Teen Embarks on 17,000km Ashes Journey Without Flying

Tommy Lamb, an 18-year-old cricket enthusiast from Manchester, has embarked on a remarkable journey to attend the Ashes series in Australia, covering a distance of 17,000 kilometers (10,570 miles) without taking a single flight. Setting off on August 20, 2023, just a week after receiving his A-level results, Lamb aims to reach Adelaide by December 17, in time for the third Test match.

Inspired by a story from his father about two travelers who made a similar non-flying journey in the 1970s, Lamb decided to use his gap year before university to explore the world. “I’ve always loved the idea of travelling,” he expressed. He sought to visit destinations he might never consider otherwise and saw the Ashes as a perfect goal to motivate his adventure.

His journey began with a ride from Manchester to Harwich International Port, where he took a ferry to the Hook of Holland. Lamb’s travels mirror the spirit of adventure seen in television series like *Around the World in 80 Days* and *Race Across the World*, where participants rely on public transport and the kindness of strangers.

Lamb traveled swiftly through Europe, using overnight FlixBuses, which he found more economical and spacious than trains. “I was very quick through Europe. I actually got to Albania in about eight days,” he said. His route included stops in Munich, Zagreb, and Budva, ultimately leading him to explore the Balkans without any pre-booked accommodations.

In the Balkans, he sought local interactions to enrich his YouTube diary. His love for cricket remains a central theme throughout his travels. An average player for Bowdon Cricket Club in Altrincham, Lamb also played in the school first XI at Manchester Grammar School alongside other notable players.

The Asian leg of his journey commenced with an overnight sleeper train to Istanbul. After a brief camping mishap in eastern Turkey, where he learned the importance of proper shelter, he met his mother in Tbilisi for a planned break. However, his travel plans hit a significant hurdle when he discovered that the land border to Azerbaijan was closed. The only option was to enter Iran, which posed challenges in obtaining a visa and a guide.

“I was told it would take three months to get the paperwork,” he recounted, but he managed to expedite the process with a travel agency, albeit at a high cost from his savings. Spending ten days in Iran, he found the experience enlightening. “Iran was my favourite country. It was eye-opening,” he remarked, reflecting on the discrepancies between media portrayals and reality.

Lamb’s adventures in Iran included an unforgettable cricket match with a local mullah and a night camping in a cave, where he enjoyed the hospitality of a family. “That night as a whole, and that day, was probably the highlight of my trip so far,” he shared.

His travels then led him to the challenging region of Balochistan in Pakistan, where he required police and military escorts. After three days of travel through Balochistan, Lamb was able to explore cricket culture in Lahore, where he attended a match between South Africa and Pakistan.

To continue his journey, he faced a detour through China, as restrictions prevented him from entering Tibet. He navigated a complex route north, then east, and south, before arriving in Vietnam. It was there that he encountered a serious setback when he had an accident while riding a motorbike, resulting in a fractured skull and broken nose.

“I don’t remember anything about the actual incident,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of his injuries. Hospitalized for treatment, he relied on his mother for support and medical advice. Despite being advised to rest for two weeks, he plans to resume his travels shortly.

Once cleared to travel, Lamb will embark on the final leg of his journey through Southeast Asia, aiming to cross the Pacific Ocean to reach Bali by early December. From Bali, he faces the daunting task of finding a cargo ship to take him to Darwin, Australia. “I will start sort of heading to port and asking people where they think is best to be looking for a boat,” he stated.

If successful, Lamb anticipates a long land journey from Darwin to Adelaide, which he estimates will take four to five days. His family plans to meet him in Adelaide, with tickets secured for the first, second, and fourth days of the Test matches in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Reflecting on his journey thus far, Lamb commented, “I always knew that I’m a very privileged person… it’s been an absolute privilege and joy.” His adventure not only tests his limits but also highlights the kindness of people encountered along the way.