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".
