In Pictures: Cricketers all at sea as they battle against sands of time

  • Meridian
Bramble Bank cricket match Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

Bad light and a decidedly wet wicket did not deter cricket lovers from staging the annual Brambles match on the Solent at low tide.

The fixture between the Royal Southern Yacht Club and the Island Sailing Club on the shipping lane sees batters and bowlers duel not only with each other but with the forces of nature as they take advantage of the low tide.

Among those taking part was Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in a fixture that is entering its fifth decade of existence.

Bad light did not stop play Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA
A view of the Bramble Challenge Trophy Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA
The pitch is blessed ahead of the match Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA

It was the ideal conditions for paddle sweep shots for the batters while spin bowlers might have been tempted to try a flipper.

Umpires, scorers and spectators, some from a nearby container ship, got a chance to watch the action as the light improved but a waterlogged pitch was a certainty later in the day in conditions very suitable for ducks.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston bats during the annual Brambles cricket match Credit: left
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first game being played Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA
Batters were all at sea Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA
Bowlers had to work with a soggy pitch Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA
Fielders in position Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston also had a bowl Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA
Celebrations on the sand Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA
The teams face the cameras Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA
The scoreboard tells the story Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA