Oh Jimmy, Jimmy

How superb to see England’s Jimmy Anderson playing for his county this week against Derbyshire in the Specsavers County Championship Division 2 encounter where, not surprisingly, Anderson starred taking a total of 6 wickets for Lancashire in the match so far.

It got ‘Talking Bails’ thinking how accessible the cricket stars of the not-so yesteryear were in his formative years and what an impression they were able to make and, in an instant, become role models to imitate, follow and aspire to.

Overseas stars in particular were a target to watch and learn from; Peter Kirsten, John Wright, Michael Holding were but a few to grace the stage at the County ground in Derby and Derbyshire’s England players of the time – Mike Hendrick, Geoff Miller and Bob Taylor. Amongst visiting players to study were the likes of Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Ray Illingworth, Dennis Amiss, Bob Willis, Viv Richards, big Joel Garner and Sir Beefy himself. Club nets or the playground at school were the perfect place to hone the skills that had been on show the day before.

It truly was a time of the 3 aaa’s (not the sponsor); accessible, affordable and approachable. Well maybe not Sir Geoffrey who always had that ‘don’t bother me now’ look as he was no doubt planning his next move in the seemingly endless and years long Yorkshire Cricket civil war.

Moving on to the next generation of young cricketers who, unless they have parents with an ever open cheque book (an ever open payment card doesn’t quite have the same ring to it) will never experience the thrill of watching our top stars live in action and being inspired, motivated and encouraged in equal measures.

There must be a way of allowing the current England players the opportunity to play in the County Championship, one-dayer’s and T20 with the County clubs taking the opportunity to attract families to watch.

To repeat todays’ mantra

‘accessible, affordable and approachable’

If you want to be the best, what better way than to watch the finest in action.