The youths who were waiting to go into bat, Were standing about unaware.

Except for one boy who saw him, And not knowing quite what to do,

I studied the mans reactions As he said, with a smile on his face;

"I used to play cricket here as a boy, My hero was WG. Grace.

I was a pupil - just like you, With a very special dream;

To wear a cap for England As the Captain of the team".

His expression showed reflection, And I knew that he had gone,

To a game within his memory; But then, the man went on...

"I come back every Summer. To watch a match or two,

I recall my days in the cricket team, And I play again through you.

The leather striking on willow, Takes me back to my boyhood dream,

When I was a youth at the batting crease, Captain of your team!

The masters always told me, I would win a cap one day,