Lambeth gas Oval project

Lambeth Council has buffed Surrey's grand hospitality scheme thanks to the iconic gas works stationed close to the Brit Oval.

The Council has distanced itself from any impending explosion that may occur in Vauxhall and rejected Surrey's proposal for a 170-room hotel. The four star venture would replace the ugly banqueting suites by the pavilion and open up the ground's Victorian architecture for all to see.

The OCS stand by the Alec Stewart gates has made the Oval into a fantastic venue. I love the stand and the top balcony at mid-off is one of the best views in cricket in my opinion. In fact, my top five is: 1. Watching from Galle Fort 2. OCS Stand at The Oval 3. Tavern Stand at Lord's 4. Anywhere at Adelaide 5. A full-house at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

What's yours?

A day of Trotts

It really was a day of Trotts for me yesterday: Trott this, Trott that. Let me divulge.

I was working in the Lord's media centre yesterday. During my brief spell up there seven tour groups came through, where the old boys on guide duty talked tourists through the history of the media centre, the eight foot sloping turf and how no one has yet hit the media's glass window (which can withstand a 75mph bludgeon).

It was interesting stuff, each guide mixing and matching their speel but always including one story. Namely Albert Trott, an Australian, who is still the only player to have soared a cricket ball over the famous pavilion when he achieved the feat in 1899. The guides also had a nugget to throw the tourists yesterday as a relation of Albert was going to be playing for England that night. Namely Jonathan Trott, a South African, who came to Warwickshire to further his cricket career and is a family relative.

A tighter affair back then

Just a few years after the great tied Test between Australia and West Indies in 1960, many of the Windies side played in an equally thrilling match against England at Lord's in 1963.

Watch the video here with some commentary from Sobers and wait for the bit about Wes Hall "... sending down the atomic stuff".

Twenty20 sparks domestic comp

Recent domestic cricket posts have sparked some interesting feedback, not least from Dave at Harrowdrive.

He informs me of a new national Twenty20 Premier League competition which starts in June. Sponsored by North Gear, a clothing manufacturer, clubs pay an entrance fee in return for kit and a chance to appear in front of the Sky Sports cameras when the final takes place in September.

Let's hope it takes off and becomes a regular fixture. I am a real advocate of these competitions and always cover the minor Finals of the Village and Cockspur Cups at Lord's.

It's always a great day for fans - entrance is usually free - and you get a real feel from the players that whatever else they achieve on the cricket field, it just won't beat playing at the home of cricket.