Monday 3 August 2015 17:19, UK
England are without James Anderson for the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, but the crowd there will still get the opportunity to see him in action, virtually.
Anderson is the face of Yorkshire Tea’s ‘Oculus Rift’ 3D experience which has been touring the Tests this summer, giving people the chance to feel what it is like to face Jimmy.
Ewan Wood, who works for Taylors of Harrogate, and who is in charge of the virtual reality tent at the Test venues, says the promotion has been a huge success.
"It’s been a thrill to be involved in such a joined-up promotion," said Wood. "The fact that we’re here and Jimmy has been playing only yards away – you rarely get an opportunity like that.
"And the other thing that helps is he has been doing so well, and you can hear every so often that he has taken another wicket, which helps more people come over.
"He is playing brilliantly and you can really see the team is lifted by his presence, and if he wasn’t there – forgetting the skills he also brings – his presence would be sorely missed."
The side injury Anderson sustained in the third Test at Edgbaston means that presence will be missed at Trent Bridge and perhaps at The Oval, except in the virtual reality world.
Visitors to the Yorkshire Tea tent get to shake hands with England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, before taking strike for three balls, and sharing a brew with him at the end.
"People are loving it," said Wood. "Some of the kids know more about it already than we do and the Mums and Dads are blown away by it.
"They reach out and try to grab the tea at the end. People are really interacting with it and immersing themselves in the experience.
"I’ve had many goes myself but am still no better at facing him. But then again if I could have a choice, I’d certainly do it in the digital world rather than the real world."
Catch the fourth Ashes Test from Trent Bridge live on Sky Sports Ashes HD from 10am on Thursday. You can also watch the fourth Test with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Plus, our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.
