Burscough bursting with pride as Dan gets England call

‘A GREAT honour for the club’ is how Burscough CC trustee and former chairman John Yates described the elevation of local youngster Daniel Houghton to the England U19s squad ahead of the second four-day Test Match against India U19s in Nagpur, which started on Tuesday, Feb 21.

The right-handed bowler who lives in Rivington Drive, made his Lancashire Second XI debut against Leicestershire in 2015 and currently plays for Rainford Cricket Club.

But all his junior cricket was played with his home town club and his call up is a fitting reward for years of dedication under the watchful eye of his dad, Nick. Mr Yates said: “I’ve never seen such a devoted cricketer - he was in the nets from an early age both summer and winter trying to develop his game and has received his just rewards.

“It’s also a tribute to the coaching staff at Burscough who took him on board as a novice and helped develop his talents.’’

He added: “Both ourselves and Rainford can take pride in his achievement and express the hope he can make a career out of his chosen sport.’’

Lancashire official Gary Yates said: “Dan is naturally delighted to receive the call-up and we wish him well if he gets the opportunity to play in the final test.

“He has worked really hard over the last 18 months since he’s been in the Academy setup and his selection into the England U19 squad is thoroughly deserved.”

Houghton, who is part of the Lancashire Academy squad currently on a10-day tour of Mumbai, was watched this week by former England fast bowler Jon Lewis, currently Assistant Coach with the England U19 squad.