IT is possible that I’ve been drinking too much coffee (with a nip) or not getting enough sleep, but I’ve been constantly reminded over the last few days of the Oval Test Match that a ‘good’ cricket wicket often resembles the passage of a relationship. Albeit that ‘marriage’ is compressed into 5 days rather than over the years.

‘Good cricket wicket’ seems an inadequate description. A ‘belter’ doesn’t even fit the bill. At the two extremes, we might find that a ‘minefield’ provides instant excitement and a rapid ‘divorce’ (but little joy from the money-men) whilst a ‘road’ where 710 plays 625 and a bit left over for the final day is boring and generally dull.

No, the spirit of cricket lies in the classic 5-dayer Test pitch – and here the analogy with joint journeys through life comes into play.

As a lifelong cricket aficionado, and with an affinity to Lords over more than 50 years, I love the opening ritual where ‘pitchmeister’ Hunt stands by the fruits of his labour and hands over his pristine surface to the in-laws (the umpires) with a courteous shake of the hand.

Speculation is rife at the outset. This will be a high-profile ‘marriage’, the image rights have been sold to Sky who insist on having their say about the future prospects for both sides. The opening salvos, or honeymoon period will set the tone for the union.

Gradually, as time goes by, cracks appear. What seemed perfect at the outset, now shows signs of definite wear. How will the ‘captains’ respond? Will there need to be arbitration?

Both parties adapt to new conditions. The sheen has disappeared, yet the infrastructure remains sound. But if both adapt and respond with determination, the union will last the full course and provide immense satisfaction.

Silly I know, but in providing the ‘stage’ for such stirring relationships, the turf professionals responsible for providing the surface upon which players at the top of their game perform are as much ‘stars’ of the game as the contestants.

Just like the players themselves, form is temporary, class is permanent. All manner of external conditions can influence the preparation of a pitch on which so much attention will be focussed.

Thankfully, cricket wickets are not grown in a laboratory (the nearest being those of a drop-in variety), but soil and grass are living organisms. As such they introduce an unpredictable, often mysterious element to a wonderful game  which I hope and trust will never be lost.

Turf Pro editor Steve Gibbs has been away on a well-deserved break