Cricketer tests credentials at Lord’s

Local cricketer Ben McInnes has taken his English tour to new heights after being invited to practise with two international test teams.

The Broome lad has hit his six-month tour around England with the Lord’s Taverners program for six, after getting some practise in with the Sri Lankan and English test teams at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London last month. McInnes was announced earlier in the year as an Arthritis Australia Ambassador after making a strong comeback from being bedridden at age 15 because of arthritis. Dan McInnes said his son was thoroughly enjoying the trip and was also involved in coaching juniors at St Albans school and, “would recommend St Albans to anyone as they have made him feel at home in every area”.

“After bowling against both England and Sri Lanka at Lords in the lead-up to their first test, Ben was invited back next week to bowl against both England and Pakistan, again at Lords in the lead-up for the first of their five-test series,” he said.

“Ben said that the highlight so far had been bowling one on one with Joe Root; the players and coaches were fantastic to be around and to see the way they train had been fantastic.”

The 20-year-old was also present at the Lord’s Taverners President’s Dinner where he met Sir Michael Parkinson and former English batsman Michael Gatting. Next week he’s expected to travel to Dulwich for a three-day training session.

Marylebone Cricket Club youth cricket administrator Craig Park said his journey so far was encouraging.

“I have had a brief chat with Ben McInnes this morning and was amazed to hear his story, what an inspiration,” he said.