PAT’S LIFE!

Brown gives up his graduation gown ...to wear first cap

ENGLAND starlet Pat Brown has revealed he swapped one new cap for another by giving up on his university graduation to play international cricket.

The pace bowler should be in a mortar board and gown at Worcester Cathedral on Tuesday to celebrate the business degree that he completed while recovering from a stress fracture of the back.

Instead the 21-yearold will be in New Zealand continuing his cricketing education and hoping to turn out for England again following his wicket-taking T20 debut against the Black Caps in Christchurch on Friday.

“It was a nice experience to play on this stage in England colours,” said Brown after taking 1-33 in the seven-wicket win.

“I finished my course this year and I’m missing my graduation to be out here, but I’m quite happy to miss it.

“I don’t think I would have gone to university if I wasn’t offered a scholarship at Worcester.

“Four years ago this seemed a million miles way. I am trying to take it in my stride and keep learning.

“I’m 21 and if I can tap into some of the brains in this dressing room it can only make me better.”

In the absence of several senior players there are plenty of opportunities for young players in this five-match series, but there are still one or two experienced players to lean on, such as Chris Jordan.

Brown will have to work out plenty for himself too, though he seems to be a fast learner, turning disappointment in the final over of a 50-over semifinal against Kent in 2018 into T20 finals day success a few weeks later.

His success in the ‘death overs’ then is why he has been signed by Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash to replace South Africa legend Dale Steyn.

“They are quite big shoes to fill, so I’m looking forward to that,” added Brown, with half an eye on the T20 World Cup next year in Australia. “It is going to be an incredible experience playing in different conditions against different players.

“Finals day in England is close to internationals – the best teams at a full Test ground. I’m glad I’ve got Worcester over the line a few times.

“You’ve got to want to do it to be a death bowler, and I do.”

England’s Joe Denly has been ruled out of the rest of the series with an ankle injury. The Kent batsman, 33, sustained ligament damage on Thursday and missed Friday’s match. England have not summoned a replacement at this stage. Game two is in Wellington today.