Cricket in India - Mumbai Update

20th February 2006

After two games in five days in Delhi , the Light Dragoons cricket team boarded the night express to Mumbai to travel nearly a thousand miles on a rail journey lasting more than sixteen hours. Despite HAVING had little sleep on the train, the team made a good start against the Bombay Gymkhana Club – the most exclusive cricket club in town. Eventually the Gymkhana Club (who were playing their 1st team) were bowled out for 250 with Troopers Cameron and Moralee each taking 3 wickets.

The Light Dragoons never looked likely to match the necessary scoring rate but 2Lt Ansell made a lively 37 and Troopers Moralee and McBeth shared a good stand of 42. The final total of 192 was 60 runs short of the necessary 250 but the visitors had put up an excellent performance – especially so after a long overnight journey.

They had played on a ground which was the scene of the earliest Test Matches b etween India and England and where the pavilion is adorned with photographs of Royal visits and famous cricketers who have played there.

“This has been an unbelievable experience,” said Corporal John ‘Nellie’ Nelson (31) FROM Killingworth, Newcastle . “There is so much cricketing history here – in fact, the whole country’s life seems to revolve around cricket.”

“I’m really enjoying the country,” said Trooper Daniel ‘Lefty’ Wright (22) FROM Berwick-upon-Tweed. “The people are so friendly and very hospitable. They are mad about their cricket – park pitch cricket is of a higher standard than club matches back home. It seems to be their whole way of life”

“But is isn’t easy for us to play here,” added Graham ‘Mack’ McBeth (20) FROM Seaham, County Durham . “It is very hot and the playing surfaces are tough to play on – but it’s been great fun.”

The team have occasionally been mistaken for the full England team, the cause of some embarrassment when people have asked for autographs. But tomorrow, the Light Dragoons have been invited to watch the England tram play one of their warm-up matches in Mumbai.

Then it’s back to Delhi (by plane) and a visit to the Taj Mahal before playing their last tour game.