England’s second Test in New Zealand will be played to a familiar soundtrack after the home side sportingly stepped in to have the Barmy Army’s trumpet repaired. The sounds of trumpeter Simon Finch, who took over the role from Billy Cooper in 2020, lead the songbook of chants from the travelling England fans and have been heard far and wide across the cricketing world.
But it looked as if Finch would fall silent at Basin Reserve this week after an incident during the first Test at Mount Maunganui. The instrument was taken, dropped and damaged by a local fan, leaving it bent out of shape and out of tune.
The news soon reached New Zealand Cricket, who arranged to have it fixed by Wellington-based expert Brad Teal and even picked up the bill. New Zealand captain Tim Southee and fast bowler Matt Henry made the presentation to Finch on the eve of the match, with the Englishman thanking the pair for their "beautiful gesture".
Handing over the horn, Southee said: "We did our best to try and get it fixed. We appreciate what you guys do. Hopefully we won’t hear too much of it but it’s always great to have you guys here."
A spokesperson for the home board told stuff.co.nz: "When NZC and the team heard Finchy the trumpeter’s instrument had been damaged, we reached out to see how we could help to ensure the second Test at the Basin Reserve would have all the songs and sounds we associate with the visiting English fans. While the songs and support are usually directed at getting behind the visiting team, our players and everyone at the event thoroughly enjoys the atmosphere they help create."
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