At the cricket, with a spot of Champagne tasting on the way

champagne

At the cricket, with a spot of Champagne tasting on the way

Went to Trent Bridge today with some buddies to watch day 2 of the first Ashes test. For those unfamiliar with cricket, the Ashes is the hotly contested series between England and Australia. And these games can last up to five days each.

It was quite a drive – we set off at 7 am from Twickenham – so I figured we’d need refreshment en route. So I brought along two bottles of Champagne and some plastic glasses. I tried to get the boys to describe the Champagnes to me, but it wasn’t easy, as you’ll see from the film below. They’re trying to describe the excellent Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Blanc de Noirs NV Champagne.

We popped in to see my sister, who lives round the corner from Trent Bridge, and were treated with coffee and pastries. And Monty the pug.

This was my first visit to Trent Bridge. It’s an excellent ground for watching cricket, and we had good seats. On a scorcher of a day we needed sun block. Australia, already 4 wickets down, tumbled to 117-9 in pretty short order. Then something remarkable happened. 19 year old debutant spin bowler Agar, batting at no 11, hit the record score for a test number 11. 98! He was caught by Swann just a couple short of what would have been an amazing century. In the context of the game, this was a stunning innings.

Then, when England batted, they were quickly two down for 12 runs. Potentially, this was deep trouble. But a sensible, methodical, watchful partnership between Pietersen and Cook saw us through to the close. The game is now nicely poised, with Australia slight favourites. But they’ll have to bat last on this pitch…

6 Comments on At the cricket, with a spot of Champagne tasting on the wayTagged ,
wine journalist and flavour obsessive

6 thoughts on “At the cricket, with a spot of Champagne tasting on the way

  1. well I have bet quite a lot on England winning which I expect them to do by about tea time tomorrow .
    And I will not be celebrating with charlie 🙂

  2. Not sure how Australia can be considered slight favourites! Odds at the moment massively favour England.

  3. Alex, after day 2 (when this post was written), Australia were in pole (just) – after day 3, it’s pretty much England’s game, but this is the Ashes, so it’s not in the bag yet

  4. Rousseau CSJ 99 which 9i fact is what I am drinking at lunch today—–with Fourrier and a few other lovely burgundies.

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