THE CRICKET WRITERS' CLUB
ESTABLISHED 1946
ICC AND CWC INITIATIVE SEES THREE YOUNG WRITERS COVER THE WORLD CUP SEMIS AND FINAL
Three aspiring young cricket writers will be at the ICC World Cup semi-final between England and Australia this week thanks to an initiative run by ICC and the Cricket Writers’ Club.
Earlier in the tournament, 38 young journalists from sports degree courses around the UK attended cricket-writing workshops run by the Cricket Writers’ Club in conjunction with ICC at The Oval, Edgbaston and Old Trafford.
The syllabus included match and news reporting and feature writing. All the students attended pre-match press conferences while students at Old Trafford also got to interview Ian Gould, the ICC Elite Umpire who retired last week. They were also joined by members of the ICC’s global event operations team, who gave a flavour of how the media operation runs at ICC events. The courses were overseen by Cricket Writers’ Club’s Bruce Talbot, who has written about the game for more than 30 years, and journalists Lizzy Ammon, from The Times, Will Macpherson, of the London Evening Standard, and Tanya Aldred, of The Guardian.
They have chosen Harry Normanton, Georgie Heath and Joe Langsworthy to attend England’s semi-final where they will write a piece on the match for ICC’s website. The writer of the best submission will then attend the final at Lord’s and write a match report for the website. He or she will also win a prize of $500.
It’s a dream come true for the young journalists. Harry, who is studying journalism with News Associates at Twickenham University, said: “The workshop at The Oval offered a brilliant insight into the world of cricket reporting. The chance to attend a press conference and mine the expertise of three seasoned cricket journalists was invaluable.”
Joe is studying sports journalism at Solent University. He said: “The workshop at Edgbaston was a glimpse through the keyhole into the world of cricket reporting. Being given the opportunity to attend press conferences and write match reports in such an incredible venue was a phenomenal experience. I’m certain that attending the workshop has benefitted my career as a sports journalist.”
Georgie, who is studying for a journalism diploma with the Press Association, was one of eight girls who took part. She said: “I can’t remember ever not being in to cricket. It seemed inevitable as my mum is from Yorkshire and named after Australian cricketer Lindsay Hassett. She even tried to drive to Yorkshire when my brother was born so he could qualify to play for them! The course was a fantastic experience and it’s amazing to be going back to Edgbaston for the semi-final.”
Bruce Talbot said that the journalists were very impressed by the standard of submissions. He said: “Their passion for cricket writing is already evident and we hope the experiences they gain will help towards their dream of becoming full-time cricket writers in the future.”
CWC TEAMS UP WITH ICC TO RUN WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENT SPORTS JOURNALISTS
The Cricket Writers' Club have been asked by the ICC to run workshops for student sports journalists at three venues during this year’s World Cup. Bruce Talbot has organised the workshops for CWC in conjunction with ICC and the first took place at The Oval on Tuesday, 4th June, when Lizzy Ammon and Will Macpherson conducted a Q&A session with the young journalists. One student from each workshop will attend the semi-final at Edgbaston on July 11 and write a report for the ICC website. The winner will then attend the final and win a $500 prize.
Anna Parkinson, who is studying sports journalism at the University of Lincoln, has written a piece about her experience at The Oval:
Cricket. With its fast-paced bowling, big-hitting batsmen, numerous overs and fans yelling “Howzat” in the stadium to guarantee a passionate atmosphere and experience. I’d go as far to say cricket offers more fluctuation than an action film.
You may ask why I decided to go for this opportunity. Well, what’s life if you don’t take every opportunity you can? Aside this, cricket holds a special sentiment in my family down the generations from my Great, Great Grandfather, my Grandad, to my Dad, to me. It’s a feel-good, fun sport which I’m reminded of every time I am home. Mainly because my Dad proudly displays a framed photograph of him batting in a local match on the mantlepiece.
From the perspective of an aspiring, young, female journalist it’s important to get involved with as much as possible - whether it be sport-related or not. My passion for writing and quest to get as much out of my time at the University of Lincoln encouraged me to take this opportunity.
The morning of the workshop arrived. Numerous train changes later, I found myself walking up Harleyford Road, made famous by Henry Blofeld in many Test match commentaries. With the MI6 behind me, I could see it. The Oval, a ground encompassing so much history. Typically, my Dad and I were accompanied by good old British weather. Rain.
Soon after arriving, our group was shown around the Oval. We were then taken to a press conference with none other than New Zealand Vice Capitan Tom Latham. I don’t think the term ‘star struck’ covers it.
The time came for us to embark on some work. Firstly, a quotes-based press report. A completely unknown territory. The challenge of writing up Latham’s conference as a piece of journalism filled me with apprehension. But looking out onto the iconic Oval ground ignited my determination to complete this task to the best of my ability. Before I knew it, I’d done it. My first ever press report.
Soon, it was time for lunch. Always a talking point in the commentary box at a cricket match, especially the cake. This time we had a fruit cake to enjoy before the next task.
A match report on England v Pakistan. The calm tranquillity of the Oval added to the awe-inspiring atmosphere, which encouraged me to believe in my ability. 502 words later, I’d finished.
We then had a Q&A with two industry professionals. Will Macpherson and Lizzy Ammon. Listening to the work they do was captivating, even the reality of a 17-and-a-half-hour day. Being the only girl at the workshop, it was refreshing to find that there are equal opportunities in journalism for both men and women after University.
Before I knew it, the final part of the day had arrived. A press conference with Bangladesh’s coach, Steve Rhodes. With my media accreditation proudly hanging from my neck, my phone and laptop to hand, I felt a sense of belonging. The nerves I felt when I arrived had been discarded like a pile of unwanted baggage.
Yesterday’s experience taught me a lot. Firstly, to go for it, no matter how daunting it may seem. The nerves which flooded my body like a tidal wave were far outweighed by the sensations of inspiration and enjoyment I gained throughout the whole experience. Secondly, to believe in myself - I am filled with pride when I reflect on the work I produced.
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