The long-awaited restart for English County Cricket has been a particularly happy one for Bradfieldians with three former pupils starring in the Bob Willis Trophy and another playing a pivotal role in her side’s victory in the inaugural Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Gus Atkinson (A 11-16) made his first-class debut for Surrey in the Bob Willis Trophy match against Essex in early August. He took three wickets during the match including trapping former England captain Alastair Cook LBW making it a very memorable first appearance.
Talking on the Surrey CCC website Gus reflected on his red ball debut. “I was very happy with it. A lot of hard work went in to this debut and a lot of time so really happy to start. I’ve been around the lads a lot so they made me feel at home.”
Lauren Bell (J 17-19) helped the Southern Vipers to victory as her side’s flawless run of seven wins led them to lift the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and as a result, received a call-up to the provisional squad for England’s T20 series against the West Indies.
Building on her strong performances last season, Lauren has been consistent as an opening bowler and has taken wickets regularly, including four in her sides’ final group match against South East Stars where she posted figures of 4-36 and one maiden from her ten overs. She deservingly received a call-up to the England squad and, despite not being selected in the final squad, we are sure that it’s just a matter of time before she get that first England Cap.
Harry Came (D 12-16) made his second first-class appearance for Hampshire against Sussex at the beginning of August and was his team’s top-scorer in the first innings. He went on to feature in a number of Hampshire’s Bob Willis Trophy matches this season.
Following on from the best season of his career, Ryan Higgins (D 09-13) has continued to impress with both bat and ball. He took 11 wickets in Gloucestershire’s opening Bob Willis Trophy match, including an impressive 7-wicket haul and a half century with the bat in the second innings to secure victory against Warwickshire.
The all-rounder has also been ever-present in the Vitality Blast competition, helping his team reach finals day where they narrowly missed out on appearing in the final in a rain-affected match. His 3 wickets and quick-fire 17* helped Gloucestershire to victory over Northamptonshire in their final Central Group fixture and he scored 19 runs off 14 balls as his side agonisingly lost out to Surrey in their reduced-over semi-final.
