MCC YCs get England call

Date released: 21 July 2008

Two MCC Young Cricketers – Beth Morgan and Lynsey Askew – have been selected for England Women’s ODI matches this summer.

Lynsey Askew in her new England kit Morgan made 17* in the first ODI against West Indies at Loughborough on 11 July, before the heavens opened and the game was abandoned. She was then 12th man as England beat West Indies by 10 wickets the following day.

Both will be hoping to cement their place in the one-day side when England go on to meet South Africa (including a tie at Lord's on 8 August) and India in NatWest Series in August and September.

Both Askew and Morgan (who play for Kent and Middlesex respectively) are enjoying their first summer as MCC Young Cricketers.

Alongside Tash Miles, Hannah Burr, Steph Davies and Jenny Halstead they have: undertaken strength and conditioning coaching; taken part in team-building and psychology exercises; as well as playing matches all under the tutelage of the Women MCC Young Cricketers coach Alan Duncan.

Morgan: Improving her game with MCC Beth Morgan said: “Being a MCC Young Cricketer allows us to train 24/7 and have access to facilities and coaching on-tap.

"Training intensively with other players of a high standard only improves your game and means you know the level you have to aspire to.

"It’s essentially international-level training and facilities every day throughout the summer, which is a great privilege.”

Coaches' verdict

The call-ups mark another high point in a successful summer for the women MCC Young Cricketers.

Calling on ex-MCC YCs such as Caroline Atkins and top University players, they have fielded strong sides against Loughborough UCCE, winning two of the three games played.

Coach, Alan Duncan explained: “The MCC YC scheme presents the players with rare and valuable opportunities.

"For example, because we are funding them throughout the summer, they are classed as professionals and can take advantage of schemes the Professional Cricketers’ Association offers such as lifestyle advice and sports massage courses.

"It also means they can fully focus on their cricket – including recovery after matches – rather than having to run off to jobs.

“I’m delighted for both Beth and Lynsey – especially since Lynsey broke her finger in the winter and has had to fight hard to force her way back into the team. Now they’ve been presented with the opportunity, they’ve got to take it.”

Clive Radley, MCC Head Coach, said: “The call-ups reflect the hard work the girls have put in and is a brilliant advert for the coaching and facilities they get at Lord’s.

"The current crop of women MCC Young Cricketers is very talented and they are pushing each other all the time – if they can all keep up the intensity, more international recognition will be the reward.”