Pollock blasts six in charity T20 as Northampton's Sri Lanka tour takes a cricketing turn

Henry Pollock traded the rugby pitch for the crease in Colombo on Monday, smashing 13 runs off just four balls in a charity T20 match between the International Rugby Stars and a team of Sri Lankan cricket legends — though his late flourish could not prevent his side from falling short of their 140-run target.

The England and Lions back-rower arrived at the crease with the game already beyond reach for the Saints-heavy Rugby Stars XI, captained by wicket-keeper David Campes. Batting in shades and a reversed baseball cap, Pollock combined effectively with Alex Coles, whose long reach proved useful, to at least ensure the tourists finished with some style.

The Rugby Stars had struggled to build a meaningful chase after a promising start from George Hendy, an accomplished club cricketer in the Midlands, who fell for a quickfire 18. Alex Mitchell top-scored with 24, but Fin Smith was clean bowled for a second-ball duck and Fraser Dingwall departed the same way, leaving the lower order too much to do.

The fixture was played to raise funds for the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF), Sri Lanka’s first and only organisation dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and cognitive impairment. Their opponents — veterans of Sri Lanka’s famous 1996 Cricket World Cup triumph — provided a fitting occasion for the cause.

Northampton Saints, the reigning Premiership Rugby champions, are in Sri Lanka for eight days as part of a collaborative agreement with Asia Pacific Lions Rugby. The tour concludes with a rugby fixture against the Asia Pacific Lions on Friday 28 August at Colombo’s Racecourse International Stadium.