sidelined

Have a look in the garage for the old kit bag. Check that all is in working order and no mildew or beer stains from past glories. Head to the practice grounds. Say g’day to mates from the seasons past. Pray that the first delivery is not (a) going to cause an injury to oneself and (b) not get tonked. Walk into the the nets yourself. Again prayers are offered that batting embarrassment does not ensue as the sound of ball cannoning into metal stumps carries well as does the ribbing from everyone else upon hearing the death rattle. Smile when you get onto a delivery and send it way out of the nets. Scowl when somebody does the same to you when bowling later.

Pack up the kit about two hours later and wander back to the car. Legs a little creaky, back muscles are tad uncomfortable. Rinse and repeat for the next two months.