dave Martin and myself. We caught the train to Central, and then snuck around the corner to our first pub on circuit - the Kippax Lounge on Kippax Street. It was a good choice. A reasonable patronage, good tables, cold beer. Excellent. We actually had a couple of beers there before we struck out again to find the next port of call.

It was a poor decision.

We came to a place called the Dove & Olive. Which, while decked out nicely with World Cup paraphernalia and having the cricket from New Zealand about to start on the main TV, only sold craft beer. Now, let's be clear. I do not like craft beer. The vast majority is rubbish. But they literally had nothing else, so we gave it a crack. And it is pretty close to the worst beer I have ever had. Seriously. I finished it, but to be honest I could have happily walked out without doing so. It was dishwater. We did not stay long, and vowed never to return.

The Dove & Olive. Possibly the worst beer of any pub ever.

After a very quick escape, we found the Shakespeare Hotel, and we were back in business. Carlton on tap, a ripping lunch menu, and tables near both the cricket and the races. It was a win/win situation.

Thank goodness for the next pub up the road

By 1.45pm it was time to head to the S.C.G, and it was a bit morbid walking across Moore Park with more people volunteering to help direct the crowds than the crowd itself. Still, given England had by now found yet another way to fail to make the knockout stages of a World Cup and the relative newness of the Afghanistan team on the international stage it was not unexpected.

Security fighting back the huge crowds

Dan and Jason fight their way through the masses on the way to the SCG

Dan trying to work out who Tibby Cotter is. Or was.

The merchandise fiends of the group decided that they had to have World Cup merchandise, and thus they got themselves their Afghanistan supporters caps. By the time I got home I knew that I should have splashed out myself. Maybe in the future... well... I really have too many caps already.

The boys with their new Afghanistan caps

The warm ups, while Dan, Jason and Bono try to work out where their seats are.

The Three Amigos

The game itself was more of a disappointment than we were hoping for. We had high hopes for an entertaining contest, though when England won the toss and bowled there was always going to be the chance of a short sharp jab. And so it proved to be. Anderson, Broad and Jordan scythed their way through the top order, robbing the contest of any great chance. Brief recoveries were shut down just when they could blossom, and the drizzle began to increase which gave the air a morbid scene.

Afghanistan looking to put England to the sword

Finally the umpires had no choice but to take the players from the ground at 4/62, and though they were able to return, the eventual climax of the innings came with Afghanistan 7/111 off 38.2 overs.
Dad and Dave made their exit not long after, while we hung around and watched the conclusion of the exciting New Zealand vs Bangladesh match from Hamilton on the big screen, where the Kiwis managed to scrape home with 7 balls and three wickets to spare.

And the winner is... rain!

By 7.30pm the prospect of any further play seemed completely remote, and so we made our way back towards Central via taxi. Of course, once we were halfway there it was announced play would recommence with England batting, requiring 101 runs from 25 overs. Oh well, such is life.
We found the Central Hotel accomodating, and found more alcohol while watching the conclusion of the match on the screen, with England unfortunately ensuring their victory for the loss of one wicket and with seven overs in hand. Jason then dashed for the next train, while Bono, Dan and I contemplated more alcohol until the later trains were our final chance to return home.

Despite the lackluster day weather-wise, cricket-wise and alcohol-wise, we all had a great day. Let's hope it isn't the last World Cup fixture we can go to.

Final drinks at the pub near Central Station