Andy Wilson: Shadford shines in new floodlit format (22 July 1997)

22 July 1997

Shadford shines in new floodlit format

Andy Wilson

ANYBODY who doubts that floodlit cricket is here to stay should have a word with Darren Shadford.

"Absolutely awesome," said the hero of Lancashire's stunning triumph over Yorkshire at Old Trafford last night.

The 22-year-old Oldhamer may be biased, after taking three wickets in four balls in a dramatic finish, and then receiving a hero's reception from the boisterous crowd.

But his opinion was shared by the vast majority of the five thousand or so who stuck with Lancashire's bold experiment until well after 11 O'Clock.

Sure, that attendance was a little disappointing - although promoter Mohan Kripalani insisted that he was quite happy, and wouldn't suffer a major financial loss.

There were also a number of teething troubles - the lights weren't quite strong enough, and most important the night was marred by crowd trouble caused by a few mindless thugs in A-stand. Lancashire must find some way of preventing such obnoxious behaviour, which prompted dozens of complaints and a number of ejections - the most likely solution being the Australian one of serving only light beer at the ground. But as Kripalani said: "We have tried at least half a dozen brand new things for English cricket and they all went down really well. And as for the fairytale ending - we couldn't have scripted anything better."

It was obvious that things were going to be different as Mike Watkinson and Jason Gallian emerged from the pavilion at half past three to the strains of "The Wanderer" - Watkinson's Bolton-inspired choice of music. (Gallian reverted to his Sydney roots with Men at Work's "Down Under").

Watkinson smashed the first ball from Peter Hartley to the mid-wicket boundary to set off the first of many snatches of "Bubbling Hot" - the irritating Pato Banton song which greeted each boundary. (Another area which needs improvement).

Then, after Watkinson was bowled by Craig White, public address announcer Matt Procter scampered on to the outfield from his position in front of the pavilion and asked the Lancashire captain about his dismissal. "Big swing across the line, Mike?" inquired the diminutive Procter. "I didn't know you were a coach, Matt," answered Watkinson a little testily. But he was in better spirits eight hours later, joking: "We're the new Morecambe and Wise."

Lancashire reached 122-2 in the first 25-over segment of their innings, with Graham Lloyd and Neil Fairbrother conserving their wickets to give themselves the chance of being the first batsmen in history to bat under lights at Old Trafford.

Then, after Yorkshire had exactly equalled the Lancashire total in the first half of their innings, Fairbrother emerged after a one hour supper break to hit a superb century. It was yet another milestone for the 33-year-old Red Rose favourite, which won him the #2,500 man of the match award as it proved crucial in the end.

But Lancashire were understood to have pooled that cheque along with the #7,500 jackpot they picked up for the victory - snatched from the jaws of defeat by Shadford. Yorkshire were cruising at 225-5 when he produced three explosive yorkers, with the hapless Tykes unable to lay bat on an elusive ball, originally white but now dirty grey.

Then Peter Martin made it four in five balls to complete a remarkable night.

The big question now for Lancashire is surely when, rather than if, they will stage a repeat.

Warwickshire have rearranged their Sunday League game against Surrey to be played under lights at Edgbaston tomorrow and Lancashire have three crucial Sunday League games coming up in August and September against Warwickshire, Yorkshire and Essex.

Kripalani added: "Obviously it is up to Lancashire and the English cricket Board, but I would love to help them stage more day-night games here - and the sooner the better."