Scollay earns ‘Ashes’ call-up

Sussex over-70s captain Brian Scollay is hoping to represent England in his age group against Australia. Picture by Steve Hunnisett (eh33001a)

The ‘Ashes’ series begins next Thursday at The Quarters in Hursley, and the final two matches are at Three Bridges on Sunday August 18th and Kenton Court Meadow, Sunbury-on-Thames, on Thursday August 22.

The 72-year-old left-arm over bowler has enjoyed a great season with Sussex, who are still in the running for the league title having lost just once all season.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been selected for something like this,” Scollay said. “I’m very proud that I’ve been given the opportunity to take on Australia. I’m really looking forward to that first match and giving my all for England.”

Scollay has averaged 52.3 with the bat in the league for Sussex this year and has taken 12 wickets from 74 overs with best figures of 3-40.

As well as playing for Sussex, Scollay - who lives in Broad Oak - still turns out for Sunday friendly side Westfield. He has enjoyed a great cricketing career playing for Hastings Civil Service (for whom he once accumulated 160 wickets and 1,500 runs in a single season), Battle and some Hastings representative sides.

The teams for the first two matches will be selected from a 26-player squad which has been compiled by the selection committee using the averages of the 2012 season as a basis.

The team for the final Test will also take into account performances in the 2013 season. The squad has been drawn from the Spitfire 70+ Championship counties of Berkshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex and Worcestershire.