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Henry Brace

Henry is a firm subscriber to the theory "Hit out or get out". Many a Stroller, having patiently played themselves in and seen off the opening bowlers, has thrown their wicket away after "rising" to Henry´s persistant shouts of "Run 'em up!" etc from the pavilion. To his credit however, Henry practises what he preaches and his presence at the crease can be guaranteed to make Strollers put down their newspapers or interrupt games of keepy uppy on the boundary to watch. Innings are invariably exciting containing the full mix of enormous swings skyed into the heavens, comedy dropped catches, alarming mix ups between batsman running between the wickets and ending inevitably with the stumps being spreadeagled. The sight of Henry striding towards the wicket, swinging his bat Botham style to the sound of Iron Maiden´s "Run to the Hills" is one to behold. Henry´s witty banter/sledging has also seen him make the first slip position his own, despite never taking a catch there to date.

Responsible for organising "Pirate´s Day" at the Oval test match every year and introducing theme tunes for batsmen entering and departing from the pitch for selected matches only. Henry is not a believer in the concept of "a few quiet ales" post-match favoured by many ¨Strollers. Neither, (and possibly with good reason) can he understand why so many of his teammates know all the lyrics to "Les Miserables" and insist on breaking into song from time to time. Henry seems to relish the role of makeshift umpire, happily volunteering for the role. Strollers, however, have learned to become extremely apprehensive of the ball striking anywhere near their pads when batting with Henry as umpire.