Mark Lovell, 30, was a batsman and wicket keeper for Tavistock for many years and played at all levels from the colts to the 1st XI. He now lives in Munich and last month was selected to captain Southern Germany in its match against the MCC touring XI.
Marylebone Cricket Club — set up to preserve the exclusivity of cricket for the nobility in the 18th century and now the most influential body in cricket from its home at Lords — had sent a team to help prepare the German national squad for the ICC trophy currently being held in Canada.
'And to promote the game here,' said Mark. 'It was banned by Adolf in the 1930s on account of being too British!'
The two teams were lavishly entertained at the British Consulate in Munich before the match, which was, traditionally, marred by poor weather.
'Unfortunately after winning the toss against the illustrious visitors from Lords the weather had the final say, with persistent rain ending the day's cricket after just 10 overs, with the visitors 20 for no loss,' said Mark.
Mark had 'work experience' at the Times during re-training as a journalist. He had spent the previous seven years as a linguist with the RAF. He has now lived in Munich for almost four years and works for an American stockbroking company.
He said he was surprised to find cricket alive and kicking in Germany when he first got there, but there is a thriving league in Munich with eight teams, many of them Pakistani and Sri Lankan.
'I play mostly with Aussies, Kiwis and Indians though — much less confrontational,' he said.
Indeed Mark was unsure he'd be fit enough to lead the team out against the MCC as he'd just had to have his big toenail removed for the fourth time after getting his foot in the way of a full toss in a match against a Sri Lankan team the week prior.
Mark was also the skipper of an English side against the 'Aussies' in May, scoring 50 in a convincing victory for the Munich Ashes.
He is looking forward to visiting Trent Bridge, Nottingham for the 3rd Ashes test.
'I just hope England haven't lost the series by then!', he joked.