A Suffolk cricketer is aiming to restore some of England’s wounded pride when he takes a trip Down Under this month.

Batsman, Graham Penny, 71, has been selected to represent England Over-70s for the first time and will be joined by fellow Marshall Hatchick Two-Counties representative team player, John Stuck, for the tour which will include five friendlies and three one-day internationals.

“It’s nice to have been asked and it will be good to play Australia,” said Penny, who lives in Stanstead, near Long Melford.

“I was lucky enough to play against an Australian touring 11, in Suffolk, during the summer, but the team we face Down Under will be a totally different proposition.

“Everyone in the county has been wishing me well and that makes you quite nervous in a way, as you are desperate to do well.

“It is England versus Australia and I am sure I will have some nerves before the first game and it’s always nice to get that first four off your bat.”

The first one-day game will be at the Allan Border Oval, in Brisbane, followed by the second, a week later, at the North Sydney Oval.

The final competitive game will be played on November 3, at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

“It’s my first tour but I know most of the players from playing against them and their counties,” added Penny.

“I am really going to enjoy the trip. We have got some rest days in between the games so I am going to get out and about and hopefully do a fair amount of sightseeing.”