Did the Oval crowd know it was Bradman’s last innings in 1948? “That they might have, because England were bowled out for 52 and Australia were 117 for no loss when Bradman came in. So it was unlikely he was going to bat again. But I don’t think anyone in the crowd would have known he needed four more for an average of 100. Statistics weren’t that big then. Neither were they called the Invincibles on that tour. That’s all retrospective coinage.”

Rahul Dravid has just been bowled and The Oval stands up to salute Sachin Tendulkar. “Ah here he is for his final Test in England. That’s my Bradman,” Frith smiles. “Second ball duck? Where’s Hollies?” Another chuckle. “But Bradman wouldn’t have walked in the same way. The dressing rooms were further to the left.” He points towards the pavilion, before getting back to more Oval talk.

What of 1953, one of the most famous victories in English cricket history? “That Ashes win was essential, especially for a country that was so low after the war. But you must remember, England benefited from some umpiring in the previous Tests. Frank Chester was on the wane and he didn’t give a run-out decision when the batsman was four feet out of the crease. Now that changed the series.”

Was he there at 1971 when India triumphed? “Of course, I remember Abid Ali being lifted and all that. But Chandra was such a master. I remember facing him in Madras (well after his playing days) and he was getting the tennis ball to bounce way over my head. He wasn’t spinning it that day, just so much bounce.”

Any choices for his greatest Oval innings? “There are so many but Basil D’Oliveira’s 158 in the 1968 Ashes Test must be a big contender. I also remember that match because it was one of the last to be played on an uncovered pitch. Australia had 352 to chase but suddenly it all got damp and Derek Underwood skewered them with seven.”

And, finally, the best game he’s seen here? “[Ashes] 2005. Nothing makes me believe otherwise. The context, the mood, the game … and most importantly the irony. Who would have thought Shane Warne, the undoubted star for Australia, will drop the Ashes? I don’t think there’s been a stronger irony.”