The last scheduled Eton v Harrow match at Lords was held on 28th June 2022. A 5 day Test Match between England and South Africa women was taking place at Taunton. Over time priorities change…
Eton v Harrow & Oxford v Cambridge ‘cancelled’ by Lords. Class War in cricket(The Spectator)
Lords will no longer routinely stage the annual cricket games between Eton and Harrow (started 1805) and Oxford and Cambridge (started 1827). The point is that only so much cricket can be played at the Home of Cricket each year and there is increasing demand with the important growth of women’s cricket (little played at Lords) and attempts being made to broaden participation in the game.
Predictably this has sparked outrage from the usual Culture War warriors. The Spectator called it Class War something it must be noted that has been practiced at Lords for many years. Letters have been written to the Times, not least by David Gower, demanding the matches are retained and some MCC members are protesting and calling the decision ‘woke’. The idea that Lords fits any definition of ‘woke’ is laughable but Culture War warriors deploy the verbiage they have to hand.
Lords is not noted for enlightened policies or the speed of change-except arguably in building new stands to attract more spectators and their money. The move is to be welcomed but also a reminder that genuine progress in history never comes without opposition.
Tracy will have Ambridge versus Darrington playing there by the end of the season.