Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 2 2009/It's Just Not Cricket!!
By SBLT Ken Brown
On Sunday the 16th August 2009, HMAS Toowoomba was tasked for a different kind of mission. It was not pirate hunting, it didn't involve a boarding team and it certainly did not involve a helicopter. It was a mission fighting for pride, glory, revenge and victory. A mission that would be fierce, dangerous and revolutionising! It would involve the great skill of 12 specially chosen personnel from Toowoomba, to embark on a mission for which there was only one acceptable result... Victory!! The Battle: A 20/20 Cricket match against the Pakistan Navy.
The team captained by LCDR Simon Howard All were very keen for a fun friendly game, expecting nothing more than an extended version of back yard cricket. Little did the team realise that they were facing the raging almighty and extremely talented Pakistan Navy Cricket Academy.
The coin was tossed, the pitch tested for cracks and moisture, and Toowoomba decided to attack with the bat. In hindsight, a fantastic and tactical manoeuvre to ensure the total of the Pakistani's did not reach 4 figures!
Toowoomba was all out for a dismal 117. Unfortunately, no matter the willpower, the skill level of the Pakistanis was too great, and Australia succumbed to an inevitable loss. A notable commendation to ABET Buzza, as the only wicket taker of the team and Brave efforts by POMT Stu Andrews whose batting did find the fence on a few occasions.
It is important to note that this is the first time that any foreign Navy has engaged in a friendly cricket game and that our own national Australian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan to play at this time. This game not only improved the relations between the two countries, but it also provided a trust and respect for the Pakistanis ability to provide adequate security and comfort for visiting personnel.
The day was considered a success, and the true spirit of the game was displayed. It gave two very different Navies a chance to come together with a common interest and build a very important relationship. On the day, the true victors of the game are the people who can gain something from these events, and use the lessons learnt to improve not only our own working relations onboard, but hopefully improve the Pakistani's as well.
