Lord's: Great place for winners ...

So the players will wake up, probably slightly nervous about what the day has in store for them - although in Gloucester and Surrey there are several players who are used to the big occasion - and wonder down to breakfast to join the gigantic queue for a table before skipping breakfast and making do with the bacon rolls supplied in the sumptuous dressing rooms at Lord's.

I remember walking from the hotel to the Grace gates, passing the long line of MCC members anxious to get their favourite seat so they can have a comfortable snooze, with Nasser Hussain and Ronnie Irani all adorned with our Essex blazers.

On approaching those famous gates one of the MCC's finest turned to us and wished us well before adding, "May the best side win!"

Of course it was quickly answered with "we hope not!"

Greenest grass

Now all games of cricket should have the buzz of a one-day final.

From the first step onto the greenest grass to the final shot of the game the crowd are with you. And by that I mean noisy.

Cheering their favourite players, singing their clubs anthems even if the words are as subtle as "Walking in an Irani Wonderland" or just watching the teams in the nets on the Nursery Ground.

A net session is followed by some catching and fielding practice where every fumble is cheered or jeered depending on who you support.

And then it's the toss.

Not so important in a July final but the September final (as it was) - imperative!

... but not for losers

The hands, by now, will be a tad sweaty and it's only human to have a few butterflies as you see the crowd welling up.

Everyone looks across to where their complimentary tickets are sitting just for a wave, a kiss or some other sign to let you know that your loved ones are behind you.

Back to those amazing dressing rooms.

More bacon rolls, cans of coke, tea, coffee and enough biscuits to solve third world famine.

It can't be just Essex - I'm sure every side has their own changing places when they play at Lords (apart from if you draw the home changing room and you're not a Test player), my place I'm told is also frequented by one Mr Shane Warne - he'll have to keep away from those bacon rolls but I wish I had his record!

Once 10.45 comes round it's pretty much cricket as usual.

The training and adrenalin take over.

Anyone who says they can't hear the crowd or it doesn't affect them is either lying or a robot.

You can't fail to hear the cheers, screams, whistles and chants as you take the field.

My idea of celebrating after taking a wicket in the B&H final

It makes an interesting contrast walking through the Long Room with all its heritage and serenity to trot down the steps on to the outfield and hear the noise of twenty thousand supporters - of which many will never see the portraits and oils of the most famous pavilion cricket knows.

Like I mentioned, cricket is cricket and the rest of the day you spend trying to do your job.

Every coach or captain will tell you to just "enjoy the day" but it's a lot more enjoyable when you win.

I've been on both sides and I can honestly say that losing a final is extremely depressing. The champagne is suddenly warm and the beer horribly flat - and all you can hear is the victorious chants of the opposition players and supporters.

On the balcony of the winning side you can see drinks overflow, shirts being thrown and cigars being smoked - normally by IT Botham, who would be sharing a drink in your changing room had you bowled/batted/fielded better!

Cricket loves winners and I'd rather be in Beefy's company than drinking beer containing razor blades any day of the week.