Seniors cricket, whilst being one of the fastest sectors of growth in the sport alongside women’s cricket, still remains an unknown phenomenon to the majority.
Teams across the age brackets of Over 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s can be found worldwide with England one of the trendsetters in the sport including holding the Over 50s World Cup title.
Similar success narrowly escaped the Over 60s side earlier in the month with an eight wicket defeat in the final to Australia, a game Edward Gordon Lennox was a part of.
“They fielded very well and they were better than us in all three departments on the day,” said Gordon Lennox.
“So, the ultimate feeling was, whilst having had a fantastic experience, to be beaten by Australia in the final was disappointing.”
Heading into the final, the team had a 100% record in the tournament after defeating New Zealand, Canada, Zimbabwe, USA, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Preceding the group stage games were a friendly against India and a showdown against Madras Cricket Club at the prestigious Chepauk Stadium, home of Indian Premier League side Chennai Super Kings.
“It was tremendous,” added Gordon Lennox.
“We had a tour of the old pavilion.
“They gave us a book each around the story of the Madras Cricket Club.
“And because it was Valentine’s Day, we actually had a little party in the evening there and playing in an international stadium is always a great joy and an absolute privilege.”
Being able to play at venues like the one in Chennai is a representation of England’s journey over the last twelve months that has seen them claim the Caribbean Cup title, the Grey Ashes, sharing the Canada Cup and the recent runners-up honour at the World Cup.
“Post COVID, what Richard Merriman and Paul Bradley have done is they’ve grabbed it and turned it into something important,” said the Gloucestershire man.
“With the structures involved, trial games, more and more 59 year olds coming up every year and just the general growth of seniors cricket, we’re all in a very fortunate position to be in to still able to play but it’s become more competitive.
“It remains an absolute joy and the purpose of it, of course, is about cricket, but it’s also about friendships, mental health and keeping us all fit.”
At the start of the month, @englandover60s lost in the Over 60s Cricket World Cup Final against Australia. 🏏
— Park Life Sport (@ParkLife_Sport) March 13, 2024
However, Gloucestershire player Edward Gordon Lennox revealed the tour was about so much more than the action on field. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WWyVY6EynU
Focusing on the off field side of things was a pivotal part of Gordon Lennox’s role in India in his first series as vice-captain of the team.
“It was about every day connecting with the players, listening to what they’re thinking and feeling and helping the captain and the manager deliver the tour,” he said.
“Some of the feedback has been tremendous.
“We’ve got things to learn both culturally and from a cricket perspective for next time, but it was a great privilege and I enjoyed it a lot.”
Perfecting the squad ethos is another key motivation for the all-rounder at a time seniors cricket is being put on the map.
“We want to encourage more people to play,” he added.
“There’s so much value in playing that if people can see and feel the value of seniors cricket.”
