From Schoolboy to England Over 60s: Why I'm Still Loving the Bash!
Edward Gordon-Lennox has travelled with The Slow Cyclist in Transylvania and the Taurus Mountains in Turkey.
Away from the bike however, and with The Ashes cricket series upon us, it is Edward’s life in cricket that Founder Oli Broom was keen to learn more about when they spoke earlier this week.
OB: Hello Edward, would you like to introduce yourself?
EGL: Yes! I’m Edward Gordon-Lennox and I’m excited about the Ashes!
OB: Me too! Now, I’d love to know more about all this amazing cricket you’ve played over the years.
EGL: Well, after leaving school I spent a long time in the army and played some decent cricket; then for the Combined Services and, for the last 25 years at Tarbarrow Cricket Club in Gloucestershire. When I was 50 I was called up to play for Gloucestershire Over 50s and, more recently, I’ve been lucky enough to play for England Over 60s.
OB: That’s quite a cricketing CV. I’d love to know more about touring with the England Over 60s.
EGL: I’ve been playing for them for the last four years. We toured to Barbados in 2023, played a World Cup in Chennai at the start of 2024 and most recently travelled to Australia for the Grey Ashes in late 2024, for which I was lucky enough to be captain.
OB: Dare I ask how you got on?
EGL: We lost 3-2 in the five 45-over games (which is quite enough when you’re in your 60s!). We played at some incredible grounds, starting with Don Bradman's personal oval at Bowral and ending with a couple of games in Western Australia.
OB: That’s a shame; how about personally? Any runs or wickets?
EGL: I didn’t get any wickets, but I chipped in with a few quick-fire 30s with the bat. I like to keep the score moving along.
OB: Sounds like you’re the Harry Brook of the team?
EGL: You said that, not me!
OB: Moving onto The Ashes proper (sorry!); what are your predictions over the next few weeks? Will England regain The Ashes?
EGL: Well England have not regained the Ashes in Australia since 1970-71. That tells you what a tough ask it is going to be.
OB: Where’s your positivity!?
EGL: Oh, I’m positive! Assuming Ben Stokes stays fit and we get the pace from Wood and Archer, I’m predicting an England win 3-1 or 3-2.
OB: I hope you’re right!
EGL: Me too. I do think we’ll win. I suppose if there is one player who might be a thorn in our side it might be Travis Head. He’s a powerful, proven match-winner who could step up one too many times. That said, I stand by my prediction.
OB: I’m with you Edward; 3-2 England. I guess we’ll see in a few weeks. Thanks so much for your time and enjoy the next 25 days of cricket.
EGL: You too. Bye!
Read more about Founder Oli Broom's love of cricket that led him to cycling across the world.
If you'd like to join us for a slow cycling journey in Transylvania, the Taurus Mountains or elsewhere, find out more about our destinations or get in touch.
