Learie Constantine leads out his side to meet the West Indians at The Oval in a charity game

These days touring teams head home within hours of the final international game. It wasn't always the case. Here in September 1967, three weeks after the final Test, Learie Constantine leads out his side to meet the West Indians at The Oval in a charity game.

WG Grace (58*) and Gilbert Jessop (14*) resume for The Rest after lunch on the first day

Another picture from the game between AE Stoddart's XI and The Rest at Hastings on September 5th, 1898.  WG Grace (58*) and Gilbert Jessop (14*) resume for The Rest after lunch on the first day. Grace was caught at second slip second ball of the afternoon.

WG Grace coming back from the nets

WG Grace coming back from the nets before the start of the match between AE Stoddart's XI v The Rest at Hastings on September 5th, 1898. It was the summer Grace turned 50 but he still managed 1513 runs at 42.02 even though his powers were beginning to wane. The ground last hosted a first-class match in 1989 and is now a very unlovely and unloved shopping center

A great Hampshire side from 1992

Back row L to R: Tony Middleton, Cardigan Connor, Shaun Udal, Jon Ayling, Adi Aymes, Kevan James, Raj Maru. Front Row L to R: David Gower, Paul Terry, Mark Nicholas, Malcolm Marshall, Robin Smith.

Lord's came very close to being bombed this day, 1944, during one of the many wartime matches.

Lord's came very close to being bombed in 1944, during one of the many wartime matches. Here is what happened. This was a one-innings match between the Army and the RAF. There were about 3,100 people, a decent turnaround at a time when lockdowns were common. The Army boasted of Gubby Allen, Godfrey Evans, Maurice Leyland, Dick Pollard, Jack Robertson, Charlie Palmer. The RAF featured Wally Hammond, Reg Simpson, Bob Wyatt, David Townsend, Les Ames, Charlie Barnett, and Bill Edrich. 

The Army reached 57/1. Flight Officer Wyatt, who led England 16 times in The 1930s, was bowling to Lieutenant Robertson, who would play 11 Tests after the War and average 46. Robertson might have played more had he broken through in that Hutton-Washbrook-Compton-Edrich era.

Now, at this point, everyone heard a familiar noise. The cricketers, all soldiers, obviously recognized the German aircraft, approaching Lord's. It was designed to crash and explode. The cricketers followed the drill and threw themselves on the ground. The crowd took cover.

There are multiple versions of where it landed. Andrew Ward mentioned that it fell 200 meters short, on Albert Road. Regent's Park, reported Wisden. You can see the smoke here. Then the most remarkable thing happened. Instead of calling the match off, the cricketers decided to continue.

However, the situation was obviously tense. Wyatt bowled the first ball, then another, this time a bouncer. And Robertson hooked it for six. And the spell broke. What greater mood-lifter can there be, than a six, during the gloom of a World War? What greater mood-lifter can there be, than cricket, during a pandemic?

West Indies players warm up with some stretching exercises at Lord’s in May 1984

Frank Hayes is caught by Viv Richards off Andy Roberts for 0 in the 4th Test of 1976 at Leeds.

Jubilation for West Indies as Frank Hayes is caught by Viv Richards off Andy Roberts for 0 in the 4th Test of 1976 at Leeds.  It was the last of Hayes' nine Tests.  Three years earlier he made 106* on his debut, also v West Indies.  In his next eight Tests, he averaged 8.13

Hayes, who had undoubted talent, had the misfortune to play all his Tests against a resurgent West Indies. "Perhaps I should have done better," he said. "But I'm not at all bitter. If I didn't do myself justice, it was down to me."

Sidath Wettimuny from scoring during the Lords Test 1984 by keeping him down.

David Gower, Fowler & Ian Botham find a way to stop Sidath Wettimuny from scoring during the Lords Test 1984 by keeping him down. The Lankan opener made 190 despite cramps. 'He was a joy to watch, a model for young cricketers and a shock to England.'

Phil Sharpe, one of England's best slip fielders

Phil Sharpe, one of England's best slip fielders, catches Garry Sobers off Barry Knight in the 1969 Leeds Test. Sharpe took 17 catches in 12 Tests and won seven Championships at Yorkshire. Don Mosey said he "raised slip catching not only to an art form but a geometrical science"

Spectators shelter at The Oval 5th Ashes Test, 20th August 1934.

Spectators shelter at The Oval after morning drizzle delayed the start of the second day of the 5th Ashes Test, 20th August 1934. Back then many grounds had large uncovered areas leaving the public exposed to the elements and makeshift covering was the norm.

Misbah-ul-Haq at Lord's

in 2016, Misbah-ul-Haq marked his first Test at the Lord's in some style. Misbah led from the front as his classy century took Pakistan to 282-6 on day one of first England vs Pakistan Test.

Khalid Hasan Pakistani Ex Cricketer

Khalid Hasan was born in Peshawar. In 1954, 16 years 352 days old, Khalid Hasan made his Test debut for Pakistan against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. At the time Hasan was the youngest Test cricketer.

Michael Holding West Indies Fast Bowler at The Oval in 1976

A lovely shot showing the joy on Michael Holding's face after he bowled Tony Greig for the second time in the match, 5th Test, The Oval, August 1976. Holding took 14 for 149 in the match in one of the great fast bowling performances on a pitch that offered little help.