Showpiece final provides a reminder of what matters in a time of strife

NICK HOWSON AT LORD'S: Somerset and Essex played-out a frustrating first day of the Bob Willis Trophy final. But it mattered little as this was an occasion to cherish what we have

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One of the first things I was told when first studying for a career in sports journalism was that no-one cares what you think - a slice of advice that has become increasingly relevant as my jaunt in this profession has progressed.

Whether it be a news feature, colour piece, interview write-up, or review, making an article about you is deemed a mortal sin. You are the equivalent of a sports official: if people take no notice of you then you've had a good day.

But every so often, an occasion calls for a personal touch. Some may call it self-indulgence, others an opportunity to offer a tinge of emotion.

For a multitude of reasons, this is my first and final live professional cricket match of the season, exactly 12 months after my last. One and done, as the American sporting cliche goes.

We all have our own personal experience of the coronavirus pandemic. For some, it has left an indelible, irremovable stain on their lives. Many have lived through a period of uncertainty and pain, with concerns over everything from livelihoods to when they can visit their families once more.

COVID-19 attacked my ability to be a cricket writer something all those years ago, when I was being told to keep opinions to myself, seemed like a fantasy which could only be reached via a radio phone-in competition.

^{Adam Wheater's catch to dismiss Tom Abell was the outstanding moment of the day}

Following a delay to the domestic and international season, the closure of non-essentials shops forced The Cricketer to place me on furlough scheme. Three months without any work and two on a part-time basis felt like a summer-long guilt-trip as my colleagues created magazine and online content out of thin air. Goodness knows how.

Upon my return, in time for the bio-secure international season a bout of pneumonia - not caused by coronavirus - struck me down for another fortnight. I've been through far less than many across the United Kingdom and the rest of the world, but there was more than a feeling of frustration and embarrassment.

My personal trials combined with the limited media permitted to attend matches this summer means I've had to wait my turn to cover competitive pro cricket away from my sofa. The Cricketer have some highly talented writers who have documented what we have been allowed to attend with aplomb. And there is more to come.

So against the backdrop of a turbulent few months, resuming duties in the heat of battle was a thrill. It has been a privilege to work at hundreds of live sports and this experience ranks among the very best. And not because the Bob Willis Trophy final is now domestic cricket's zenith, but due to the nature of the circumstances. With any sports now facing a grim six months without crowds, cricket can consider itself very fortunate - even if it isn't out of the woods just yet.

It is no hardship working in a live environment, not least at Lord's where there has been so little cricket this year. Middlesex have only played five T20s while the recent Village Cup Final was the only non-professional match played at the ground this year. Even England have been locked out.

^{Simon Harmer had a watching brief for long periods}

A homemade chickpea salad replaced the lunch spread, a temporary seat in one of the Tavern Stand suites was instead of the spectacular view from the J.P. Morgan Media Centre. But these compromises were mere footnotes on a day where you'd be a fool not to enjoy what was in front of you.

Did it matter than we lost more than half a day's play on a truncated day? Was Somerset's slow progress amid gloomy conditions an issue? Are we any closer to discovering the destination of the first piece of domestic silverware this term? The answers are as similar as they are inconsequential.

Part of the sensation of being around senior cricket again of course lies in the uncertainty of when this will next be the case. Cricket has found a way to complete matches amid the pandemic, but there are no guarantees that it will be as viable or realistic come 2021 with no crowds. English cricket faces an anxious wait as other sports attempt to build a framework for the future.

Taking nothing for granted has been my main takeaway from this wretched year. Nothing is certain anymore. The future isn't necessarily rosy. Enjoy the present.

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