This little piece came about after someone (WendyB) on the HHfic list mentioned the possibility of the lads from the HMS Indefatigable playing cricket. Now I love cricket and I love the Indy boys, hence this crazy idea popped into my head and I couldn't let it go. I should, of course, like to point out that I don't own any of the characters from "Hornblower" (all rights to them got to C.S. Forester's estate and the guys at Meridian, A&E and associated parties). And I certainly don't own Richie Benaud, Tony Grieg or Bill Lawry (However, if these great men are willing to indulge the Twelfth Man, I hope they will extend the same courtesy to me - if they ever get to hear about it). I am definitely not making any monetary gain from the venture.

To all other readers, thank you also for indulging my madness. I had fun and hope you enjoy it too.

Derry

Well, while we’re waiting for the players to take the field, let’s have a quick run through the Indy innings so far.

The openers on the Day 1 were Clayton and Kennedy. This came as quite a surprise to many people as most were expecting Hornblower to open the Indy innings and when Clayton came to the crease instead there was some speculation that Simpson’s taunts in the popular press had shaken young Hornblower. Simpson himself virtually said as much in an interview he gave later that day.

But anyway, Clayton and Kennedy began well before Clayton was disastrously run out for 35. It was entirely his own fault but he was very unlucky. He hit a blinder, which caught Simpson full in the shoulder before falling to the ground. Clayton called for the quick single and Kennedy backed him up well, but Simpson recovered quickly and took a shy at the stumps at the bowler’s end. Unfortunately for Clayton, the shot hit dead centre and he was caught well short of his ground.

That of course, brought the Captain in at first drop and as usual Pellew has played an absolutely marvellous innings. It has been a true Captain’s knock. Getting the runs when they were needed, but playing it calm and steady. Setting an excellent example to his younger players and guiding them through any crises. Really I can’t too much about how well this man has played. Truly marvellous.

Kennedy gave his captain all the support he could. He was there when Pellew made his century. But the young man has been battling injuries all season and in this match you could quite clearly see that taking its toll on him.

And his usual Nemesis, SueN, again gave him no respite. She tortured him mercilessly, as she has been doing all season. And she was his undoing here again yesterday. He took a nasty crack to the back of the head and although he made a valiant attempt to play on, he was retired hurt soon after that for 57.

That, of course, brought Hepplewhite to the crease and he was immediately in trouble. Hficlist plagued him relentlessly and had him weaving all over the place. He was soon out, caught and bowled, to Hficlist after making only 9.

He was followed by Eccleston, the former vice-captain, again playing that role for this test match as Bracegirdle, who is usually Pellew’s right hand man these days was injured prior to the match. So Bracegirdle is carrying the drinks today and Eccleston made the most of his opportunity, playing another marvellous innings, and giving his captain outstanding support overnight. He was eventually out for an excellent 72 when French fired an absolute screamer at him and when he tried to fend it off, he was caught by Mast and it was all over.

Finch made a gallant 42 before he was caught by Scurvy off Empty’s bowling. Again a steady innings from him. He’s been a great assent to this team. Often a steadying influence on the younger players and he always goes that extra mile when he’s needed.

There was then a brief appearance then by Hunter who really didn’t seem to have a clue what was going on out there. He was slashing wildly at everything and was eventually stumped when he charged down the wicket at Masserado, after making only 2.

That brought Hornblower to the crease. Now a lot has been said about this young allrounder. Quite a few people, including his captain, seem to think he has a very bright future ahead of him. There seems no doubt about his natural talent and few would deny his courage but many have questioned his ability to handle Simpson.

Well, there was no question yesterday. Simpson threw everything at him and Hornblower stood his ground. It was a truly courageous innings.

And then halfway through the second session yesterday, Hornblower seemed to just take charge. He really took to Simpson’s bowling and belted him all round the ground. After Hornblower cracked two magnificent sixes over the long boundary in the same over, Simpson was taken out of the attack, pretty much a broken man. I don’t think we’ll be seeing much from him for the rest of the match.

So the batsmen are making their way to the centre now. Pellew is on 207 and Hornblower, the second topscorer for this innings, on 76.

Only the bowlers to follow them. Although, Styles will no doubt give as good as he gets and Matthews is always reliable. Oldroyd often looks a bit lost as a batsman but he will no doubt come into his own when the Indies are required to bowl. He’s made himself an integral part of their attack, as of course have Matthews and Styles.

It seems that Pellew intends to bat on at this stage but he is almost certain to declare soon, to give his bowlers a crack at the opposition.

Well, play is about to start. Over to you, Tony Grieg and Bill Lawry.

And just to recap on that scoreboard...