MCC will host the first ever Bunbury English Schools Cricket Association (ESCA) day on the Main Ground at Lord’s on Wednesday 10th September when England Under 15s play against England Under 16s in a 50-over contest.
The match, which will celebrate 60 years of ESCA, has been arranged following talks by David English - a Vice President of ESCA and creator of the Bunbury festival – and Keith Bradshaw, Secretary & Chief Executive of MCC.
“This is certainly the greatest day for schools cricket in this country” said David English.
“When Keith Bradshaw approached me to offer Lord’s for a Bunbury England Under 15 game, I thought that nothing illuminated the Spirit of Cricket more than this gesture. It will have long-term benefits as these young cricketers will be involved for England for many years to come.
“Admission will for the match will be only £3 - £1.50 for concessions - and I hope we will see as many supporters at Lord’s as possible. It will be a great chance to support England’s future Test stars playing at the greatest cricket ground in the world – don’t miss it!”
Keith Bradshaw commented:
“MCC is delighted to be hosting this Bunbury ESCA match later in the summer and it will be fitting to see the England cricketers of tomorrow play at the Home of Cricket.
“David English’s contribution to English schools’ cricket is legendary and his enthusiasm for the game is contagious. MCC is pleased to help celebrate this milestone with ESCA and the Bunburys and I hope we can welcome many supporters to Lord’s for a game which is bound to be played to a very high standard and in the right spirit.”
This year will mark the 22nd anniversary of the Bunbury ESCA festival; a staggering 49 former Bunburys have gone on to play cricket for England and 181 players have progressed into first-class cricket. The England Ashes-winning side of 2005 contained nine former Bunburys, including Michael Vaughan, Andrew Flintoff and Marcus Trescothick.
Representing the Bunbury ESCA Under 15 side is no mean feat. Cricketers who excel for their school or club are selected for their county; then they must impress regional selectors before being chosen to play at the Bunbury Festival, which this year is being held at Sedbergh School, Cumbria, between 21st and 25th July. The England Under 15 side will be selected based on performances at Sedbergh and will go on to play at Lord’s against last year’s Under 15 team – a side which excelled in the 2007 Bunbury festival.
Play will commence on Wednesday 10th September at 11am.
© MCC
