Like any recruit to the Army, Nathan Baker fully expected to be posted far away from his Cleckheaton home.

Battle exercises in Germany, jungle training in Belize and street patrols in Northern Ireland were all potential postings for the fledgling serviceman.

But when the 25-year-old set off for his latest overseas mission, his rifle and combat fatigues were left behind - in favour of a bat, pads and plenty of sun cream.

Lieutenant Baker, from the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment, is one of 15 Army cricketers representing their country in a series of matches in Trinidad. The sun drenched Caribbean island is a world away from his cricketing roots.

Lt Baker said: "When I was six my dad dragged me out in the garden to play. Then, when I was 11 or 12, he took me to Brighouse Cricket Club - we were in the second division at the time and it has gone on from there."

The Army has launched the international offensive in a bid to strengthen the gentleman's game among its ranks.

Officers recently realised there were fewer good cricketers joining the service and many new recruits had never even picked up a bat or ball.

The Army Development Squad was then formed from 15 soldiers who have shown a talent the game.

To prepare for the matches, the players trained at the Dummer Cricket Centre in Hampshire under the watchful eye of David Gelling, a former soldier and current England and Wales Cricket Board coach.

England player and Hampshire captain Robin Smith also saw them play and sent best wishes for the tour.

The six-match tour is the squad's maiden series and the first time an Army side has played in Trinidad.

Lt Baker said: "I am a left-arm spinner. If it rains I may get a good chance but if it is rock hard then I am going to have my work cut out.

"They probably don't get many spinners so I may be able to pick up a few wickets cheaply. I shall certainly try."

Lieutenant Baker recently returned from an operational tour of Northern Ireland, where there was little chance to put bat to ball.

Team manager Major Phil King's said his orders for his troops were simple - win all six games.

He added: "I hope the tour will send out a clear message to both cricketers in the Army and potential recruits that there is still every opportunity for cricketers in the Army to play against strong opposition and test themselves to the full."

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