Catholic cricket club was Australian ambassador's idea

The idea for a Catholic cricket club was the brainchild of John McCarthy, Australia's ambassador to the Vatican.

He wanted to see something similar to the Clericus Cup, a soccer tournament among the religious colleges and seminaries of Rome.

Most of the practice for the Vatican team will take place on the grounds of seminaries in Rome but Mr McCarthy, a cricket fanatic, said he had a dream.

"I would suggest that at least on one occasion there would be batting practice in front of St Peter's Basilica," Mr McCarthy said.

When a reporter suggested that, given the historical baggage both churches are carrying, the umpire should perhaps be a Muslim, a Jew or even an atheist, Archbishop Moxon laughed and said: "As long as he is fair."

Reuters