Bashers Cricket Club

Bonjour from Twiggy in Morocco

Hi Bashers - you may remember me as the stylish right hand Pom batter from the British Embassy - or perhaps as the fat old bastard who pulled a hammy. Now working in Morocco - love the Basher pages and comments. No pics of Bashers but you might like to see a cricket pitch in Pakistan which I've just left. Outfield needs a bit of work.

Website, Membership, Elections, Committee... Yawn

Cricket For Smiles – Japan

A couple of years ago many Bashers stepped up to the plate and contributed to the Cricket For Smiles programme in Japan which was set up after the Tsunami. That programme has gone on to winÂ the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award Â and a couple of days ago Cricket Japan's CEO, Alex Miyaji, Â was also the subject of a special motion in the Scottish Parliament (Alex is half Scottish) recognising his efforts. Cricket is hardly a big sport in Japan so what these guys have achieved both on the pitch and off the pitch in terms of their wider contribution to the local communities is simply outstanding.

Bashers Invited to nforce Open Indoor Cricket Day

All cricket lovers are invited to a free social dayÂ tomorrowÂ from 1pm (SaturdayÂ Aug 11th) where we will form teams, play some social games and go over of the rules of indoor cricket. Whether its a few individuals interested in joining or even a whole team from of the Bashers, everyone is most welcome. The Camel will also be open so it should be a great day of social fun!

How to Play Cricket: A Guide for Americans

Cricket For Smiles wins ICC Award

Last year quite a number of Bashers stood up and supported Japan Cricket's Cricket For Smiles programme. If you recall Cricket For Smiles was set up to bring a bit of joy to kids in the Tsunami affected areas. several thousand kids have now benefited. The ICC have just awarded the 2011 Spirit of Cricket Award to Japan Cricket. Alex Miyaji the CEO of Japan Cricket has asked me to pass on his appreciation to the Bashers for their support. In 2010 Alex made the long trip to Sichuan with Badabing, Woodstock and myself to support the school in Sichuan and last year some of you will recall he sent Ema over here to spend a week coaching Chinese kids in the SRFC's Sport For All programme. They are good people over there at Cricket Japan who totally get how the power of sport can be channeled for the greater good and as such no surprise to me that they won such a prestigious award. It was good to see the Bashers get behind them in their hour of need.

The Saint’s Shout-out

Doing radio commentary for the test at the Gabba today Bryan Waddle and our Patron Danny Morrison give some love to the Bashers.

Scotland v England at Cricket (In Shanghai)

As the Battle of Auckland looms next week when Scotland hopefully give England a good kicking at rugby, I was pleased to find out that Shanghai is also no stranger to such sporting fixtures. If you have looked at the rugby shirts on the wall at the SRFC you may have seen the rather splendid Shanghai Scots shirt from the 30's. Simon Drakeford who is writing a book on the history of the SRFC/Shanghai Rugby recently sent me some photos of the mighty all conquering Shanghai Scots Cricket Team from around the 1860's to 1890's that took on the Shanghai English and beat them regularly. Clearly now it is my mission to reestablish this fixture and obviously one lesson I can take from the current England cricket team is that in the modern era one can be very flexible on the eligibility rules.

50p Challenge!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5Q8m43-YLd4 I think this has to be tried at training......

The Cricket World Cup, as Explained Two Months Later by the Yanks

A great article on cricket (albeit written for an American audience). From the new sports website Grantland.com.

Cricket For Smiles Begins

Many of you have already bought a patch, if you haven't talk to your skipper at the next game. 80rmb is not a big ask, most just round it up to 100. This seems like a win win idea, spreading some cricket love in difficult times in Japan. The patches are on their way, Latex will be organising a sewing bee to attach them shortly. In the meantime witness some of the smiles you've had a part in.

Cricket World