Published on: Wednesday, February 2, 2022
King’s College duo James R and George T will shortly be returning to school after being key members of the England team that reached the Under 19 Cricket World Cup final for the first time this century.
Top order batsman and wicket-keeper James and all-rounder George played in England’s six matches after making their debuts for Somerset CCC in last summer’s Royal London One Day Cup,.
Thomas opened the innings in each match and scored a total of 204 runs at an average of 34, which included two half centuries and a best of 52, hitting 22 fours and eight 6s.
James batted at number four in each match, and in his five innings he totalled 200 runs including 23 fours and one six, at an average of 40 with a best of 95, which he achieved in the final.
James and George started playing cricket at King’s Hall School, then continued to develop their talents at King’s College. They won the English Schools Cricket Association Under 13 Cup and now both play club cricket for Taunton St Andrews.
King’s College also had a third member in the England Under 19 squad, bowler Sonny B, who unfortunately had to return home before the tournament started because of injury.
Phil Lewis, the Director of Sport at King’s College worked with former pupils Tom Banton and Jos Buttler who went on to play for England, and Will Smeed who is making a name for himself in white ball competitions worldwide. Reflecting on George and James, Phil said: "This has been a truly remarkable achievement for them both. I am so glad that their hard work mixed with the King's and Somerset coaching programmes, has allowed them to play at this level.
“Huge credit needs to go to all of those involved along the way, from King's Hall up to us and the Somerset Academy. I also feel one area that is always overlooked is the exchange programme we provide for our top cricketers. It not only builds new skills playing abroad but develops confidence and resilience.”
He added: “The boys have also been brilliantly supported by their local club Taunton St Andrews, who have given them opportunities whenever we felt they needed to step out of school cricket, to give them a wider variety of challenges and experiences during their development."