A quick 50 for Guatemala – From Our Own Correspondent, BBC R4

On this assignment for From Our Own Correspondent I got the chance to represent Guatemala in an international cricket match against El Salvador. Despite the sweltering temperature and some questionable umpiring decisions I proudly smashed a half century.

In reply, our opening batsmen got us off to a decent start, crashing the ball to the boundary in a free flowing – see ball, hit ball fashion – not over coached, just purely instinctive.

Instead of bumping fists between overs the Guatemalan openers preferred to knock their bats together, while their teammates sheltered in the shade eating pupusas – thick cornflower pockets, stuffed with cheese and refried beans.It was all brilliantly unpretentious and beautifully un-British.

But then came the inevitable, dare I say it – quintessentially English, collapse. And after a few quick wickets I found myself thrown into the fray. This was my moment – my debut as an international cricketer.

The first ball I missed entirely – expecting to hear the rattle of my stumps – but the second I clattered over the bowler for four. Nerves settling, I then proceeded to smash my first international half-century – on debut. Fours and sixes flying to the boundary.

You can listen to the full report here.