Postcard (9 May 1999)

9 May 1999

Postcard

from Justin Langer

Meeting Fox-y ladies one of the perks of the job

Luckily for me, my wife Sue took this photo. Obviously it took some convincing, but as she was in control of the shot I got away with it.

Every season, each County side offers a benefit year to one of its long-serving players. For Middlesex, it is Phil Tufnell's year to host a benefit. As part of the year, the beneficiary organises celebrity cricket matches, six-a-side tournaments, golf days and auction dinners. For the player it is a marvellous opportunity to raise large amounts of money, which act as a token of appreciation for their service and entertainment, from their clubs.

Being one of the highest profile player's in England, 'Tuffers' has been able to organise a couple of very entertaining and well attended functions. Today the Phil Tufnell International XI took on the Bunbury's Cricket Club. The Bunbury's are a club run by writer David English who play all around the country raising money for charity and helping out various beneficiaries. Celebrities from all fields turn out for David to take part in these very light hearted and friendly games of cricket. At one stage I was batting with 20 fieldsman taking up every available gap on the field, and most of them were holding a glass of wine or talking in deep conversation with their nearest fielding partner. While it isn't played with the same venom as the Ashes it is a most enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Ex-page three girl and pop star, Samantha Fox, is a regular attendee to a Bunbury's cricket game and it has now become tradition for her to bowl the first over of the game. Not one to miss an opportunity, I decided to have a photo with her as a souvenir of the day. Considering I am pretty short myself, I was amazed at how small she is in real life. Apart from the good looks, she turned out to be a fantastic lady, who was only too happy to pose for yet another photo.

It is amazing the perks of the job you gain from playing cricket.

>From London, JL