A TEENAGE cricketer has been selected to attend England trials at the Malvern High Performance Cricket Weekend, in Worcestershire, this weekend.

Former Copleston High School pupil Rob Southall, 19, who has Cerebral Palsy, will be out to impress England selectors from the national side’s Physical Disability team.

The teenager currently plays for the Lancashire disabled team when at university and also represents Ipswich Cricket club, playing for the second team on Saturdays and captaining the second team on Sundays.

Southall, whose dad, Andy, also plays for Ipswich CC, explained how the opportunity came about: “I was at university in Preston and because of my disability, my coaches said I should for trials with Lancashire.

“That went well and it has gone from there. This weekend will be the opportunity to show selectors what I am all about and whether I am good enough to be selected for the national team.”

Southall’s disability affects his right-hand side but that has not stopped him becoming a dangerous, “quickish” bowler.

“I catch and field with one hand, my left hand, but my disability does not affect my batting,” said Southall,” who is studying to be a cricket coach in Preston.

“I started playing the game when I was 11 but it is only this year that I have started playing disability cricket.”

Chairman of Selectors at Ipswich Cricket Club, Rick Jones, praised Southall’s contribution to local cricket.

He said: “Rob has been a vital link in the club’s development.

“He has not only come up through the ranks and played week in, week out for the Saturday and Sunday team, but he is also a level two coach and has a keen interest in the development of our youth section.

“He has made an invaluable contribution to the club and I am absolutely delighted for him.”