Jeremy Wells: It's only the thrill of bat meeting ball - opposites attract

New Zealand cricket great Sir Richard Hadlee. Photo / Martin Sykes

I fell in love with cricket when I was 6. Weirdly, I remember the exact place it happened - Melbourne, February 13, 1983.

The sun was shining brightly. There were a whole lot of drunk people wearing yellow as his grip totally enveloped me.

My future lover was wearing tight brown and beige, I think. He's never been a great dresser, to be honest. Over the years, he's rocked black, grey and even teal outfits without a hint of irony.

That first meeting involved six sixes. That's what hooked me on him. The power. The noise. The excitement of those around us. I dedicated myself to him then and there.

In the early stages of our relationship we dated only during summer.

He took off during the winter and I never saw him. Occasionally, I'd read about his exploits overseas but he was a much better lover at home. When I was alone, I consulted books, which I suppose taught me to love him more.

During the 80s our love blossomed into a full-on obsession.

I slept with new cricket bats after falling asleep flicking through the pages of Hadlee at the Double. I dreamed about him. The dreams were mainly dry.

Daytime was spent fantasising about bowling to Australian openers David Boon and Geoff Marsh, or nicking Viv Richards out with a full and wide outswinging sucker ball.

By the time the 90s had rolled around cricket and I were inseparable.

I couldn't imagine life without him.

Unfortunately, this was the time when the relationship became abusive.

Cricket started drinking heavily. He would often beat me and, like a fool, I'd just keep forgiving him - returning for his love over and over again.

My friends told me to leave him but I loved him too much. He generally blamed his bosses for his mood swings.

Glenn Turner seemed to cop a lot of heat. He may have deserved it - I don't know. I met him once and he had a moustache.

Eventually, cricket and I worked through our problems. I guess we both grew up.

He played the game smarter and I learned to love him despite his faults.

On Valentine's Day this year we sat down together in Hagley Park and renewed our vows.

I could see a glint in his eye. He really wanted to show me he was a different person and I wanted to believe him.

But he has hurt me so many times in the past that it was hard to totally trust him.

But I did. And now I'm happy to say our relationship has never been stronger.

The other night he surprised me with a win in the semifinal of the Cricket World Cup.

He showed composure, grit and a steely resolve. This weekend, he's taking me on a trip to Melbourne.

We're spending Sunday night at the Melbourne Cricket Ground where it all began for us 32 years ago.

Win, lose or tie, I can honestly say our love is deeper than it's ever been.

Jeremy Wells is a member of the Alternative Cricket Commentary and Radio Hauraki breakfast teams.

For more coverage of the Cricket World Cup from nzherald.co.nz and NZME check out #CricketFever.