Thanks for the memories, Cricket World Cup 2019
As my train arrived at London Euston Station, I quietly prepared myself for a challenging final week at the Cricket World Cup.
We said goodbye to the Proteas after a bittersweet victory over Australia at Old Trafford and headed towards London for the climax. Yes, I say climax, which is often used to define the grand ending of situations a million miles from sport, but after what unfolded at Lord's on July 14th, I think it’s a pretty apt way to describe the whole darn thing.
I was gutted to learn that I was not granted accreditation for the final, so instead I setup camp at the iconic Trafalgar Square where thousands of cricket fans from around the world gathered to catch the game on a big screen.
The ICC marketed the tournament as cricket’s greatest celebration, but I must admit, I did not feel that way until that final week.
The United Kingdom is one of the most diverse places on earth, so to tell you that the masses were completely in tune with what was going on at the tournament would be a lie.
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I mean, while England and New Zealand battled for the sport’s holy grail, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were involved in one of the greatest Wimbledon finals of all time, while at Silverstone, homeboy Lewis Hamilton romped to a record-breaking sixth title. So you can see why cricket was not the centre of attention for the most part.
After spending a few hours lapping up the festivities in central London, I made my way towards Lord's to meet old friend and respected South African journalist, Zayn Nabbi. He now works and lives in London, producing for CNN. So Nabbi and I watched the final few overs from directly across the stadium, so close we could hear every big moment. Outside the cathedral, hundreds of fans lined the street waiting for the party to begin, regardless of who won, most of them neutrals.
It was gut-wrenching to be so close to the action but not be able to get inside. It will go down as the greatest ODI of all time, it happened in a World Cup final, and I was inches away.
Forty-eight days, and countless train trips and flights later, here I am, richer for the experience.
I have had the privilege of travelling around the United Kingdom, doing what I love, telling stories, and reporting on a game that has helped shape my life.
I have met fascinating people, heard unbelievable stories, and immersed myself in a culture worlds away from my own.
I will be back home soon, ready to tell you more about my travels.
One day the Proteas are going to win the World Cup, no one knows when that faithful day will come, but it will happen.
For now, we just have to push on and prepare for a new era. Thanks for coming along with me on my travels, I hope that in some way I managed to take you into my world for the past two months.
For one last time... it's goodbye from London.
Cheers!
