An 18-year-old cricket enthusiast from Manchester is attempting one of the most extraordinary pilgrimages to watch the Ashes series, embarking on an epic overland journey to Australia without taking a single flight.
The Epic Cricket Pilgrimage
Tommy Lamb began his remarkable adventure back in August, determined to reach Australia in time for the Adelaide Test match beginning December 17. His journey has already spanned three months and twelve countries, costing him approximately £4000 (over $8000 AUD) in transportation costs including trains, buses, and various other land vehicles.
Documenting his travels on Instagram under the handle @cheese_naan_on_tour, Lamb is currently navigating his way from Bangkok toward his next border crossing. When asked why he chose this challenging route over a simple flight, his reasoning was refreshingly straightforward: "I think this is more fun," he told Triple M's The Rush Hour with JB & Billy. "The flight gets a bit boring after 24 hours whereas it turns out land travel can be quite fun."
Dangerous Detours and Unforgettable Experiences
The journey hasn't been without its perils. Lamb considers himself lucky to be alive after a serious motorbike accident in Vietnam that required hospital treatment. "I'm grateful I could keep going and that I'm still alive after that, to be honest," he admitted. "I spent a few days in hospital, and then a few days in a hotel, recovering."
Among his most unusual experiences was playing cricket with an Iranian Mullah who delivered what Lamb described as an "absolute beamer." He recalled, "That was a strange one. He clearly wasn't very happy with the questions I was asking before I asked him to play some cricket with me." The adventurous teen also found himself sleeping in a cave in Iran, which he described as "a bit of a worrying time."
Despite packing "far too much" for the trip, Lamb made sure to include a cricket bat and ball, determined to play the sport in every country he visited along the way.
The Final Challenge: Reaching Adelaide
As a dedicated member of England's famous Barmy Army, Lamb managed to catch part of the first Test despite being on the road. "I watched England's collapse and Travis Head knocking us about," he said. "I was busy on the road for the last 36 hours so I was hoping the Test would last a little longer."
The most challenging leg of his journey still lies ahead. Lamb is currently trying to secure passage on a cargo ship from either Singapore or Bali to complete the final oceanic stage of his trip. "Hopefully I can make it," he stated. "That's dependent on how lucky I am with a boat from Singapore or Bali... I'm hoping to get to Singapore as quickly as I can and from there, I can start searching for a cargo ship."
If successful, he'll arrive just in time for the Adelaide Test, which will be broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus sport, completing what may be one of the most dedicated fan journeys in cricket history.
