Express & Star

Howell–zat? Brothers earn an England call

Two Black Country cricketing brothers have been bowled over after earning an England call.

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Jimmy and Nathan Howell have made the cut for 16-man provisional squad for this year's Indoor Cricket World Cup in Dubai.

The Coseley duo play for Solihull Dragons in the National League and came through a gruelling trial process to land a shot at a place in the final 12 that head to the UAE in September.

The event will attract approximately 400 players and officials and will be held over seven days of competition from 16-23 September, in Dubai's newly-renovated Insportz Club.

Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE are among the countries taking part.

The 10th edition of the World Cup will see them battle it out in the open men's, open women's and 21 & under men's and 21 & under women's categories, with Australia the reigning champions in each of the four formats.

The duo, who both attended High Arcall Secondary School in Sedgley and who have figured outdoors for Coseley, Penn, Beacon and Old Hill, have only been playing at National League standard for two seasons.

The squad announcement was made at an awards ceremony following the last National League clash of the season.

And despite enjoying a successful season that saw him top the league averages, Jimmy, aged 24, admitted he was stunned by the call up.

"I didn't expect it all," said Jimmy, who is a sports educator for RG Gym and Sports.

"We have been trialling for six months and at the last trial you had people from London coming up and all these players who have been playing for years. We have only been playing for two years.

"I won the league averages for the best contribution, but I had been top of that for a while so I knew I was in the running. But the England call-up was a real shock.

"They called my name out and there was a cheer from my team-mates, and then they called Nath's name out and that made it even better. Nath being in the squad as well has made it really special.

"But there is still plenty of hard work to be done to make the final 12."

Nathan, 22, who will play Birmingham League cricket for Brewood this summer, was equally shocked to hear his name announced.

"We were invited to attend the trials and have been taking part in trails every week since September," he said.

"I didn't think I had much of chance and went along to the trials because I thought playing and training with better players would help improve my game.

"There was a lot of work done on fielding and a lot of drills because that is a huge part of the indoor game.

"There were quite a few players trying to win a place in the squad and a lot of players who have been playing at this level for a long time.

"I used to play in Wolverhampton but the standard of the National League is a lot higher and more intense.

"After the last game of the season for Solihull there was a presentation and the squad was read out.

"Jimmy was the 14th name read out and I was the next one. Both of us were over the moon.

"Neither of us have never been to Dubai and it would be a great experience to go there."

Unfortunately for the England players, they have to self fund the trip while most of the other countries, including big-hitters Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, have the cost covered by their governing bodies.

So now the brothers are looking for support and sponsorship to help cover the £2,000 cost.

"It's a lot of money but we are trying to drum up some support and sponsorship to help with the cost and have set up a just giving page," added Jimmy.

Nathan added: "This competition is watched all around the world and live streamed on the internet, so it could be a good way to promote businesses.

"We can advertise their brand on our bats, shirts and bags. We would love to hear from anyone who is interested."

Anyone interested in sponsorship should call Jimmy on 07802 215205 or Nathan on 07552 231214.

Alternatively, donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nathanhowell

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