Experience London’s magic, with four more sleeps to the World Test Championship Final, writes James King from London.
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”, a quote attributed to Samuel Johnson, is often used to illustrate the hustle and bustle of the UK’s capital.
Even over a weekend, there is little respite from the comings and goings. As I travelled through to Lord’s today to collect that all-important media accreditation, I could not help but experience once again how fast-paced life is in this cosmopolitan city.
Alighting from the underground at St John’s Wood station, it is about half a kilometre’s walk to the North Gate of Lord’s. Glancing up and to your right, the back of the imposing media centre building looms large. Come Wednesday morning, thousands of fans will be making their way through this gate. Where’s the best place to be to catch the fans on their way in? Maybe across the road, where there could be some available pavement. We’ll find out.
On from the North Gate, down Wellington Road, one reaches the corner with St John’s Wood Road. The mural, created by Gilbert Bayes in 1934, is striking. Tarrying a while to take some photos, the rain rushes me along towards the Grace Gate, the main entrance to Lord’s. The hoardings are impressive as you pass by, where Bavuma, Markram, Cummins and Starc are made larger than life. The all-important WTC Mace features bold and bright.
I reach the gate and it’s busy, as the finishing touches to the ground are being made ahead of the Ultimate Test. The duty official helpfully points me in the right direction, and it doesn’t take long for the efficient person at the desk to issue the accreditation. I return to the gate, stand and soak it all in, this is Lord’s, this is the World Test Championship Final. Wow!
Back to the tube station, it’s a double change and I’m heading to Fulham, where my niece and her husband live. It’s a happy reunion, one that I imagine many fans who will be here for the final will experience. Seeing family, catching up with friends, even making new ones, are all part of this WTC Final experience.
Do I want to go to Stamford Bridge, they ask. We take a short walk to the ground. It’s impressive, even though we only experience it from the outside. The history of the club and the homage paid to its legends is particularly evident. The overwhelming impression I get is that this is more than a football stadium, more than just a club. It is the cornerstone of a community.
After an important chat about our Proteas team selection, and who we think the Aussies will pick, it’s time to say goodbye. With promises to make sure we see each other on Wednesday at Lord’s, I head back to the Underground.
A day filled with wonder, filled with first-time experiences, filled with London.
Only 4 more sleeps…
