It was the final day of the Sate under age championship in the age group and it was an early start. I arrived on schedule but by the time it was match start my umpiring friend was nowhere to be found. Apparently there was a mix up in communications. This seems not to be a rare occurrance as I was sent to the wrong ground last match.
However we got under way with a stand in square leg. The batting team got off to a shaky start to say the least. No long in an opener has played completely down the wrong line to a stright one was hit on the back pad half way up the shin, big appeal and up went the finger. he stood there and looked bemused. So I gave him about five seconds but he was still standing there so I pointed the way to the pavilion. Well he strolled off looking decidedly sulky.
We paused for drinks at 18 overs and the scorer wandered over and said "The first batsman wants to know how he was out?"
This is never an encouraging sign. I saw the batsman in the distance peering intently at the conversation. I montioned to him to come over and bring his bat.
'Play the shot again"
He played confidently forward with his front foot well down the wicket. Out LBW I said. He looked shocked and said I have been out LBW before. Well son obviously your father has umpired all your matches.
Well to cut a long story short his mother was the scorer. I don't think either one will be asking that question to an umpire ever again.