Malta

Lying in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta’s location has historically given it great strategic importance as a naval base. The nation was awarded the George Cross for bravery in 1942. The Maltese are also proud of their cricketing traditions and the game has been played locally for over 200 years, since the first recorded game between the sailors of Lord Nelson’s fleet in 1800.

The British services have played cricket in Malta since 1889, and in 1891, W.G. Grace played for Lord Sheffield’s XI at the Royal Naval Ground on route to their tour of Australia. Wally Hammond also played in Malta as a junior while his father William was posted as a Corporal in the Royal Garrison Artillery from 1911 to 1914. When the British left Malta in 1972, the administration of the game was taken over by the Maltese. Malta was inducted as an Affiliate member of the International Cricket Council in 1998.

Over the years, the Marsa Sports Club became the country’s premier sporting facility. The Marsa Oval, overlooked by the 15th century Ta' Ceppuna chapel and surrounded by Mediterranean date palms, is one of Europe's most iconic cricket grounds. Martin and Jeff Crowe, John Emburey, Mike Gatting, Andrew Strauss, Angus Fraser, Phil Tufnell, Chris Pringle and Nick Compton have all graced the Marsa ground in recent years.