It seems that Kent v Essex is scheduled at Maidstone on 5 July. My wife and I will be just starting our vacation in the area, and I was curious about a couple of things ...

How good are the teams?
How long are the matches?
When will the game start?
What is the likely cost?
Is it necessary to purchase tickets ahead of time?

Thanks ...

This isn't what us old geezers call real cricket.

It's a three hour evening match between two teams with really silly names (Kent Spitfires vs Essex Eagles) - though they're essentially the real teams with a different name. Practical details at www.kentcountycricket.co.uk/maidstone.php

In fairness these de-specified versions of cricket are probably the best introduction if you're unfamiliar with the world's most popular spectator sport.

Neither side did terribly well in this particular cricket Lite last year - but form changes quickly in cricket, and both sides are First Class counties (though few Australians would accept that this really means first class these days).

It would be nice to think there was any cricket match, apart from the annual village cricket final or a major Test, which required advance purchase these days. You'd be safe to turn up.

Hi jmf314159,
You really shouldn't believe all flanner tells you.
The 20 20 league is quite a new format and one which is hugely popular at most clubs. Its popularity is due to the short time the game is played and because its just 20 overs the emphasis is on quick scoring, this can make it an exciting game.
Whilst I do agree that it is different and the team names can be silly it is certainly no less appealing.
I have seen several games at Glamorgans ground and whilst they have yet to have any success in this format the games are really interesting and normally close on a full house. This is because families go along, the children only have to concentrate for a few hours and the workers amongs us can go after work.
I would say that this game would be a perfect opportunity for you especially as your time is limited. And I agree its a great introduction to cricket.
Costs are on the website flanner kindly provided.
I heard that next year the 20/20 competition will extend to the International sides as well.

enjoy and lets hope for good weather.

Muck

Have you seen this story? Cricket a la USA:

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/C...24JUN2004.html

Its not real cricket but..

The teams are some of the best in england (faint praise indeed!)
Keep an eye out for a Kent spitfire player called Andrew Symonds (he is an aussie...tremendous hitter of the ball)

10 quid entry to a delightful rural ground.a wonderful place to watch cricket .A couple of pints on a balmy summers evening and a close match...one of the most pleasant things you can do in the land of the poms.

Ahh yes,
johhj_au you are so right.
Things don't come more pleasant than that.
Muck

Plates.
Love the article about the ProCricket league. I especially liked it being described as Fast n' Furious Global Action!
Dont know about Kent but the 20 20 at the Oval sold out weeks ago, but that is London. Still I would get ticket before hand to ensure to experience this fantastic game.

Just for flanneruk: This isn't what us old geezers call real cricket.
Check out this site

http://www.ecb.co.uk/domestic/twenty...napped-up.html


;-)

Muck

Thanks, folks.

I went to the suggested sites and discovered that Chicago is one of the new US cricket teams, and that they'll be having their 1st home game on July 31st and about 30 minutes of my house. Watch out Kent, the Chicago Tornados are coming!