There is something quite reassuring about those words. “…there is no run…”
Normally associated with lazy summer days, the French windows open into the garden, Test Match Special on the wireless and me, sprawled on the sofa half dozing, half listening. Cricket can rank as one of the most frustrating games going. Teams swing from stellar performances to disastrous collapses. One moment you are glued to the set and the other you have to switch off to avoid the unbearable tension.
However cricket is at its reassuring best when nothing is happening. Hot, slow scoring afternoons with ball after ball left outside the off stump, the occasional safe prod back to the bowler, drinks breaks, chocolate cake, seagulls and double decker busses trundling down the Old Kent Road.
When there is no run all is well.
Doesn’t happen very often!