Worcestershire CCC history-maker, Jack Shantry, is returning to New Road as part of the Worcestershire Former Players XI on August 8, along with several other key performers involved in past glories.
Shantry will be part of the side that will take on a Worcestershire Clubs XI in a T20 match on an action-packed day of cricket, also featuring the England Physical Disability XI and the Worcestershire Women’s Rapids.
The former players will wear special ‘Legends’ shirts featuring the name of EVERY Worcestershire 2020 Member who donated their membership – and admission is free for all Worcestershire Exclusive 2020 members and a guest.
Shantry had a lengthy and successful career at New Road but will forever be associated with ‘Shantry’s Match’ at the climax of the 2014 County Championship season.
He rescued a seemingly lost cause against Surrey at New Road by scoring a century and taking ten wickets.
Shantry became the first player batting at number nine or lower to achieve that incredible feat in the history of the first-class game in this country.
His sterling efforts enabled Worcestershire to triumph and gain promotion to Division One, and he also helped them remain in the top flight the following season.
Alexei Kervezee, whose direct throw ran out the final Surrey batsman to cue massive celebrations, is also part of the Former Players XI.
Worcester-born Steve McEwan, who played a significant role in Worcestershire’s 1989 County Championship title triumph, is another member of the Eleven.
McEwan helped Worcestershire overcome the loss of several members of their attack to injury and England call-ups by taking 50 wickets during the second half of that season.
Players so far confirmed for the Former Players XI are David Banks, Ricardo Ellcock, Alexei Kervezee, Steve McEwan, Matt Pardoe, Nathan Round, Jack Shantry, Richard Stemp and Jonathan Wright.
A strong Worcestershire Clubs XI will provide the opposition, skippered by Liam Gwynne of Ombersley and comprising many players who regularly perform in the Birmingham & District Premier League.
They will select from Liam Gwynne (Ombersley, captain), Ryan Tongue (Barnards Green), Joe Miszkowski (Kidderminster), Will Baker (Barnt Green), Tom Raymond-Hill (Bromsgrove), Phil Harris (Barnards Green), Wes Griffiths (Halesowen, wicket-keeper), Charlie Stainforth (Kidderminster), Adam Hines (Barnt Green), Gareth Williams (Bromsgrove), Eddie Rhodes (Halesowen).
The Former Players XI v Worcestershire Clubs XI match will provide the final action of the day and will get underway at 4pm.
But before that, the Worcestershire Women’s Rapids will take on the Worcestershire Women’s Pears (10am start), and that will be followed by the England Physical Disability X1 versus England Pan Mixed Disability X1 (1pm start).
An exclusive plaque with all Exclusive 2020 Members names will also be unveiled in the Graeme Hick Pavilion as part of a fun-packed day to remember on and off the pitch.
Autograph sessions will be held throughout the day, and there will be the opportunity to meet the Worcestershire CCC official mascot, Nile the Crocodile alongside a host of other entertainment.
General admission tickets, with all proceeds going to St. Richards Hospice, are also available for what promises to be a day to remember, priced at £5 for adults and £1 for under-17s. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Exclusive 2020 Members will receive an email with details on how to claim their free tickets.
Timings:
8.30am Gates Open
10.00am Worcestershire Women’s Rapids vs Worcestershire Women’s Pears
1.00pm England Physical Disability X1 vs England Pan Mixed Disability X1
4.00pm Worcestershire CCC Former Players XI vs Worcestershire Clubs XI
