Loughborough Town ace targets World Cup glory...
LOUGHBOROUGH Town Cricketer Martyn Gidley is targeting World Cup glory after being selected in the England squad for the Over 50’s World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa next month.
Gidley who is now a PE Teacher at Loughborough Grammar School has had a successful career in cricket, having played for Leicestershire Cricket Club before emigrating to South Africa representing Griqualand West and the Free State provincial sides in first class cricket.
During the 15 years he was in South Africa, as well playing cricket, he was also heavily involved in coaching local young cricketers.
As well as continuing to play for Loughborough Town, he represents the Leicestershire over 50s in the nationally run County Championship and those performances have led to his England call up.
He played in the Marlborough Cup last summer against India, West Indies and Wales and was named England’s player of the tournament.
The World Cup runs from March 5-20 and the 18 strong England squad will feature in a 14 team tournament which is being played in and around Cape Town. The England squad will then take on Australia in two further ‘ Ashes’ internationals on March 22/23.
Gidley is hoping to see some familiar faces on his return to the country and hopes it will be a successful tournament for all concerned.
He said: “Obviously I am delighted and proud to represent my country in the twilight of my career. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and very grateful to Loughborough Grammar School in supporting me in my endeavours.
“It will be great to play against a number of ex test players from other countries from all around the World. The side reached the semi final in 2018 and hope we can go better this time.
“I’m certainly looking forward to contributing with both bat and ball over the course of the tournament in a country I played professionally in for over 10 years.”