LORD’S ABOVE: MARKWELL JUNIOR’S CRICKET DREAM

A 10-FOR is great but how many cricketers can say they know Lord’s intimately?

Brad Markwell’s cricket love took him to the home of the sport in 2002 when, at the behest of a mate, he jumped on a plane and headed to

England for a lifestyle change.

The Southport and Helensvale junior ended up working two years as a steward at the ground (right), helping home teams Middlesex and England.

After collecting a signed Andrew Flintoff shirt along the way, he then took an offer to work on the ground itself despite his lack of experience.

“It was a real eye-opener and I got to meet some great players,” he said.

“I couldn’t knock back working as curator at Lord’s.

“I learnt a few things along the way. I could probably look after a ground in England now but it’s a bit different here with the soil and things.”

A yearn for family and the infamously gloomy English weather hastened Markwell’s return home in 2011.

Brad immediately linked back with Helensvale and, after helping the club reclaim a first grade spot, then

skippered the second grade side for two seasons.

In 2016 he celebrated his own rare sporting achievement by taking a hattrick in the final over of a T20 game against Coomera, an effort he ranks near the top of his personal accolades.

He “retired” two years ago but was teased into playing a Masters v The Rest game last season.

The ensuing three wickets and 53 not out reignited his fire for cricket.

The aches, pains and physio bill quickly quenched it again.

“They were knocking on my door after that effort (for the masters team),” said Brad, who now works night shifts at the Chempro pharmacy distribution centre at Molendinar.

“But I got an injury out of it – I’ve been to the physio three times and I’m still recovering.”