Parliament XI to compete in Inter-Parliamentary Cricket World Cup

Jamie Strange in the nets practicing for the tournament. Photo / Supplied

S Tendulkar b J Strange 0

It's the kind of scorecard New Zealand cricket fans dream of growing up, and now for Labour's Jamie Strange, it could be reality as the New Zealand Parliament Cricket XI compete at the Inter-Parliamentary Cricket World Cup.

Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, who served as an MP from 2012 – 2018, is rumoured to be a part of an Indian team which will compete alongside Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa in the 8-team competition.

Strange, a member of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Select Committee, says the tournament will help strengthen New Zealand's ties with the United Kingdom, at a crucial time in their history, as Brexit discussions continue.

"We are well-positioned to negotiate a free trade agreement with the UK when the leave the European Union. Relationship-building is a key component of this," says Strange.

"We're here with the support of the Parliamentary Sports Trust who help us fundraise which means we can make it to events like this. It's important to note that we're paying our own way to the UK, with the support of sponsors and no public money.

"I believe it's a great opportunity to build positive relationships with overseas decision-makers. The chance to meet with MPs from the UK and all around the world and mix competition with conversation is a really great way of fostering diplomacy with current and emerging political leaders.

The Parliament Cricket XI will be hosted by Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP, for the official tournament opening. The team will also attend engagements with the UK Foreign Office, and will be hosted by 10 Downing Street during the Cricket World Cup Final on July 14. MPs will be undertaking a number of separate one-on-one meetings with their international counterparts, along with the more informal meetings of bat-on-ball.

Strange, who will be making his debut for the for the Parliament XI while on tour, says he has been a lifelong cricket fan, and the chance to play the final at Lords No. 2 ground is a dream come true.

"My first memory of cricket was Richard Hadlee taking 9-52 in an innings against Australia at the Gabba in 1995. I vividly remember the 1987 Boxing Day test match, when Hadlee had six balls to bowl out Mike Whitney, but couldn't do it. My eldest son's middle name is 'Hadlee'".

"My brother and I grew up playing backyard cricket for hours on end. We would often play at our neighbour Daniel Vettori's house in Naylor Street, Hamilton. Unfortunately for me, but fortunately for New Zealand, Dan had the lions share of the cricketing talent in those games."

Strange played one match for Hamilton Boys' High School First XI and mentions that he batted at 5, scored 27, and never played another match.

"I still feel robbed," he said.

"However, my proudest cricketing moment was bowling out former All Black Todd Blackadder in a game of backyard cricket at my uncle's farm in Collingwood. I pitched the ball on a good length, and it did just enough to cut back between bat and pad, ending his innings."

The Inter-Parliamentary Cricket World Cup takes place in London, England from 9 – 12 July, with games hosted by Teddington Cricket Club, Chiswick House Cricket Club, Blackheath Cricket Club and Beckenham Cricket Club.