Shale eyes batting record in aid of Rwanda cricket stadium

ALBY Shale, a 22-year-old university student from Oxfordshire is set to attempt batting for 26 hours at Kia Oval in London from July 15-16 with an aim of raising awareness of Rwandan cricket charity.The Rwandan cricket charity wants to build the first ever cricket stadium in Rwanda. The charity was the brainchild of Alby’s father Christopher, who died aged just 56 in 2011. The charity is supported by high profile patrons such as BBC cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew, Prime Minister David Cameron and West Indian cricket legend Brian Lara. Shale will also be aiming at setting a new Guinness World Record. The current record of 25 hours was set by an Australian batsman last year.The attempt will begin on Monday in the Ken Barrington centre at the Kia Oval in London, and will continue until Tuesday morning. The rules set down by Guinness allow only a five minute break for every full hour completed - to take on liquids and go to the toilet. The attempt will continue whilst Surrey host Essex at the Kia Oval in a Friends Life t20 match on Monday evening.Shale has also called on well wishers to come down to bowl at him - particularly to fill the overnight hours between Monday and Tuesday.Speaking ahead of the attempt, Shale said, “It would be great to break the record for the longest ever individual cricket net, and particularly to take it from an Australian in a double Ashes year. 26 hours is a big ask, but I am preparing as best I can.”“More importantly, I want to raise as much awareness as possible about the Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation. I’ve been to Rwanda myself to coach cricket and seen a huge enthusiasm for the game but a country sorely lacking in facilities. A new home of cricket in Rwanda – the first dedicated international standard pitch – would be a great boost to all the cricketers over there,” added Shale.

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Shale eyes batting record in aid of Rwanda cricket stadium