From Benjamin Matthews, United Kingdom

	Andy Caddick to win the Man of the Series in the Ashes and become an OBE © Getty Images

February-March 2010 Comprehensive roll out of Merlyn bowling machines. Merlyn casts its spell over the cricketing world and Hawk-Eye’s plans to assassinate Daryl Harper are exposed. Pitch-mapping technology turns its attention to the human anatomy and begins to understand human feelings. Snick-o-meter emerges as a love rival to Lily Allen for Graham Onions’ ‘Hot-spot’.

April-May 2010 At the World T20, an injured Andrew Flintoff manages to rise like a seal to catch a six - and with it a prize cheque for $5,000 - hit into the crowd by Angelo Mathews in the opening game. Flintoff the next day announces that the $5,000 are to be spent on a “well-deserved break to Dubai this summer”, meaning that the mercenary is to skip England’s ODI series against the old foe from Down Under later in the year. Sky1’s ‘Got to Dance’ winner receives ultimate boogieing accolade; appearing as a boundary dancer at the World T20 in the Caribbean, helping to swell Twenty20 cricket’s appeal to an urban market. Citi-Eight8 cricket is born. New Brylcreem boy Stuart Broad gains some sort of revenge on Yuvraj Singh in the same tournament, hitting four 4s off a final over, narrowly guiding England through to the semis. Broad’s heroics are shortlived, however, as South Africa storm past them into the final where Imran Tahir spins his adopted nation to victory against the vibrant holders and his country of birth; Pakistan.

Summer 2010 Andrew Caddick joins the SkySports team for the broadcaster’s International coverage. The retired paceman gets a game as he acts as a mentor for Chipping Sodbury CC in SkySports’ yearly ‘Club Life’ lunchtime feature. Caddick takes 9/12 in the match, proclaiming: “you never lose it”. At Old Trafford in the second Test, Bangladesh post 342/3 at the end of the first day’s play. Caddick, not realising that the mics are still on releases an explosive foul-mouthed tirade at England’s pace trio of Mark Davies, Steve Finn and Stuart Broad. In an emotional press conference, Caddick apologises for his on-air behaviour and announces that he is to make a comeback for Somerset after being buoyed by his stint with Chipping Sodbury. Caddick then proceeds to tear up the common held belief that Taunton is a batting paradise, ripping through County orders for the rest of the season and spearheading Somerset to an overdue Championship. In a year of comebacks, Chris Lewis decides to form his own cricket team inside, after having gained inspiration from not only his former England team-mate, but a prison library copy of ‘The Great Escape’. Leicestershire win the domestic Twenty20 competition, Brad Hodge hitting an unbeaten century to seal victory for Matthew Hoggard’s men.

September/October 2010 Confused and money-hungry English administrators arrange impromptu tour of South Africa aiming to ride the crest of a wave produced by England’s football World Cup win. Burnout to England’s seamers results, but the tour does not turn out to be entirely fruitless as Team Strauss and Flower return with a gaggle of South African teenagers, all possessing great potential. They are slotted immediately into the academy and elocution lessons begin. Due to a packed international schedule, docile, lifeless pitches and burnout, pace bowlers are placed on the “endangered species” list - more of an incentive for a Caddick comeback.

Winter/The Ashes Down Under 2010/11 Concerns for Shane Warne’s whereabouts are brought to light as the rotund, retired twirler misses his third consecutive Hair-Gain appointment. Virender Sehwag takes over Warne’s marketing commitments for the company as a Hair-Gain spokesperson issues a statement aimed directly at the World Anti-Doping Authority, claiming that the treatment is safe and well within the regulations. In December, the mystery of Warne’s disappearance is revealed. The tanned Victorian is released not from an exploratory hair growth lab, but from the apartment of an apparently inspired Nathan Hauritz. Hauritz despite his spindly frame, disguises Warne as himself and outperforms 2010 X-Factor finalist, Graeme Swann, in the first two Tests. The ICC are not impressed and Hauritz is banned for the remainder of the series. Graeme ‘Dr Comfort’ Swann and his Lurid Revelations band release their bid for Christmas No. 1. Australian series top scorer Phil Hughes astounds his critics by scoring over 11% of his 527 runs through the leg-side. Regardless of a broken left hand, Hughes compiles a defiant 57* from 237 balls to save the final Test for Australia, wrestling back the sacred urn and winning the Chris Tavaré award for most obdurate fifty. Paul ‘Brigadier Block’ Collingwood is so dejected he retires. Despite England’s loss, the recalled Andy Caddick is named man of the series, collecting 34 wickets at 17.26 a piece. Wins OBE.

From Imran Coomaraswamy, United Kingdom

Mohammad Aamer has much delight in store for Pakistan fans this decade © Getty Images

Mohammad Aamer should bring a smile to the faces of cricket fans in the decade ahead. Six months ago, I was watching from the lower tier of the Grandstand at Lord’s, as Aamer ran in to bowl the first ball of the ICC World Twenty20 final. I nervously reminded my brother, who was sitting next to me, that I had earlier picked out Pakistan as the team most likely to halt Sri Lanka’s march towards victory. I knew that unlike the other semi-finalists (South Africa and West Indies), Pakistan were used to facing Sri Lanka’s unorthodox bowling attack, and although Sri Lanka had come out on top when the two sides met in the group stages, I was wary that Shahid Afridi’s sensational catch against New Zealand had sparked the kind of hot streak that always makes Pakistan a dangerous proposition at the business end of big tournaments.

But if I was nervous, how did Aamer feel? The left arm quick was just 17 and his international career barely two weeks old. Here he was in a major final at Lord’s. The outfield was a lush, brilliant green, but the stands were even greener, thanks to the masses of flag-waving, klaxon-sounding, Zindabad-shouting Pakistan fans. Over in Pakistan itself, a nation deprived of international cricket after the Lahore attacks was no doubt in front of its TV sets, while up in the Sky Sports commentary box, Aamer’s mentor Wasim Akram was at the microphone. On strike, awaiting Aamer’s first ball was the Player of the Tournament, Tillakaratne Dilshan, who up until then had sliced, diced and daringly Dilscooped anything that had been served up to him. How would the teenager begin?

With a bouncer. A rapid bouncer, and well-directed too, forcing Dilshan to duck out of the way at the last minute. Next up? More short balls, pushing 90mph and cramping the batsman for room. The plan was simple and the execution perfect. On the fifth ball of the over, Dilshan skied an attempted pull to short fine leg, and Sri Lanka were 0 for 1. To my left, four men dressed in orange jumpsuits forgot about waving their improvised banner saying ‘Guantanamo Bay: Day Release’ as they hugged each other in delight. Dil Dil Pakistan blared out of the stand’s PA system for the first time in the match, though you could scarcely hear it over the noise of the crowd. What a start for Pakistan, and what a start for Mohammad Aamer!

Abdul Razzaq then picked up three wickets, before Shahid Afridi stole the show with a tight spell of leg-spin and a mature, match-winning fifty. Aamer finished with the unremarkable figures of 1 for 30 from four overs, but his opening over - a wicket-maiden - was anything but unremarkable and played a big role in putting Pakistan on course for victory.

More recently, I was watching from the less atmospheric but rather more comfortable vantage point of my parents’ couch as Aamer ripped through the Australian middle order in the Boxing Day Test. On the fourth successive day of hot sunny weather at the MCG, he was generating 90mph pace from his 75kg frame and getting the ball to swing in both directions. Michael Clarke groped around for a little while before being caught-behind. Marcus North was castled a few overs later, bringing Brad Haddin to the crease. Coming round the wicket to the right-hander, Aamer nearly forced a big inswinger through his defences. The next ball swung away, found the outside edge of Haddin’s bat on the way through to Kamran Akmal’s gloves, and made Aamer, still 17, the youngest fast bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

The best bit, however, came a couple of minutes after that, as Aamer turned to walk towards the umpire at the end of the over. Facing him stood Shane Watson. The previous day, the Pakistani had blown the burly Queenslander a mock kiss after one particularly tasty bouncer. Now, exhausted but elated, Aamer broke out into a massive, toothy, teenage grin. Watson tried his best to maintain his frown but couldn’t - he too broke into a smile as he looked down at his bat.

From Sarah Robinson, United Kingdom

	International cricket has to return to the Antigua Recreation Ground © Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, it is a warm day in Antigua, and the cricket season in the West Indies is slowly beginning to build up. In the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, a structure that cost approximately $60 million to build, and held the shambolic ten-ball game between England and the West Indies last year, the Leeward Islands are playing a warm-up game. The groundsman at the Antigua Recreation Ground, Keith Fredericks, describes them as the “future of West Indies cricket” with a sense of pride in his voice. Watching a few of the shots played, the signs of definite potential are out there. Watching a near run-out suggests the definite potential for more West Indies running mistakes is also out there.

The Viv Richards Stadium, “the one so much money was poured into”, is nice, as far as large stadiums go. It is doubtless that cricketers will enjoy playing here in the future in front of what is hopefully a large crowd. However, the ground also strikes me as unfinished and soulless. The linoleum flooring is not cut properly at the top of the stairs in the stand, and bits overhang the edge. Inside, only a quarter of the framed photos are hanging above the captions, which are almost too small to read properly. Those that do hang are hanging askew and are carelessly positioned. On the wall, a wire for the television is sticking out. Pride, clearly, was not put into the finishing touches.

Maybe, and hopefully, once this stadium starts hosting matches again, after a year-long hiatus, the income will help create some atmosphere into this characterless ground. For the cricketers that come here, inspiration of the achievements of former players is severely lacking. As I look around, I’m glad for the youth of the Caribbean cricket injecting some energy with their exuberant appeals and desperate dives at the boundary edge. There is some hope for this ground yet.

Walking into the Sticky Wicket, the Allen Stanford answer to cricket stadiums, there is a clear difference between the sharp, empty white walls of the Viv Richards ground and the cream and pale green walls of this pavilion and restaurant. The ceiling is red, reflecting the West Indies colours, a very patriotic symbol. Why does the Viv Richards ground have yellow and blue seats? The walls at the Sticky Wicket are littered with photos of West Indies greats. Photographs of achievement, pride and success. West Indies success. Caribbean success, and the feelings of national patriotism that goes along with it. These photos are lined up perfectly with the ceiling, positioned with care. In the cupboards too, there is cricketing memorabilia. Some West Indies based; caps and shirts. Other bits are clearly bought with Stanford money; bats from previous World Cups, signed by all of the players from South Africa, Pakistan and New Zealand. The acquisition of these bats stinks of private auction and e-bay, for Stanford was never known to be a great cricket fan.

Nonetheless, the mementos are clearly lacking in the multi-million dollar stadium down the road. This building has created a bit of cricketing history, however distasteful the history is. In one of the cupboards are the programmes and posters of Stanford’s disastrous Twenty20 for $20 million tournament, in which England lost and the ECB lost all credibility. On the wall, there is still a photograph of Stanford surrounded by West Indies cricketing legends. The building feels as though it hasn’t changed since Stanford last stood here. The restaurant is running smoothly, with two waitresses and three chefs working in what appears a relatively busy lunchtime, considering it is a Tuesday afternoon. The vibrant flowers in the driveway are in full bloom, and the staff is clearly happy to be working here. Someone is still paying the staff, and it hasn’t fallen to ruin.

The outfield is another story. It appears watered and mowed, but it is sandy, the grass is coarse and uncomfortable underfoot and ants’ nests litter the grass. This may as well not be a cricket pitch; you certainly would not want to dive for a ball here lest your foot get caught in the sand. Nowadays, the ground feels more like a resort with a big field of grass in the middle which you could perhaps play sport on if you felt like it. The large stumps by the door remind you that this ground’s main purpose was cricket, albeit cricket at its most un-cricket. The big screens stand still, as do the lights, which caused many fielders problems (they are lower due to the runway near by). The buildings are attractive, the staff attentive and the pavilion does feel like a building dedicated to cricket. What this place will be used for in the future is hard to say. It would make an attractive exclusive resort or hotel. It could be taken over by the WICB and used as a practice ground. Maybe local school teams could play here.

The WICB would in no way encourage it to become a top ground like the Viv Richards Stadium after all. I would rather it became a resort, as not far from the city stands the ARG – the Antigua Recreation Ground. This ground was used as a practice ground by both the West Indies and England teams in 2009 and hosted the moved Test match in that same series at very short notice. It is not the prettiest ground in the world, nor is it the most comfortable - a chair made the most concerning noise as I sat down - but of all three grounds, it feels like a proper, traditional cricket ground.

It is full of character, soul and history (Sir Vivian Richards scored the fastest ever Test century here, and this is the home of Brian Lara’s record-breaking 400 runs). This is the home of Keith Fredericks, an incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated groundsman. It is the home of the legendary entertainers Gravy and Chickie the DJ who have entertained countless crowds and kept up the party atmosphere. It is a favourite of many; Sir Ian Botham was delighted when the Test match was moved here, and Curtly Ambrose describes it as his favourite ground. Many ex-players are both secretly and publicly unhappy with the new Viv Richards stadium.

Standing on the square, on the spot where Brian Lara kissed the ground as he brought up his 400 runs, I can see why this ground is such a favourite. It may not have the biggest capacity (a temporary stand was rented from Miami to accommodate the Barmy Army one year), it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing (though the hills in the distance are spectacular) and it is clearly not the WICB’s favourite cricket ground on the island of Antigua, but it is easily my favourite of the three I have visited today. I’d go as far as to say it is among the best grounds I have visited in the world, and I would have loved to have seen a game here. It would be a shame to see this ground with its record-breaking achievements being dedicated purely to football, or even worse, left to fall to pieces.

For the sake of Keith Fredericks, if no one else, I desperately hope it can be saved for the use of international cricket once more. No one would benefit more than cricket fans around the world, who could come and visit and say that they have seen the same spot where the best of West Indies cricket created history. Inside the pavilion is the honours board. Can the WICB not honour this outstanding piece of cricketing legend by allowing it the right to games, both international and domestic? Or has the WICB truly put all its eggs in one basket with the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground? The answer appears clear; the ARG will probably be ignored in the near future. This would be a very, very sad state of events indeed.