England 60+ Internationals 2023
Squad for the World Cup
12/08/2023
What a fantastic year it has been for England Cricket Seniors or in Richard’s words EPIC .
There has been lots of progress since we introduced the original squad and success on and off the field .
* Winners of the Carib Cup in Barbados
* Record score in warm up game against Wales
* Beat Australia 3 / 2 in The Grey Ashes
* Regular training sessions with well know coaches at the ECB National Training Centre at Loughborough University.
* Trial game for potential new players
* Travelling to Toronto for the Canada Cup in August Australia/ Canada / USA/England
* Tri Nations tournament against Wales & Scotland in September at Bangor
* Sky TV coverage
* Local TV Stations coverage
* Newspaper articles in national media … Daily Mail / Daily Telegraph / Times
* Local Newspaper coverage
* Local Radio Station coverage
* Article with MCC
* Variety of podcasts
All of these initiatives are the build up to the 60’s World Cup in Chennai February/March 2024
The outstanding national media cover for both the 60s & 70s has truly highlighted the fitness & health benefits for all registered players, the quality of the cricket being played in the Championship each week & now gives us an opportunity to find quality sponsorship for all our activities both domestic & international.
To ensure we have not missed anyone please nominate any existing 60’s players or 50’s players who will qualify to play next year that have not already been nominated for consideration to be part of the squad / World Cup .
Please provide the rationale for your nomination and an overview of the player .
Paul Bradley on behalf of the International Committee
Wales vs England at Dumbleton CC Friday 23rd June
England Seniors take on the Welsh dragon in EPIC encounter.
The England Seniors Exciting Summer programme got under way Last Friday when we took on the Wales National over 60’s Side at Dumbleton CC in the beautiful County of Gloucestershire. Our Captain Richard Merriman had promoted our Season to come under the banner of EPIC.The initials from our motivational Categories.With the main objective to beat the Aussies in this Summer’s ‘Grey Ashes’ series of Test matches. Richard was using this preliminary fixture to promote the Importance of everyone in our Squad to support each other in this singular objective.Whilst of course practising the Values in firstly beating Wales on Friday.
The Toss was Won by England and RM elected to bat First. After first presenting England Caps to Two New players. Nick Gaywood, and John Whiting. Richard opened the batting with Nick Gaywood. After a steady Start both batsmen started looking to attack the Welsh bowling.Although at the 30 Over stage the Scoreboard read only 142-1 the stage had been set for 15 overs of batting mayhem! First Nick Gaywood and then Tony Birbeck starting flaying the rather ‘Sheepish’ Welsh bowling to all parts of Dumbleton. All in all the last 15 over’s yielded 228 runs at an Average of over 15 runs per over.An impressive return in any form of Cricket and perhaps more so at Senior level. Vice Captain Chris ‘Noddy’ Dearden who followed the wkts of Nick Gaywood and the unlucky Monte Douglas perhaps exemplified the EPIC nature of the last 15 with a 36 ball 85 not out.Taking our final score to 370-3 off our 45 allocated overs. Whatever the Captain said to the Batsmen at the 30 over drinks mark certainly spurred them on to a great and rather ruthless attacking display. The Bazball era seems to have translated down to the 60+Consciousness as well. Our main Contributors with the Bat were in order of appearance. Merriman 45, Gaywood 80, Birbeck 136 no and Dearden 85 no.
The Welsh lads left the field a bit shell shocked after they had restricted the scoring admirably for the first 30 overs but the Force was definitely with the English batters for the last 15.
After the delights of a Local Tea featuring Scones and cream alongside the savoury Salads and sandwiches. A positive looking England side took to the field. Understandably the Welsh batsmen looked a little jaded after their exertions in the field. Our Opening Bowling attack of John Whiting (Hants) and Tony Rhodes (Herts) bowled containing and attacking spells and Tony Rhodes took 1-10 0ff his opening 6 overs. Chris Deakin (Lancs) and Jim Phillips (Kent) also bowled very tidy and threatening Spells and Jim ended up with figures of 9-0-24-2. Graham Shaw also chipped in with two wickets as well. A good and steady all round bowling performance, which really stifled the Welshmans reply before they really got into their stride. Exceptional knocks by Mike Caden 66 and a Cameo 42no from Richard Harris brought the Wales total to a respectable 204-7 in reply but at no point was it threatening the England total.
So all in all a Good Team building performance from England with some stand out individual performances.What remains now is for the England Squads to take their form into the 5 Test Series with Australia. The First Test is on 12th July at Thame CC in Oxfordshire. In an ‘Ashes’ Summer which promises to be ‘EPIC’ all round. Bring it on! England are Certainly ready.
Australia 60+ Tour of England 2023
Grey Ashes 2023 – England Over 60s v Australia Over 60s
History
The first official England v Australia Over-60s international took place on 16 August 2009 at Sheffield United's Bawtry Road ground, with England winning by 9 wickets.
The most recent match in Australia occurred on 8 December 2019 at the Peter Burge Oval in Brisbane with England winning a tight game by 10 runs to win the Ashes.
27 matches have been played in total, 11 in England and 14 in Australia and 2 in Barbados. England have won 20, Australia 6 and there has been one tie.
Only one century has been scored for England - 109 by Bob Eames at New Rover CC, Leeds, in 2011. Eames was a Yorkshireman who played Seniors cricket for Devon. In the same match Ray Swann (Graeme Swann's father) scored 99.
The best bowling for England is 5 for 11 by Keith Daniels of Gloucestershire, at Kapadia Park, Geelong, Victoria in November 2011.
England Over-60s have played a further 19 official internationals against Wales, Scotland, West Indies, New Zealand,Pakistan, USA, Rest of the World and a Multi National Invivation X Iand won the Caribbean Cup in Barbados in February 2023.
England Squad
Richard Merriman (Captain, Derbyshire), Tony Birbeck (Durham), Kevin Bissett (Warwickshire), Neil Brathwaite (Essex), John Butterworth (Kent), Jason Caunt (Derbyshire), Phil Deakin (Lancashire), Chris Dearden (Lancashire), Montie Douglas (Lincolnshire), Nick Gaywood (Yorkshire), John Goldthorp (Yorkshire), Edward Gordon Lennox (Gloucestershire), Kevin Grant (Essex), Mel Hussain (Essex), Jim Phillips (Kent), Tony Rhodes (Hertfordshire), Graham Shaw (Durham), Russell Spiers (Leicestershire), Rupert Staple (Kent), Martin Watkin (Yorkshire), John Whiting (Hampshire), Marcus Young (Essex)
Paul Bradley (Team Manager), Chris Evans (Assistant Manager), Geoff Beale (Assistant Manager)
Australia Squad
Eric Higgins (Captain), Peter Judd (Vice-Captain), Dale Bateman, Bill Blair, Chris Carr, Michael Goldsmith, Peter Heading, Phillip Jackson, Peter Jensen, Bob McGhee, Stephen Moore, Graeme Pavey, Glenn Richardson, Bill Saker, Ray Smith, Mark Trafford-Walker, Dale Thornton, Andrew Walsh
Trevor Saker (Team Manager), Roger Bryce (Assistant Manager)
All matches start at 1pm unless stated otherwise
Game |
|
Date |
Opposition |
Venue |
Result |
| 1 |
Monday |
3rd July |
Sussex |
Horsham CC |
Australia |
| 2 |
Wednesday |
5th July |
Chairman's XI |
Chipstead Coulsdon & Walcountians CC |
Australia |
| 3 |
Friday |
7th July |
Kent |
Gravesend CC |
Australia |
| 4 |
Sunday |
9th July |
Essex |
Maldon CC |
Essex |
| 5 |
Wednesday |
12th July |
England 1st ODI |
Thame Town CC |
Australia |
| 6 |
Friday |
14th July |
Warwickshire |
Nuneaton CC |
Cancelled |
| 7 |
Sunday |
16th July |
England 2nd ODI |
Burton CC |
England |
| 8 |
Monday |
17th July |
Scotland |
Dumfries CC (2pm Start) |
Australia |
| 9 |
Wednesday |
19th July |
England 3rd ODI |
Southport & Birkdale CC |
England |
| 10 |
Friday |
21st July |
Lancashire |
Blackpool CC (12:30 Start) |
Lancashire |
| 11 |
Sunday |
23rd July |
England 'A' XI |
Oakamoor CC (12pm Start) |
Australia |
| 12 |
Monday |
24th July |
England 4th ODI |
Chipping Campden CC |
England |
| 13 |
Wednesday |
26th July |
Wales |
St Fagan’s CC |
Abandoned |
| 14 |
Friday |
28th July |
Cornwall |
Truro CC |
Australia |
| 15 |
Sunday |
30th July |
England 5th ODI |
Littlehampton CC |
Australia |
Extra Information
England Over 60s Twitter https://twitter.com/englandover60s
England Over 60s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/england_cricket_seniors/
England Over 60s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090421426089
England Over 60s Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@ENG60S
England Touring Squad to Canada Summer / Autumn 2023
Richard Merriman, Steve Aston, Kevin Bissett, Phil Deakin, Nick Gaywood, Rupert Staple, Duncan Watson, Tony Birbeck, Mel Hussain, Jason Caunt, Kevin Watson, Mike Daniels, Graham Shaw, Martyn Ford
England 60+ Barbados Tour February 2023 Carib Cup
A party of 16 players, plus three administrators, left Heathrow Terminal 3 on Saturday January 28th for a two-week tour of Barbados, to compete in the inaugural 60+ Carib Cup. This was mirroring the 50+ Carib Cup also held in Barbados a few weeks earlier.
There were also international teams from Australia, West Indies and USA competing plus an International select XI from USA and a Rest of the World side making up the numbers in a six team round robin format.
The tour party consisted of:
Richard Merriman (Derbyshire) – captain
Chris Dearden (Lancashire) – vice-captain
Kevin Bissett (Warwickshire)
Neil Brathwaite (Essex)
John Butterworth (Kent)
Jason Caunt (Derbyshire)
Phil Deakin (Lancashire)
Montie Douglas (Lincolnshire)
John Goldthorp (Yorkshire)
Edward Gordon Lennox (Gloucestershire)
Kevin Grant (Essex)
Tony Rhodes (Hertfordshire)
Jim Phillips (Kent)
Joseph Pierre (Essex)
Rupert Staple (Kent)
Martin Watkin (Yorkshire)
Paul Bradley (Lincolnshire) – manager
Chris Evans (Surrey) – assistant manager
Dave Fisher (Warwickshire) – scorer
Plus supporters:
Sue Gregory
Gillian Watson
Angela Brathwaite
Jennie May Browne and her daughter Alayna Boyd-Browne and children Joshua & Eloise Boyd-Browne
Nicola Dearden with son Joe
Andrea Goldthorp
Jill Phillips
Penny Fisher
The tour party was based at the resplendent Accra Beach Hotel and Spa in Christchurch, the location where the full England side has stayed when touring Barbados. This was an excellent 4* hotel on Rockley Beach.
Sunday 29th January - Practice
The tour proper started on Sunday 29th with a practice match at BNOC. There were tight timings for this practice as England had to be clear of the ground before 1:00pm as there was a T20 match on the same ground as soon as the practice finished.
Monday 30th January - Australia 142-8 (45), England 127-9 (45)
The first match of the Carib Cup was, unfortunately, against arch-rivals Australia played at Pickwick on Monday 30th January. The ground looked good when England arrived early on Monday, but the outfield was big and the grass was rather long. Australia, who came on this tour towards the end of their season, won the toss and elected to bat. England had had very little practice since the end of the 2022 season in September, so were under prepared, to say the least.
Australia struggled on the very slow, low wicket with a long slow outfield and amassed a total of 142-8 from 45 overs. England found the going equally as tough and the statistics of 6 boundaries scored in the match, tells most of the story. England ended on 127-9, a defeat by 15 runs. A disappointing start but lots to look forward to.
Wednesday 1st February - England 238-8 (45), USA 168-7 (45)
Having lost this first match, all the remaining round robin games were ‘must win’ matches. On Wednesday 1st February, England took on USA, an unknown quantity, at the Wanderers ground, just down the road from the Accra Beach Hotel.
England arrived at The Wanderers Cricket Ground on Weds morning fully expectant that the side would hit its straps as a side today, having had a day of reflection licking the wounds from the Australia defeat.
The Wanderers Ground was lovely. The old pavilion, with its two floors and slatted floorboards, a real throwback to the 19th Century. It was a real joy to arrive and be greeted so warmly by the organisers. Roland Butcher was on commentary as well which is a real treat as he was an England Cricketer from our age group. There is much respect for him from all the older Bajan cricketers and lovers of the game. It is a real cultural epitaph to the game of cricket which reminds everyone just how much the game has brought people together.
Moving on to the game, captain Richard Merriman won the toss this time and elected to bat first, which was a smart move in the circumstances. England really needed to get a feel of the bat on ball and adapt to the conditions. As it turned out the wicket, played much truer that the previous game at Pickwick. The ground was hot when the teams arrived so most of the early moisture from overnight rain had evaporated.
It was good to see the batsmen taking control of the conditions and batting fluently, none more so than Martin Watkin, who had opened the batting with Merriman. He ended up making a pretty fluent 70 and setting up a good total. Everyone else had chipped in, the final total was 238 for 8 wickets. All the batsmen at least got a start and hit some shots to encourage the self-belief that comes with time at the wicket.
In reply, the USA openers looked positive, but one opener spooned a catch to mid-wicket from a full toss giving England an ideal start. This must have settled Jo Pierre down who then proceeded to look sharp on this wicket which offered some carry through to wicket keeper Kevin Bissett who was playing his first game as well.
Hitting the gloves hard at this level is quite a big deal considering the age and the work these bowlers have put in through the years. The quicker bowlers showed the way and Jason Caunt was particularly accurate bowling his 9 overs for just 20 runs and putting the USA behind the rate. Next up was the spin of Phil Deakin who has a great rhythm going and pace off the ball can easily deceive the batsmen.
USA were restricted to just 168-7 but, unfortunately, Bissett sustained an injury which was to keep him out for the rest of the tournament.
Thursday 2nd February, School Coaching
A party consisting of Richard Merriman, Paul Bradley, Kevin Grant and John Goldthorp visited the George Lamming Primary School. The party delivered some Kwik Cricket equipment brought from UK and delivered a short presentation at the school assembly. This was followed by a Kwik Cricket coaching session in the school playground.
Friday 3rd February - Invitation XI 146 (45), England 149-2 (27.3)
A return to BNOC was the venue for the third match against the Invitation XI. The Invitation XI won the toss and elected to bat. The wicket was drier than it had been when we visited early on Sunday morning but, nevertheless, batting first may not have been the right decision.
The England slow bowlers were in their element again and two wickets apiece for Deakin, Phillips, Dearden and Merrimen says it all.
England reply was short and sweet. Martin Watkin and Kevin Grant putting on a brisk 68 for the opening wicket and followed by a fine 31* from Edward Gordon Lennox, England ran out easy winners inside 28 overs.
In the evening, the England squad entertained guests from CO Williams to a dinner at the Accra Beach hotel. This was an excellent meal and a great opportunity to make new friends. A special guest at the dinner was the great Joel Garner, a friend of Chris Dearden, from his younger days playing in the Littleborough 1st XI alongside Garner in the late 70s.
Saturday 4th February - A Day at The Races
After a successful game on Friday the tour party was afforded a bit of down time at the Savannah Racecourse on Saturday Afternoon. Organised by Paul Bradley, who managed to gain entry to the ‘Posh Seats' (undercover) we had an exceptional view over the course and the finishing line. In addition, we met the great Sir Charlie Griffiths who is a racehorse owner and eagerly watching a couple of his horses.
Some of the more ‘dedicated’ fanciers did well but as yet have not owned up to how many thousands of dollars they were ahead by the time the party left the Garrison at 4.30 pm.
The early departure was due to another important appointment for a Tape Ball experience. This was another great cultural event organised brilliantly by Sharon (from CO Williams) who exudes celebrity status in her social role. The local business hosts and many of the opposing cricketers, came from CO Williams, a big player in areas of commerce and industry in Barbados. This event was a fundraiser too for many charities and we had a lot of Interviews and appreciations to enjoy throughout the evening.
The evening started off with a brilliant warm up managed by a dancing group of enthusiastic Bajan women who put us to shame with their energy and flexing!
England were joined by a few of the West Indies 60+ side under a new captain Tony Rhodes and a mention to him for his dedicated management of the team on and off the field. Jo Pierre rocked up with some unplayable deliveries probably assisted by the low floodlights making sighting of the ball difficult. All-in-all England (plus West Indies) bowled pretty tidily and restricted the opposition to 144 in their 20 overs.
There was a big difference between the two sides when the CO Williams opening bowlers seemed to be bowling at least a yard quicker than England’s. The CO Williams’ calculated average age was at least 20 years younger than England’s. The batters adapted pretty well, and England were going along well with Neil Brathwaite and Montie Douglas putting bat to ball. Martin Watkin and Ed Gordon Lennox continued to play shots. England, however, ran out of steam later on when a couple of the team were unlucky enough to lose their wickets without really knowing much about it! The innings ended on just over 100 in reply which was double the score the local distractors were predicting.
There followed an auction and a raffle. A great conclusion to the event that Sharon had so wonderfully organised along with all the other ‘stars of the night’.
Sunday 5th February – Free Day – Island Tour
Sunday was a free day but some of the party went on an impromptu Island Tour. This tour took in the West Coast, past the Cliff restaurant, supposedly the most expensive restaurant on the island, One Sandy Lane (Rihanna stays here) and the Sandy Lane resort. The bus stopped at the St James Parish Church built in 1628, the oldest church on the island. It was then on to Mullins Beach which is now virtually non-existent due to erosion. On through Speightstown, the most northerly town on the island and the first sight of a Chattel House, which is built on stones so it could be easily moved and thereby avoid land tax! The bus went past the Charles Oswald Williams estate (CO Williams) and then inland towards Cherry Tree Hill, past the St Augustine distillery. After a brief stop at One Cherry Tree Hill, a tourist attraction with lots of peddlers, it was then on past St Lucia Hospital, which had been used as a COVID-19 isolation hospital for 18 months during the quarantine rules period. Next the bus visited River Bay, which apparently used to be a very attractive bay but is now silted up with seaweed, before a stop at North Point, the most northerly point on the island.
Back on the road, the bus took us to the Scotland View Bar for lunch, which was fairly central in the island and a little further south than One Cherry Tree Hill. The service was very slow, and lunch took well over an hour, but the rum punches were good.
Monday 6th February - Rest of the World 151-8 (45), England 152-2 (33.1)
There was a return to the Wanderers ground for the Rest of the World match. The Rest of the World XI won the toss and elected to bat, but the innings never really got going. No one scored more than 27 and there were no partnerships of note. Their innings completed on 151-8 from 45 overs. Phil Deakin returned magnificent figures of 9-1-11-2. Chris Dearden (3) and Jim Phillips (2) were the other main wicket takers. After another great lunch, the England openers skipper Richard Merriman and Kevin Grant started scoring relatively freely, both reaching their 50s. Although there is still dispute as to whether Grant’s 50 was or should have been 49*? The umpire, after the game informed us that Grant’s 50 was not a fifty because he needed 2 to reach that mark and he had already run a single to finish the game when the ball reached crossed boundary.
Tuesday 7th February - George Lamming Primary School and Passage Road Youth Academy
Kev Grant , Kev Bissett and Paul Bradley ran coaching classes at George Lamming Primary School from 9.00 am to 12.00 looking after 2 classes and presented caps and medals to the children.
A small party consisting of Richard Merriman, Tony Rhodes, Rupert Staple and Chris Evans visited the Passage Road Youth Academy. The visit was for two purposes; delivery of a large quantity of surplus kit brought from UK and assisting Head Coach Richard Clarke for 90+ minutes delivering training to 40+ very keen youngsters. All-in-all a very enjoyable afternoon.
Wednesday 8th February - England 198-4 (45), West Indies 135-9 (38.2)
The inaugural 60+ international encounter with West Indies was a must win eliminator to gain the right to play the Aussies again on finals day. This was a return to the Pickwick ground where conditions had been tough on the opening day. England were put in to bat on what looked like quite a juicy top after heavy overnight rain, the openers had mixed fortunes against the moving ball with Martin Watkin receiving a particularly awkward delivery and falling early, caught at the wicket.
Neil Brathwaite and Richard Merriman restored some calm in an enduring 15 overs and, after the first drinks break, started to accelerate the scoring with deft strokes and quick singles. When Brathwaite fell for 19, Montie Douglas arrived with his Intent to take on the bowlers on the front foot. He lost Merriman to an LBW decision, but the momentum suddenly shifted with the arrival of Edward Gordon Lennox to the crease. Gordon Lennox and Douglas started putting the tiring attack to the sword with great intent from both batsmen. The fours and sixes started to mount up and the last 15 overs pushed the score along at a healthy rate! Douglas reached a terrific fifty and went on to a fine 66. Chris Dearden then joined Gordon Lennox and proceeded to rotate the strike to allow Gordon Lennox to complete another magnificent and well-constructed 50 to add to his tour aggregate. A final total of 198-4 was considered competitive, if a little under par.
After a short Lunch break England took to the field for the defining innings. To a man, the side was ready and Rupert Staple, in particular, made it a demanding time for the West Indies openers who looked to be striking the ball well when they connected. Staple had too much nous for them and soon picked up both dangerous looking openers. Batters 3 and 4 also looked to strike a long ball and Bruce Smith in particular looked a dangerous batsman (father of West Indies legend Duane Smith). Duane was at the game egging on his old man! Unfortunately for Smith he pulled a hamstring whilst running a quick two runs and had to retire temporarily. However, his replacement a left hander also looked to be a cultured bat, and it took the experience of Jim Phillips and Chris Dearden to keep him relatively quiet, before Jim induced a front foot drive which was caught low to the ground. West Indies were now 5 down and had to rebuild which allowed England more control with the ball and the fielding back-up was admirable in the hot climate and spongy outfield. Phillips took a second wicket of Smith soon after he had returned to the wicket. His next ball he bowled no 8 batsman and so the Kent man was on an international hat-trick. The hat trick ball narrowly missed the off stump! The West Indies last pair put on a few but the last wicket fell to an unusual dismissal when wicket keeper John Goldthorp was obstructed by the batsman when he tried to run him out. The batter inadvertently stuck his bat out in the line of the throw and the umpires decided it was intentional obstruction thus bringing the Innings to an unexpected conclusion leaving the England team with a comprehensive 65 run Victory.
Friday 10th February - England 238-9 (45), Australia 168 (39.2)
England made it all the way to the Big Man Cup Final at the Iconic and historic Kensington Oval Stadium in the heart of Bridgetown. The team had been fortunate over the past two weeks to have been in the presence of cricketing greatness on many occasions. Those legends of the game who have either graced the games or social events would feature in an historian of the game’s top players. The players have included Sir Wes Hall, Sir Charles Griffiths, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Joel Garner and Roland Butcher.
When the formalities and National anthems were over, England who had won the toss and elected to bat, proceeded to put together what looked like a pretty imposing and certainly competitive total. Largely due to two significant scores over 50. One, by opener Kevin Grant and a particularly impressive 74 by Edward Gordon Lennox. His knock which featured six sixes and five fours appeared to slightly demoralise the Aussies towards the back end of the innings. It took a very fine catch in the deep to finally dismiss Gordon Lennox and thereafter the total was more contained although from England’s perspective this would require some good batting to be overhauled.
After another good lunch between innings, this time in the Three W’s Presidential Suite at the top of the main stand, England prepared to bowl and field its way to victory. The two England opening bowlers, Staple and Caunt, both bowled accurately and did not allow Australia any immediate freedoms to score. With pressure on them from bowling dot balls the Aussies needed to take more risks in rotating the strike and get the scoreboard ticking. When Staple 
completed his economical opening spell, he was replaced by Jim Phillips who turned the screw further and started to induce false shots which led to the fall of 3 quick wickets all to Phillips. Phil Deakin kept it tight from the Malcolm Marshal End to heap more pressure on the Australian batters and making risky single and twos even more perilous. When Phillips finished his fine spell of 9 overs, taking 3-38, Australia were requiring in access of 6 runs and over for the last 16 overs. Phillips was replaced by John Butterworth from the Joel Garner End and Butterworth was straight into the action picking up the dangerous opening bat with a wild caught and bowled and with it raising the temperature amongst the England supporters cheering the team on from the Three Ws stand. Butterworth added another two quick wickets in his first 5 overs and as Deakin was replaced by Chris Dearden at the Marshall End, the screw turning was tightened further. Dearden cleaned up the tail lenders with the last three batsmen falling in quick time and giving England Victory by the handsome margin of 70 runs.
The Job was complete and the England Squad triumphant.
Well Guys and Ladies, here was the Moment when England Seniors were about to receive the 2023 Big Man Carib Cup Trophy from Tournament Organisers in the presence of the supporters who had followed the team both physically and virtually!
It may just be a screen shot but it is good to recall just how magical it felt for the whole party having gone through a two-week competition where each game felt like a Final (especially after the initial defeat to the Aussies). To come through this together as a squad and a team was testament to the efforts of all to stick together through thick and thin and come out as Trophy Winners!
Richard Merriman alluded to this during his winning captain’s speech. Thanking everyone for sticking with the process and coming through it together and hopefully closer for it. Naturally there were teething problems along the way, but all things considered the squad cracked on with getting along despite any differences of opinions there may have been along the way. Ultimately, the good overcame the bad, and as a cricket team and a squad, England got the job done and the prize won!
The reflection process is under way now too and the squad will surely be able to discuss what can be improved on as well as reflecting on the achievements.
Ultimately it has been a great journey together as an England Seniors Squad and there are memories to savour for the rest of everyone’s playing days and beyond. This trip, and collective experience, has been memorable in many ways and perhaps none greater than the moment that Chris Dearden bowled the final Australian batter to win the final at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. The moment when the big smiles broke out and everyone present had a collective glow.
Richard was gracious and honouring to opponents Australia in the final speech and also recognising the sponsors of the tournament and all of the supporters who either travelled from England or were picked up along the way!
Gracious in defeat, Aussie captain Eric Higgins, awarded Edward Gordon-Lennox the Man of the Match for his fine match Winning Knock of 74, also mentioning Kevin Grant for his opening 50 and not least John Goldthorp for a great performance with the gloves (John confided that he had even surprised himself on viewing back the You Tube highlights!). The commentators also sung Goldthorp’s praises regarding his performance.
The bowlers all got a mention as well, not just the three main wicket takers, Dearden, Phillips and Butterworth but also Staple and Caunt who set up a difficult afternoon for the Aussie batsmen by bowling tight spells up front.
Neil Brathwaite and Martin Watkin were singled out for their fielding and moment of the match was when our long suffering sub Tony Rhodes plucked a terrific catch out of thin air to remove the Aussies last great hope of keeping them in the contest.
The England Seniors management team and selection committee should receive a huge thanks from the players for arranging the tour and for making all of this possible too.
Thank you, Paul Bradley and Richard Merriman, in particular. It is not easy dealing with a squad of 60+ year olds on tour together for the first time!
10/02/2023
England 60+ beat Australia by 70 Runs to lift the Trophy
Full scorecard Via This Link
04/02/2023
Latest results from the BMC O60s Caribbean Cup
10th Feb Beat Australia by 70 Runs to win the Big Man 60+ Caribbean Cup
8th Feb Beat West Indies by 63 Runs
6th Feb Beat Rest of the World by 8 Wickets
3rd Feb : Beat the Invitational XI by 8 Wickets
1st Feb : Beat the USA by 70 Runs
30 Jan Lost to Australia by 14 Runs
Selection for England 60+ and 70+
The place of the England 60+ and 70+ teams has always been to provide a pinnacle for senior cricketers to aspire to by offering the opportunity to represent their country as their cricket playing days draw to a close. This principle has been strongly to the fore this year as the International Committee has sought to rebuild the 60+ and 70+ England playing programmes post pandemic.
At this year’s 60s World Cup a Rest of the World team was created to enable a 12 team tournament to go ahead. A majority of the ROW players were from England. The World Cup committee has now agreed that a ROW XI should remain as a constituent part with the explicit aim of encouraging seniors cricket to develop in other countries which can’t as yet support an individual team in the competition.
We support the aim to grow seniors cricket in other countries and form a ROW XI of players from such countries. However we understand that at the moment finding such players will be difficult and so the ROW plan to continue to select English players to fill gaps in their squad. This creates a problem for the concept of England selection forming the tip of the pyramid. In that situation England qualified players could be playing for 2 different International teams and this clearly runs the risk of diluting the primacy of the England team.
To avoid any misunderstandings on its position, the International Committee has decided that should players represent the Rest of the World XI in a tournament which also includes other national teams who are part of the 60+ World Cup organising committee they would not be considered for selection in the long list of England squad players (currently standing at 34) for a period of two years. This policy would apply to future England players who reach the qualifying age and would also be applied to eligibility for the England 70+ team.
As is common throughout cricket from ICC downward, no player can be eligible or play for 2 countries simultaneously and this policy is in line with the guidelines being developed by other participants in the 60+ World Cup (eg Canada; USA and West Indies) with potential dual nationality players).
To be clear this policy does not stop any player from joining any other overseas tours whatever the banner that team plays under. It solely applies to World Cups and other tournaments in which national teams participate and so includes, for example the Carib Cup arranged for this winter.
