Day 8: Game 5 v Mighty Cricket Academy

A short bus trip his morning took us to the Colombo Cricket Club ground for our game against the Mighty Cricket Academy. There were some last minute team changes as some of the boys were feeling the effects of local food, lots of cricket and the sapping heat. For the first time on tour we fielded first. Rahul (2/20) opened with a scorching spell and he was ably supported by Charlie (1/22) and Nick (3/15). After 25 overs the hosts were 7 for 85. Tom M (2/34) finally found his mojo and bowled a solid 8 overs. Everyone was feeling that we could now break the drought, chase a small total and win the game. Strange field placements, a few dropped catches and a few too many wides let the Mighty Academy off the hook and they ended with 157 from their 40 overs.

After lunch Zac and Matt O (31) got the team off to a great start making an opening stand of 57. Oli then joined Zac at the crease and after a few close calls the score continued to tick over until Zac (27) departed. Jack joined Oli In the middle and the pair took the game away from the opposition with some controlled batting. Oli made a fine 55 and a short cameo from Oskar (21) allowed the Barker touring team to pass the total in the 37th over. A great win for the boys. "From the fields" was heartily sung in the dressing room to the strange stares of the locals.

A mid afternoon return to the hotel left plenty of time to relax for a couple of hours. Boys deposited themselves at various venues - the cafe for coffee, ice cream, chicken pies or cookies; the pool for a refreshing dip and debrief with Ben D about his deep long on field placement or Lachie L about his two catches (and his missed chances); the rooms where the BBL game between the Strikers and Renegades was reaching a climax. Tomorrow we have an early start as we travel to Galle and play a game. Today was uplifting and allowed some of the boys who hadn't made a huge impact so far to shine.