Wellington to Dhaka: English couple completes cricket journey 

English couple Nige Swinbank and Helen Swinbank's latest cricketing journey has brought them to Bangladesh just days after they witnessed England's one-run defeat against New Zealand in Wellington.

The journey completed the Swinbanks' full circle of globetrotting to countries for the love of cricket as the couple managed to tick off Bangladesh from their list of Test-playing nations apart from Afghanistan that they had not been to prior.

The two had previously wished to visit Bangladesh during the 2011 World Cup and then the 2016 England tour but work-related pressure prevented them from doing so. This time around, they were able to watch the second ODI live at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur and are on course to watch the third ODI in Chattogram after which they are set to fly back home to England, snubbing the T20I series.

On the way to Chattogram on Saturday, the couple crossed paths with this reporter at the Dhaka Airport Railway Station where they had difficulties reading the names of compartments written in Bangla. Having booked their ticket online for the non-stop Sonar Bangla train to the port city, they arrived at the station and asked this reporter to help them find the right compartment. In the process, the cricket-loving couple shared their fascinating journey till date, having watched cricket matches in 22 countries in 26 years since 1997.

The modern era's packed cricketing schedules have also made their passion demanding. The Swinbanks had to miss England's first ODI against the Tigers on March 1 as they watched the second Test between England and New Zealand that concluded on February 28.

It was evident that England's ODI series victory over the Tigers was not enough to ease the pain the couple felt following the Wellington loss. Nige criticised Australian umpire Rod Tucker's decision of not calling a wide delivery near the game's end, which he felt could have resulted in England avoiding a defeat at the very least.   

Their love for Test cricket stood out as well.  For them, the red-ball format resonates the dynamics of life.

"We like Test cricket more as it's similar to life. In Tests, there are ups and downs, there is joy and despair, and the likeliness of turning it around, making a comeback is strong. You can experience the culture of different countries have to offer," Helen told this reporter.

Asked how are they able to maintain their exciting lifestyle as travelers, they did not reveal the specifics but said that the desire alone makes all the difference, making the opportunities present itself.

"You know what's our life philosophy? To enjoy life, and we do it by watching live cricket across the world," said the Swinbanks.  

At the time of filing this report, the Swinbanks had already arrived in Chattogram. 

"From Wellington Basin Reserve to the Sher e Bangla Stadium in Mirpur - loving living life round the world watching @englandcricket with top people on each and every trip. Just arrived in Chattogram (no longer Chittagong) after a first Bangladesh experience from Dhaka," Nige tweeted from his official Twitter handle today.