England star attends bowling camp in Suffolk

December 23, 2022

ENGLAND pace bowler Olly Stone was the special guest at a bowling camp in Suffolk.

A dozen youngsters from Copdock & Old Ipswichian CC attended T20 bowling and batting camps held at Ipswich School just three days before Christmas.

The camps were organised by Sam Arthurton, who is professional at the club and played with and against Stone while they were both growing up in Norfolk.

Stone, who has won three Test caps so far, said: “Hopefully the kids have enjoyed it and learnt something today, and I know if Sam gets his way there will be a few more of these sessions in the future.

“I love the sport and it is an all-year round game now and not just in this country. There are so many opportunities for youngsters now to get involved with, and the way the girls’ game is going now that is massive, so hopefully I have inspired more than one person today, but I owe so much to people when I was growing up so it is nice to come and give something back.”

The 29-year-old, who played two one-day internationals in Australia last month, has just been named in the England squad for the forthcoming ODI series in South Africa.

England have named a 14-strong squad for the three-match series, starting on January 27th.

Stone, who underwent surgery on his back a year ago, is looking forward to the domestic season with his new county Nottinghamshire after joining on a three-year contract from Warwickshire.

He is hoping to hit the ground running in red-ball cricket and catch the eye of the selectors ahead of this summer’s Ashes.

Stone, who made his Test debut against Ireland in 2019, said: “I have spoken to Ben Stokes and told him how much I want to be back involved.

“I have had a few injury issues, but I am now fit and firing and ready to go if I am in his plans and hopefully that phone call comes and I can get back involved.”

He enjoyed following England’s recent 3-0 series win in Pakistan and said: “It has been unbelievable to watch and if that doesn’t make you want to get back involved then I think there is something wrong.”

Stone is pictured above with the youngsters who attended the bowling camp at Ipswich School.

Tags: , ,

Categorised in: