Cricket's parting of the waves

While not quite a miracle, it is certainly an unusual occurance that allows a cricket match to be played in the middle of the sea. Every year, the tide in the Solent estuary recedes sufficiently to reveal 200 yards of the Brambles sand bank.

Since 1950, Island Sailing Club from Cowes and Hamble-based Royal Southern Yacht Club have ventured out in boats, waiting for their pitch to appear to begin an eight-a-side contest in the middle of a shipping lane.

With the pitch likely to deteriorate, teams favour winning the toss and batting first, although the outfield is likely to become damper in the second innings, affecting the quality of the ball.