When you play a game in wide open spaces, sometimes you get unexpected visitors and pitch invaders.

Ponies stand in the outfield of a club game in the New Forest PA Photos

Did the batting team gallop to a big score in the photo above? Or did wickets fall on the trot? Bolton's Bench, New Forest, 2002.

A cat watches Jeff Thomson bat at Lord's Getty Images

One of the few creatures on a cricket field that wouldn't be afraid of Thommo. Lord's, 1975.

A security official chases a hen in the outfield Associated Press

Call the ACSU! There's fowl play going on here. Harare, 2013.

A toad sits on the grass while ground staff work on a waterlogged surface Getty Images

No need to check with the Met department if you've got toads assisting your ground staff. Pull on the covers, it's gonna rain. Grenada, 2004.

A young dog runs in the outfield Associated Press

Other than the slime factor and the possibility of having to indulge in a tug of war for the ball, won't dogs make the most adorable ball boys? And here's another idea: puppy cheerleaders. Chennai, 2011.

A member of the ground staff leads a goat near the boundary during the game ICC

Is that the groundsman's assistant (an eco-friendly lawn mower and source of fertiliser)? Or lunch? Sharjah, 2013.