Alistair Cook turned out for Ross U15s at a recent match against Wormelow. Cook won the match for the Ross-on-Wye side, with a virtuoso batting display. Spectators could be forgiven for thinking this was THE Alistair Cook, England captain, such was the dominance he displayed – and all from an U13 playing two years above his age group.

Wormelow were the visitors on a warm sunny evening and they chose to bat first. Chris Stonage, Freddie Spencer and Jacques Teale all made useful contributions, but the Ross bowling and fielding was excellent throughout and kept the pressure on the batting side.

Alex Springer stepped in at short notice to take the ‘keeper’s gloves, and gave a tidy display behind the stumps. There were notable catches from Cameron Hill, George Aubrey and Ralph Verney; unfortunately Verney’s was off a no ball, so didn’t count.

Jaydn Decloudt, making his debut for Ross, produced a fine pick up and throw to create a run out. All the bowlers performed well and restricted Wormelow to 105 – 6 from their 20 overs.

With Ross chasing 106 to win at a rate of more than five per over, a win looked unlikely as three of the first four batsman fell cheaply. Thankfully, opener Cook had other ideas.

Adam Davies, another U13, joined him at the crease and the partnership kept the scoreboard ticking over. Davies was unfortunate to be given out; caught off a high no ball that wasn’t called by the umpires. More wickets fell, but still Cook kept going, accumulating fours on a regular basis.

Alex Springer, yet another U13, joined the party with some hefty swings as the pair reduced the target to 18 off three overs, which soon became 11 off two, and then five off the last over. By now Cook had been forced to retire having reached 51.

The final two Ross batsmen selflessly got themselves out, which allowed Cook to return to centre stage for the last over. But his brilliance was not required as Springer hit an excellent drive over mid off for four to tie the scores and then another over extra cover to bring up the winning runs with just three balls remaining.

Cook carried his bat from the start to finish as one of the not out batsmen. This was an excellent team performance with one outstanding individual effort helping to secure victory for Ross.

The next match for Ross will be a home match, where they will take on Eastnor.