ELWORTH Cricket Club went international as they played a special match against some of tomorrow's Tendulkars.
The club's U19s hosted the Karnataka Institute of Cricket U19s for two matches at the London Road ground.
The institute, based in Bangalore, India are touring the UK until the end of August and kicked off their English experience just 12 hours after landing at Heathrow.
Despite damp and windy conditions totally opposite to their home matches, the young Indian players showed their quality by winning both games comfortably.
In the first match Karnataka bowled out Elworth for 129 and then knocked the runs off easily. In the second match - a hastily arranged Twenty20 - Elworth fell just short off the 162 target.
The fact the Indian side chose to pit their wits against Elworth was another sign that the popular club have all the right ingredients to nurture players aged from 14 to first team.
Up to 100 youngsters - ranging from those barely old enough to hold a bat through to teenagers - use the facilities and the club's senior Saturday sides often contain four or five teenagers.
Karnataka chief coach Irfan Sait said: 'The boys have really enjoyed themselves and both teams played some excellent cricket. The facilities and the welcome we have received from the people here has been wonderful.
'We just don't get these types of pitches in India so it has been a learning experience for all the team and I am proud of how they played, especially as they have had so little chance to prepare.'
Irfan added that Elworth were 'more than welcome' to visit them in India.
Elworth's John Winter added: 'They were a little bit stronger than us but we gave a really good account of ourselves.
'It has been a great experience for all of us, both cricketing and culturally and it would be fantastic if the club could make the return trip over to India.'
