POLICE officers will have to be on the ball and ready to bat when they take part in a friendly cricket match against an Indian community team next week.
Police from the North West Metro Region, including Caroline Springs and the Victoria Police Cricket Club, will participate in a Twenty20 game with the Indigos cricket club on 27 January.
The game will be at the Sunshine Heights Cricket Club, Glengala Rd, Sunshine from midday.
The annual event, scheduled for the Australia Day long weekend, holds a dual meaning for the Australian-Indian community who celebrate the Indian Republic Day on this date.
Acting Inspector Greg Hinton said ex-Victorian cricket player Senior Constable Rob Bartlett would compete in the match.
The Indigos Cricket Club was established in 2006 to help members of the Indian community get involved with sport and build friendships in Melbourne.
“Many are students who come to Melbourne with little or no contacts within our community,” Acting Insp Hinton said.
“This event is an opportunity for them to view police in an informal environment and to interact with us on a social level.
“It is a chance for us to speak to them in a safe and fun sporting environment about a broad range of topics and issues while at the same time building valuable relationships.”
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp will toss the coin and Brimbank Superintendent Glenn Weir will umpire the game.
