THE one we’ve been all waiting for is here. It’s around the corner and we can’t wait. King’s Road Cricket and Social Club play their first two-day two innings match against the rivals, the Battersea B*dgers.

This idea of a two-day, two innings match was discussed by the committee and me back in January 2008 and I thought it might not get off the ground but it’s here and like my fellow participants, I just can’t wait!

Whilst the international game is becoming shorter and tries to become more innovative, we’re doing the opposite. We’re playing cricket in its more traditional format. No over limits, no fielding restrictions and no free hits.

True roles of the game are realised – bowler and fielders are the attackers as they try to remove scoring batsmen whilst batsmen realise that crease occupation is good and frustrates the opponents.

Scoring is still important but you don’t have to do it at lightning speed. All the better for me then!

We’re used to playing 40 overs, 20 overs and timed games but a two-day match is nothing like what we’ve played before. What can we expect? What is a good score? How long should an individual bowl? How attacking can I/do I have to set the field? These are just some of the many questions going through my head right now and they form a pleasant dilemma. I am honoured and privileged to be leading King’s Road into the club’s inaugural two innings match and I expect the game to teach me a thing or two.

The team that we’re bringing along inspires confidence in me – confidence has been an issue for me throughout the season. Any one of the boys has that ability to flick that switch and do something extraordinary. On the same note, they are susceptible to flashes of lunacy but I intend to beat that out of them. Literally. With a belt.

We are likely to be nervous on the day but ought not to be. In the end, this is just another game against familiar opposition, another match albeit a slightly longer one.