It may seem odd at first that Lord’s Cricket Ground would host a “sleepover” party.
There is a jarring incongruity to a venue generally populated by conservative old gentlemen engaging in an activity normally associated with 13-year-old girls.
Nonetheless, it is true. On the first day of the Ashes series in Australia, the MCC Museum, which is inside Lord’s, will host a sleepover in aid of charity for 50 fans.
Like any good slumber party, there will be mattresses strewn on the floor along with plenty of snacks and drinks for a midnight feast.
But the similarities between these cricket fans and teenage girls do not end there. Thanks to a television showing the live action from Brisbane, the slumber party guests will be able to:
• Marvel at the latest must-have hair style. When Kevin Pietersen takes off his helmet.
• Gawp over images of rapid weight loss and drastic makeovers (assuming Shane Warne is in a punditry studio).
• Gasp over blood-curdling horror stories from days gone by. Well, the TV is bound to show Steve Harmison’s erratic first ball from the 2006/07 Ashes at some point.
• And gossip over the latest round of sniping and accusations from the school’s feuding cool kids. Or, as they prefer to be known, Michael Clarke and Shane Watson.
In fact, the only thing missing from the Lord’s slumber party will be a chance to compare who is wearing the brightest and daftest pyjamas.
Because this is Test cricket, not the Indian Premier League.
sports@thenational.ae
