Bristol, UK – In what many are calling the most bizarre cricket match in history, the local cricket team Bristol Batsmen secured an unexpected victory over league rivals The Somerset Smashers after the opposing team simply forgot they were supposed to be playing.
The Bristol Batsmen, who were bracing for a tough match, were initially confused when the Somerset Smashers failed to show up for the toss. By the time the umpire declared the start of play, it became clear that the entire Somerset squad was nowhere to be found.
“We Thought It Was a Training Day”
The mystery was solved later in the afternoon when Somerset’s captain, Craig “Smasher” Thornton, called in to apologise, explaining that the team had confused their match day for a scheduled practice session. “We thought the match was next week,” said Thornton sheepishly. “So we were just having a nice, casual training session at the pub.”
Without any opponents to compete against, Bristol Batsmen took to the pitch to play against the only opponents left—themselves.
“We weren’t sure what to do at first,” said Bristol captain Jake O’Connor. “But the umpire told us to just get on with it. So we divided the team in half and played a friendly match while we waited for the Smashers. They never showed up, so I guess we won by default.”
An Easy Victory, But Confusion Reigns
The match, or rather lack thereof, has left cricket fans and pundits baffled. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” said local cricket commentator Alan Bowler. “The Bristol Batsmen literally won by just standing on the field and playing catch with each other. You have to wonder how a team forgets they’ve got an actual match scheduled.”
The Bristol team, while happy with the win, admitted it wasn’t quite the intense match they’d prepared for. “I was expecting to face some tough bowling,” said all-rounder Chris Watson. “Instead, I spent the afternoon catching balls from my own teammates and chatting about dinner plans.”
In a show of good sportsmanship, Bristol Batsmen agreed to send half of their post-match drinks to the Somerset team, who were reportedly very sorry and somewhat embarrassed about the whole ordeal.
Somerset Smashers Reflect on the Mix-Up
Thornton admitted that the team’s mistake was a result of poor scheduling and “maybe too much focus on the pub.” “We were all in great spirits, just enjoying a team bonding session,” he said. “Then we got the call that we were supposed to be on the pitch. I couldn’t believe it. We tried to get there in time, but by the time we arrived, Bristol was already celebrating.”
Fans of the Somerset Smashers took to social media to express both their frustration and amusement at the situation. “Only the Smashers could forget a match,” tweeted one fan. “Next time, someone get them a calendar.”
A New Record?
While the win may not have been earned in the traditional sense, it may go down in history as one of the fastest matches in cricket. With the match officially lasting zero overs, the Bristol Batsmen may have broken the record for the quickest victory in the league’s history.
“We’ll take the win,” said O’Connor. “It’s not how we imagined it, but a win’s a win. We’ll see if Somerset remembers the next match!”
What’s Next?
Both teams are set to face each other again in two weeks—assuming Somerset remembers to show up this time. “We’re setting multiple alarms,” joked Thornton. “There’s no way we’re missing it again.”
The Bristol Batsmen, on the other hand, are preparing for a much tougher rematch. “We’re not expecting a free pass next time,” said O’Connor. “Somerset will probably be more than ready, so we’ll have to bring our A-game.”
Until then, the Bristol Batsmen are enjoying their somewhat surreal victory, while the Somerset Smashers have reportedly invested in several new calendars.
