DESPITE starring for England in their 2005 Ashes win over Australia at Trent Bridge, Cumberland captain Gary Pratt insists leading his side to only their third Minor Counties Championship title at his beloved Edenside would be his greatest achievement in cricket.
Pratt is seeking to emulate the 1986 and 1999 sides and win the Minor Counties Championship - the top accolade outside the first-class game.
The four-day Championship Final against Oxfordshire is at Edenside and starts on Sunday.
Pratt, who has starred for Cumberland since leaving Durham in 2007, found fame with his 12th man role in England's 2005 Ashes win, famously running out Australian captain Ricky Ponting at Trent Bridge.
But despite that moment of fame and also playing for England at U19s level, he says leading Cumberland to the Championship would be his greatest moment in cricket.
"I love playing for Cumberland, as all the players do," he added. "We have had a settled squad this year and have played some fantastic cricket so far. We have now won nine and drawn three of our last 12 games in the three-day comp so it will take a good side to beat us.
"By playing for Cumberland Richard Gleeson has really developed his game and made his first-class debut for Northants recently. Toby Bulcock is knocking on the door and players like Chris Williams, Josh Tolley and Will Hale are not far away."
Pratt's side have enjoyed a fine season so far, winning five of their six games in the Eastern Division Championship, including an emphatic nine wickets win over Herts at Carlisle.
After finishing runners-up last year Cumberland have high hopes of success but come up against an experienced Oxon side that won five games on the way to the Western Division title.
Oxford's ranks include ex-Middlesex seamer Chad Keegan and current Sussex leg-spinner Will Beer - as well as their respected captain Luke Ryan, a fine left arm spinner.
"It will be a tough game for sure, but we have a really good side and are looking forward to the challenge," Pratt said.
"We are delighted to be playing at Carlisle. It is a historic cricket ground, dating back 200 years, and the way the club has worked so hard to overcome the devastating flood of ten years ago is amazing."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel