THE economy, the weather – there wasn’t much to smile about ... until the Aussies got humiliated at cricket.
After crashing out of the World Twenty20 tournament, they face two weeks of thumb-twiddling at their Leicestershire training camp before their first Ashes warm-up game.
So we’ve come up with a guide to some local attractions to help them pass the time.
NATIONAL GAS MUSEUM
Leicester
No one is more full of gas than an Aussie in full sledging mode. Now they are a bit deflated, they could study the history of gas and view an amazing collection of appliances.
GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY
Loughborough
This is the UK’s only double track mainline heritage railway so Ricky Ponting’s boys can experience being on one track while everyone else heads in the opposite direction. Again.
NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE
Leicester
The Aussies have got plenty of space in their diary now. Instead of wallowing in cricket’s black hole, they could visit the futuristic Rocket Tower, try simulator rides and sample the UK’s largest 360° planetarium.
BELVOIR BREWERY
Old Dalby
As axed Oz cricketer Andrew Symonds would confirm, Antipodeans are partial to a tinny or two. But could this lot organise a booze-up in a brewery?
AEROPARK
East Midlands Airport
Features a collection of grounded former high-flyers. No, not the Aussie team but Spitfire, Vulcan B2 and Hawker Hunter vintage planes.
CONKERS
No, not the indoor/outdoor experience centre off the M42 at the National Forest. The English-invented game they actually might be able to play.
GURU NANAK SIKH MUSEUM
Leicester
A fascinating museum where the Aussies could learn how to tie a turban – if they haven’t had enough of being tied in knots by Sri Lankan and West Indian bowlers.
BOSWORTH BATTLEFIELD
Market Bosworth
They could try to get a taste for a fight here but it’s more than 500 years since an English King was killed in battle – and Lancastrian Andrew Flintoff will not be taking prisoners come July.
FOXTON CANAL MUSEUM
They’ve found themselves up a creek without one lately, but maybe the Aussies will find a paddle here.
VICTORIA PARK
Leicester
If all else fails, the Aussies could always challenge locals to a game in this 69-acre park. On second thoughts... they would only cry when a pub’s reserve team beat them.
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The advert above is nowt to do with me!
Boycott Sheffield
