Chapter Text
Roughly every 20 years or so a new rich guy, no doubt backed by media focus groups, would come out of the woodwork with some fantastic idea to revitalise the game of cricket. Surprisingly, the latest plan wasn't to somehow shorten the game even further. This generation's rich benefactor was a traditionalist who wanted to preserve the long form of the game. And so, the WTL was born. The World Test League, 6 franchise teams made up of the best of the best from around the world, coming together for a tournament of test match cricket over 2 months in the UAE.
Lando Norris wasn't exactly a traditionalist, but he did love cricket - in particular, playing it every chance he could get. So when he got the call up to join the new Full Throttle franchise in the WTL, he jumped at the chance.
Come late September, it was time for Lando to pack his bags and leave the dreary weather of England to join his new teammates at a pre-tournament training camp in Oman. Reading over the team list again during the flight, Lando was a little overwhelmed by the calibre of player he would be playing alongside. He was relieved to find that the team would be led by his captain from the English national team, Lewis Hamilton. Knowing that there would be a familiar face in a leadership position helped calm his nerves somewhat. He was less excited to see the name of a certain Australian on the side - Daniel Ricciardo. They'd played against each other in two Ashes series against now and while there wasn't any particular bad blood between them, Lando wasn't a fan.
Arriving at the training ground on their first day, Lando made a beeline for his good friend George Russell, who had been selected as the team's strike fast bowler. They had worked their way through the county cricket system together, both making their debut for England in the same test series.
“Hey Georgie, fancy seeing you here?”
“Lando! Good to see you! God, this is all a bit crazy, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. I still can’t believe we get to play on the same team as all these guys.”
“You looking forward to it?”
“Of course! Well, some more than others.”
George followed Lando’s eyes to where he was glaring at Daniel, “Ah come on Lando, it’s not the Ashes. We’re all on the same team now.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Doesn’t mean I have to like the bloke.”
Lando felt a hand clap on his shoulder and turned around to see the face of his captain.
"Hey Lando, can I speak to you man?"
"Yeah, of course Lew, what's up?" replied Lando, as he allowed himself to be guided away to a quiet space on the oval.
"So, the coach has decided to set up a bit of a mentoring thing in the team. Seeing as everyone comes from so many different backgrounds, he thought it would help with team bonding and what have you."
"So are you..?"
"No, no, not me. I'll be too busy in the leadership squad with Vettel to be able to take on a mentee. But Jenson has paired you with a very experienced player..."
"Alonso?" asked Lando, hopefully.
"Ricciardo."
Lando let out a groan, "I can't believe I'm paired up with that wanker."
"I thought you'd say that," chuckled Lewis, "but he's really not that bad."
"Seriously? You remember that time he asked in the post-match press conference if I'd grown any pubes yet?"
"Come on, he was just trying to lighten the mood a little."
"Lew, I'm a batsman. What am I going to learn from a washed-up all-rounder like him?"
"Watch it Lando. You're on the same team now and I can't have you speaking like that about a teammate," said Lewis, shooting Lando a stern look before softening, "Just give him a chance will you? Honestly, I think he'll be a good match for you."
“If you say so,” said Lando, unconvinced, as he headed back to the main group to start his warm up.