LD vs AMTG ASHES

23rd July 2005

Sporting fixtures have always been part of Military life, whether it be football in the trenches or cricket at Gallipoli, and the conflict in Iraq has proved no exception to that rule. This summer, as fate would have it, both the Australian and British Armies found themselves serving together in Al Muthanna Province, about half way between Basrah and Baghdad. The province itself is about the size of Wales, with approximately 80% of that area being desert, inhabited only Bedouin and Camels.

The forces are based in Iraq helping to train the indigenous Iraqi forces, so that they can manage to control the security situation for themselves, impart the rule of law in a fair and just manner, and embrace the benefits of a fair, free and democratic society. To this end the soldiers spend 6 months away from their homes and families, working 7 day weeks, instructing, patrolling and engaging with the local community.

With both The Light Dragoons (the British light cavalry regiment) and Australian 2nd Cavalry Regiment having proud sporting traditions, it was always unlikely that the Ashes would pass without incident. Thus it was decided that there would be no better way to build relations between the two forces than by organising a series of one-day cricket tournaments to coincide with the Ashes Tests. All this, of course, had to fit in with the ongoing task at hand of ensuring the security and standard of living for the Iraqi people, fortunately it will be a few years yet before either side can be blamed for imparting the secrets of cricket to a world beating Iraqi side.

Desert Ashes

The lush green English Sunday League wickets are a far cry from the sand-rock mix of an outfield that the soldiers had to contend with. Diving catches and sliding stops in the outfield are not for the timid, more likely to leave you nursing a rather nasty graze than contending with a grass stain on the whites (or golds). The Australians managed to lay a concrete wicket and import some coconut matting, and after a little work from the Quartermasters, who found themselves flung into new roles as impromptu grounds men, the stage was set.

All around the (Al Muthanna Cricket Ground) AMCG, soldiers formed up to cheer on their respective teams. Seldom before can Scimitar Tanks and ASLAV armoured vehicles been seen parked up alongside the boundary rope of a cricket pitch, play even had to be suspended momentarily as a MERLIN helicopter came in to land, causing a dust storm to engulf the pitch.

Like their national side at Lords, the Australians won the toss and elected to bat, forcing the words of Noel Coward to come true; “Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun”. At a brisk 53 degrees, and not a cloud in the sky, the players did not only have each other to battle against. Certainly the worry of being rained off that permeates around many a game back in England was not a concern out here.

Interest in the game was not confined to a few rather bemused looking Iraqi workers and journalists, as journalists from both the UK and Australia started to enquire as to how the members of Task Force EAGLE (as the combined troops are known) would resolve the issue of being based together, whilst their respective nations battled it out on the cricket grounds of England. Even the diplomatic channels showed an interest in the game, with the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, writing to the Australian Commanding Officer wishing them luck and a comfortable victory.

The game itself ended up with the Australians proving to be too strong for the opposition, claiming a comfortable 112 run victory, after a splendid century off 15 overs from their leading batsman, Maj Steve Mott (who will thankfully be on leave for the next match). The English soldiers never let their heads go down, and fought valiantly to the end, and with 4 tests still to play, the series is far from over.

Personalities

The Commanding Officer of The Light Dragoons, Lt Col Robin Matthews.

The Commanding Officer of 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Lt Col Roger Noble.

Team captain The Light Dragoons, Lt Will Jelf.

Team captain AMTG, Capt David Carew.

Timetable

Dates for the five matches are as follows: 21 JUL, 04 AUG, 11 AUG, 25 AUG, 08 SEP.

The coin tosses will be at approximately 1315 hrs local time, to coincide with the 1015 hrs toss in the UK.

Matches will then commence at 1500hrs local.

For information please email or visit the website

Light Dragoons Media Officer, Capt Tim Smail at: desertashes@hotmail.co.uk

AMTG Media Officer, Capt Keith Wilkinson at: keith.wilkinson@id1.defence.gov.au