Saturday, August 9, 2008

[Image] The true origins of Beach Cricket


September, 1942. El Alamein, Egypt.

The birth of beach cricket.

Australians have always loved sport and the outdoors. In spite of what beer company marketing gurus will tell you these photos don't lie. Australian troops of the 9th Division invented beach cricket during a spell in the beach area away from the front lines at Alamein in 1942.

Whilst not having the entire regulation kit nor proper grass wicket the troops of the 9th Division did what they do best. They made do with what they had. A bat, ball, stumps and even a set of pads and keeper's gloves were located and a sand wicket established.


"Slips Fieldsman"

"another cracking shot"

images 041992, 041993 and 041994 Australian War Memorial.

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