The Twelfth Man 2013

29 John went on to relate his many experiences with these youngsters, including the emerging Alastair Cook, Graeme Swann, Joe Root and many more. Also the major highlight of that period: winning the U19 World Cup in South Africa. John then went into detail about the present systems and the fantastic facilities available for young cricketers. The Question and Answer session was lively and amusing and concluded a highly entertaining evening. 22 November – Ralph and James Middlebrook Our Chairman was delighted to introduce our guests for the evening, Ralph Middlebrook, accompanied by his son James. Ralph, who was a founder member of Yorkshire Cricket School after it was launched in 1987, is a great friend of the Cricket Society movement. He comes along most years, last year making history coming with Yorkshire’s Barney Gibson, the wicket-keeper/batsman, who is the youngest ever first-class cricketer. This year Ralph introduced James, off-spin bowler and batsman, who surely should have become a Yorkshire fixture but for the bizarre goings on with Australian coach Wayne Clark. James was gaining selection for his bowling, and then came a cruel hand injury as he dived to the right in the slips. He had a spell off, and was released after the 2001 season. James moved to Essex, and later to Northamptonshire, while Yorkshire went a decade without settling on an off-spin bowler, but more of the lost decade later and over to Ralph. After introductions the evening continued with Ralph posing a series of questions to James on the modern game. Ralph: At the Bradford League dinner our guest, Alec Stewart, said he thought a draw was the best England could hope for in India. What are your thoughts? James: It was a big shock that Panesar was left out, but I think we learned a lot from what happened. Ralph: If another spinner were to be considered from the county scene to partner Swann, whom would you have in mind? James: I believe one for the future is Keedy at Lancashire, but perhaps at the moment we should see how Swann and Panesar get on together. Ralph: You played with Alastair Cook as a young lad what do you make of his futuristic progress? James: As a young lad to be honest he wasn’t the hardest hitter of the ball, but he always had the patience, and with his improving technique and super fitness he is developing into a world-class cricketer. Ralph: What did you make of the selection of young Joe Root? James: There are several who might have been chosen before him such is the talent around these days. Having said that, Joe is a tremendous prospect for the future, and the selectors obviously favoured youth. The questions and answers were then opened to the audience and the usual lively session followed, to conclude an excellent evening. 29 November – Neil Hartley Neil Hartley, the former Yorkshire all-rounder and vice-captain, succeeded Bryan Stott as Chairman of Yorkshire County Cricket Club Players’ Association. Neil made his Yorkshire debut in1978, and as right-handed middle-order batsman and right-arm medium-pace bowler he went on to play in 133 first-class matches over the next decade. He scored 4,667 first-class runs with four centuries, highest score of 114, and took 48 wickets. He was capped in 1982. An outstanding fielder Neil also gave excellent service in limited-overs cricket, scoring 2,859 runs with 13 half centuries and claiming 67 wickets. In 1974 he played for England Young Cricketers, and captained the Yorkshire Second XI for four years from 1988. Born in Shipley, Neil played for Bingley in the Bradford League, and between 1974 and 1979 three times he scooped the Priestley Cup Final Man of the Match award. Neil also enjoyed spells in South Africa with Orange Free State during the early 1980s. Ralph and James Middlebrook with Tom Hudson (centre)