Eye catchers

The boy could not have been more than three years old, or perhaps a small neat four. I was watching him in the afternoon sunshine one day this week, playing in the square, dashing around on one of those small metal scooters which are so popular just now.

Watch me, nana, watch me! he demanded. She wasn’t the only one who obeyed, the eye irresistibly drawn by his skill, confidence & verve.

My thoughts went back many years to a Test Match at the Oval. The day was hot & sunny & many spectators took advantage of what they were still allowed to do - walk on the pitch at lunchtime. Some went over to inspect the wicket, some just stretched their legs, a few tossed a ball around. Soon those on our side of the ground were watching two small boys playing with bat & ball, taking it in turns to be batsman & bowler. It was the little one, only a little bit older than the boy on the scooter, who compelled the eye when batting. The obviously proud father was fielding compliments from spectators. It comes as a shock to realise that if that boy went on to a career in first class cricket he will be retired by now.

Just a few years ago an even younger boy caught the eye in the shopping centre one sunny weekday lunchtime. He was only about two years old, still a toddler, running along dribbling a 4” ball, his father walking alongside. They stopped to have a little kickabout. Although Dad was making only gentle passes the youngster’s skill & ball sense were impressive, as particularly evidenced when one went past him; not yet able to spin on the spot, it took him a three-point turn, but he knew exactly where the ball had gone & raced off after it.

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