Gatting Challenges Cricketers To A Cricket Marathon

Gatting Challenges Cricketers To A Cricket Marathon

Mike Gatting

©Lord's Taverners

Today England cricket legend Mike Gatting was at Lord’s to throw down the gauntlet to British cricketers to join him in breaking the British record for the longest continuous cricket match.

The challenge is to celebrate 60 years of charitable activity by The Lord’s Taverners. The Lord’s Taverners are a cricket based charity working to help children gain access to sport, especially those with disabilities or who are from a disadvantaged background.

To accept the challenge on behalf of amateur cricketers everywhere was Richard Kirtley, Record Breaking leader of last year’s successful expedition to play cricket on Mount Everest.

Both are now recruiting cricket enthusiasts to join them in what will be a tough test of endurance.

Starting on Thursday July 17th at 8am, the cricketers will play day and night until 8pm the following Saturday (19th July). The match will be taking place in the picturesque grounds of Wellington College in Berkshire. A festival atmosphere is expected with food-stalls, beer tents and children’s entertainment. Spectators are welcome at what will be a unique cricketing celebration in idyllic surroundings.

The project aims to raise £25,000 for the Lord’s Taverners, whilst providing a fitting celebration of their 60th anniversary.

Over the course of the weekend, players will be joined on the pitch by Mike Gatting, Chris Tarrant,  representatives of the Surrey Cricket Club, with more to be confirmed.

With the help of floodlights, the match will run continuously for a full 60 hours. There will be breaks for refreshments, but only in accordance with ECB Test Match rules. The format of the game will be 40 overs on, 40 overs off. Each team will have more than the 11 required to play a full format game. This will enable players to get a little food and rest when required.

Both sides are recruiting players able to take on such a challenge. In order to be a part of this record attempt, all that is required is a commitment to raise £500 for the Lord’s Taverners. In return you will receive your place on a team, a branded playing shirt, accommodation for those rare moments of rest, food and refreshments, as well as being part of something truly special.

Ex-Middlesex Captain and England great Mike Gatting said: ‘I want to lay down a challenge to cricketers all over Britain. Come and test your mettle with 60 hours of continuous cricket. I believe this is a physical challenge on par with running a marathon, and will be an achievement of which we can all be truly proud. By raising money for the Lord’s Taverners we will be doing a great deal of good in the process.’

Everest Test organiser and World Record holder Richard Kirtley said:  ‘It’s a great honour to take up the challenge laid down by Mike Gatting on behalf of all amateur cricketers in the UK. The Lord’s Taverners is a great cause, and this a worthy challenge.

Last year’s cricket match on Everest was a huge physical challenge, and this is set to be equally so. The strain on the body will be different, but anyone taking part in this will be able to be proud of their achievements. Come and join our team and be a part of something special.’

To sign up people need to go to: www.lordstaverners.org/hit-for-60.htm