Graveney's new delivery left alone by commuters
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Twenty-four hours after his team slumped to arguably the worst defeat in its history, you might have expected the English game's chairman of selectors to be keeping a low profile.
Instead, David Graveney was up at 4am to drive from Bristol and stand among the rush-hour crowds at London's Waterloo station, doling out free magazines to commuters.
Graveney, as head of the Professional Cricketers' Association, was there to launch Cricnet, a new, glossy publication produced by players, with the twin aims of attracting new enthusiasts to the game and raising money for the players' union. "Now's not the time to shy away," he said. "It's time to stand up and be counted."
Any passing Australians spotting Graveney next to a pile of around 2,000 magazines, with the still-crocked Andrew Flintoff on the cover and a chance to win a contract with the county champions, Surrey, for next year within, would perhaps have thought that Christmas had come early. But focusing, perhaps wisely, on lifestyle and personalities rather than on-field events, the magazine is looking to take the game to a younger market.
Far from being lynched by sleep-deprived fans, Graveney and his colleagues' main problem yesterday was being noticed at all. Even the hero of England's last win against the old foe, back in 1987, could excite only passing interest.
"This," I pointed out to a punter wheeling away with his free magazine, "is the last man to win the Ashes for England."
"Oh," he said, not visibly overawed at the sight of Gladstone Small. "Thanks very much, mate."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments