Salesbury Cricket Club near Blackburn was Bradley Ormesher’s choice of venue for the stunning views over the Ribble Valley, and Marc Aspland chose a venue 280 miles away when visiting Arundel Castle Cricket Club when they hosted South Africa and Zimbabwe in a warm-up match before the ICC World Test Championship.
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER BRADLEY ORMESHER
A visit to Salesbury CC to see them take on the Ribblesdale Warriors involved all kinds of weather, beautiful sunshine interrupted by heavy rain and a howling wind. At times you couldn’t see the Ribble Valley as it went white with incoming rain, I took shelter a few times under a huge tree. I like the lone spectator here sitting next to the sight screen.
Equipment used: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV using 70-200mm zoom lens (set at 89mm) 1/1,000th sec, f16, ISO 500
THE TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER BRADLEY ORMESHER
A Ribblesdale batsman hits a boundary during their nine-run victory.
Equipment used: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV using 70-200mm zoom lens (set at 153mm) 1/800th sec, f10, ISO 500
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER BRADLEY ORMESHER
The graveyard shift: the light catches the Salesbury fielders through the St Peter’s Church cemetery.
Equipment used: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV using 70-200mm zoom lens (set at 153mm) 1/1,600th sec, f11, ISO 500
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER BRADLEY ORMESHER
One of the Ribblesdale Warrior batsmen had hit a six that went straight through the sight screen. This image is shot through that hole.
Equipment used: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV using 70-200mm zoom lens (set at 172mm) 1/1,600th sec, f10, ISO 500
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER BRADLEY ORMESHER
There is a lovely background at Salesbury Cricket Club; here, a home fielder chases the ball on the boundary edge.
Equipment used: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV using 70-200mm zoom lens (set at 200mm) 1/1,600th sec, f7.1, ISO 500
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER BRADLEY ORMESHER
All eyes on the ball as one of the Ribblesdale batsmen hits another boundary.
Equipment used: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV using 70-200mm zoom lens (set at 147mm) 1/1,000th sec, f9, ISO 500
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER BRADLEY ORMESHER
More heavy rain incoming as the pitch is bathed in summer sunlight.
Equipment used: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV using 70-200mm zoom lens (set at 70mm) 1/1,600th sec, f10, ISO 500
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER MARC ASPLAND
A five-hour round trip was worth it to be able to capture Arundel Castle in all its ancient majesty staring down at the view as South Africa played Zimbabwe in a warm-up match before the ICC World Test Championship. I would like to thank the kind folk at Arundel Castle Cricket Club for allowing me to join just the handful of invited guests, as the match was played behind closed doors as the practice match did not have first-class status. This drone picture was the reason I travelled to one of the most beautiful cricket grounds I have ever seen.
Equipment used: DJI Mini 2 SE drone
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER MARC ASPLAND
It made my day when by sheer chance I met retired former Times journalist and author Walter Gammie and his wife sitting watching the game at Arundel. As a cricket-obsessive fan, Walter was keeping a meticulous scorecard during the game and we had a lovely long chat about the good old days.
Equipment used: Canon EOS R1 using RF24-70mm (set at 70mm) 1/1000th sec f9. ISO 320
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER MARC ASPLAND
Wandering around the ground I was stopped in my tracks when I heard that unmistakable “pop” of a bottle of wine being opened. Our latest mirrorless cameras now have a silent function so I moved behind these people and waited until the filled glasses were handed over until another unmistakable sound of “clinking” as the two gentlemen toasted their glasses.
Equipment used: Canon EOS R1 using RF24-70mm (set at 28mm) 1/1000th sec f9. ISO 320
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER MARC ASPLAND
I was struck by how lush and green the trees were surrounding Arundel Castle Cricket Club, so after the recent downpours I continued my aerial theme by capturing my first views of Harpenden Cricket Club. The 162-year old club enjoys a unique place in the town as its home is on Harpenden Common. Dating back to the 13th century, The Common stretches almost two miles and over 233 acres. The first written mention of cricket being played on The Common dates from 1829 when George IV was on the throne and the Duke of Wellington was the prime minister. I have stacked these two views looking both north and south of The Common.
Equipment used: DJI Mini 2 SE drone
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER MARC ASPLAND
I have included this drone frame for my friend Roger Watt as Harpenden CC hosted Radlett CC 1st XI. That unmistakable sight of one batsman leaving the field being replaced by another, a word rarely passed by either player! The scorecard was HCC 253 for nine, with the visitors 158 for seven.
Equipment used: DJI Mini 2 SE drone
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER MARC ASPLAND
Continuing my aerial adventure I travelled to Wheathampstead Cricket Club as I know the ground sits on Nomansland Common, which evidence suggests was used as early as 4000BC as flint axe heads have been found on the common. Wheathampstead CC played a friendly on Sunday against Roving Reporters CC, who were founded in 1973. The club drew heavily on members of a local football club that was founded by three journalists, one of whom was the legendary BBC commentator John Motson. It has always remained a “wandering” side — one without a home ground.
Equipment used: DJI Mini 2 SE drone