Lords Test day 3 - rain stopped play

 I was lucky enough to be invited by Monica to Lords today for the third day of the Test Match England v New Zealand.  Sadly the weather didn't get the  message, but a good time was had by all courtesy of Monica and the hospitality package

Monica and her brother Kevin on the train 

we arrived in time for breakfast 

a rapt audience listening to former players Steve Finn, Ian Bell and Ryan Sidebottom

lining up the drinks on the bar.  

Monica's guests included myself, Declan and James from work, (James was running late) her brother and some friends

Declan, me and James 

Declan, former player Devon Malcolm and me

Devon Malcom and Monica

there was a little blue sky for a while but the players had taken an early lunch but play was due to start 2 hours late at 1pm (the time the 3 course lunch for us started.)

this was our hospitality suite as we took the short walk to the stand for our seats

the outside of the stand itself

part of the Lords timeline

this is the 150th test match to be played at Lords

England#s 2019 World Cup winning team on the timeline 

taking our seats 

we had a great view - 15 rows back(and under cover )

they were preparing the wicket

although briefly moved the covers back over

some shots round the ground

the bunch of reprobates  lovely people I was with...

the weather may have been lousy but the company was great 

players emerging 

we got 2 overs play before the rain came down again so we headed back to the hospitality area for our lunch 

main course (didn't photograph the starter)

and a delicious dessert

whilst we were eating the players had returned to the field so we hurried back

sadly the break in rain didn't last long and by about 2.15 we were back inside for the rest of the afternoon.

we had afternoon tea, which I didn't photograph, but was a mix of sandwiches and cakes 

Play was eventually abandoned for the day at 5.30 with no further action, but i bailed and left for home at 5

a huge thanks to Monica for the day, you can't order good weather, and it was great fun!