CRICKET: Sussex pair named in England t20 squad

SUSSEX County Cricket Club's Luke Wright and Michael Yardy have been selected in England's 15-man squad for the t20 World Cup.

The tournament takes place in the West Indies from April 30 to May 16.

Yardy, 29, captained Sussex to Twenty20 glory last year, which rewarded the Sussex Sharks with a trip to India for the inaugural Champions League Twenty20. He last played for England nearly three years ago and his skills with both bat and ball could play a vital role in England's challenge to lift their first world title.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last year, the left-handed batsman played 13 matches in the English domestic season and finished with a batting average of 26.75. It was his bowling, however, which really turned games, as Sussex managed to tie down many of their opponents with spin. Yardy went at under a run a ball during his 47 overs, at an average of 19.53.

Wright, who burst on to the England t20 scene a couple of years ago, has also been named in the squad.

Should England progress to the latter stages of the tournament, Sussex will be without Yardy and Wright for two County Championship games against Leicestershire and Middlesex, three CB40 games against ECB Unicorns, Lancashire Lightning and Somerset Sabres and the University game against Cambridge UCCE.

Yardy said: "It's great news to be back in the England set up. I enjoyed a successful season with Sussex last year and it is nice to get some recognition.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I am really looking forward to the challenge and it's going to be a fantastic tournament I'm sure."

Mark Robinson, Sussex Professional Cricket Manager, said: "We're delighted that two of our boys are representing their country in the t20 World Cup.

"Luke was probably expected, which is in its own right testament to how well he is doing. In Michael Yardy, we are delighted that the player we believe to be the best t20 bowler in the country has been recognised by England."

The full England squad is: Paul Collingwood (Durham, captain),James Anderson (Lancashire), Ravi Bopara (Essex), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Craig Kieswetter (Somerset), Michael Lumb (Hampshire), Eoin Morgan (Middlesex), Kevin Pietersen (Hampshire), Ajmal Shahzad (Yorkshire), Ryan Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire), Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire), James Tredwell (Kent), Luke Wright (Sussex), Michael Yardy (Sussex).

-------------------------------------

Click here to go back to Worthing sport.

Click here to return to Gazette sport.

Click here to go back to Shoreham sport.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]