The ICC World Cup 2023 starts soon in India. Australia is currently being beaten by India in their three-match series prior to the World Cup. Time to reminisce about the last ICC World Cup: England-Wales 2019.

This was our most recent holiday to England. Caught up with family and friends (Stoke-on-Trent, Epsom, Sheffield, Southampton) and visited a few new places (Ironbridge, York, Brighton). Travelled with Louise’s twin sisters Lynette and Rosalie – easy-going travel companions.

We specifically planned our itinerary to include a game of the ICC World Cup; Australia vs. West Indies at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on 6 June 2019.

Our rental one-bedroom flat was a little squeezy for four of us, but we’d booked it prior to the twins deciding to join us on the trip. Satisfactory for a short two-night stay. Excellent location – an easy 10-minute walk to Trent Bridge. Gates opened at 8:30 for a 10:30 start, so headed off to the cricket just on 9am. Plenty of time to stroll around, find our seats and check out the merchandise. Players practising just in front of our excellent seats, just three rows from the front. The twins managed to purchase tickets later, in the same stand – a little further around and further to the back.

First purchases: program and scorecard £11. Water £2.50 (we actually had a refillable bottle but didn’t find the refill tap till we were leaving!). Australia cricket polo shirt, tea towel, ICC World Cup cap £70. Don’t convert! Consider them all birthday presents to myself.

Australia batted first. First ball four wides – a good start! We were just behind the bowler Cottrell’s fielding position. Cottrell took the wicket of Smith with a brilliant catch right in front of us. He also later caught Cummins. All out in the 49^th over for 288.

During the West Indies innings, there was a lot of heckling from the crowd toward the Aussies about the still recent “sandpaper test”, particularly toward Warner who was fielding reasonably close to us. Starc was fielding in front of us, and also Zampa at times. They too had to endure a fair bit of taunting from the supporters – especially the ones near us, who became increasingly more vocal, and funnier, as their rum intake increased.

We were next to a couple West Indies supporters, who seemed like very interesting characters. They had lots of friends popping by from time to time for a chat, and no doubt some of that smuggled-in rum mentioned earlier. Lots of friendly banter with them. Late in the match we asked them where they were from, expecting an exotic location in the West Indies. “South London, mon!” Turns out they’ve never actually been to any West Indian countries in their lives.

Back to the cricket. Gayle out early, caught behind … no, it’s reviewed … not out. Out again lbw … no, it’s reviewed … not out. Out again lbw … no, it’s reviewed … third time lucky. Out! Lbw Starc.

Some great bowling by Starc to wrap up the Windies tail – two wickets in the 46^th over turned what looked like an inevitable loss to “we have a chance!” Starc ended up with five wickets. Australia won, with the Windies final score 9 for 273, chasing 289.

A great match to watch. Turns out we even had a close-up on TV! Cousin Ted and Sarah saw us, rewound live TV, paused it, took a photo and sent it to us!! Here we are!