Welbeck CC proud of Ball Test debut

Notts Premier League club Welbeck CC spoke with glowing pride this week after paceman Jake Ball became the second of their products to play Test cricket for England.
Jake Ball. Picture by Mark Fear.Jake Ball. Picture by Mark Fear.
Jake Ball. Picture by Mark Fear.

Notts bowler Ball, 25, took his maiden wicket in the defeat by Pakistan at Lord’s and Welbeck club president John Fretwell said: “We’re all very proud at the club of Jake’s achievement of getting that first Test cap and he thoroughly deserves it.

From Welbeck to Lord’s: the story of England’s new fast bowler, Jake BallMaiden wicket for Ball on Test debut“I remember him playing right from when he was a youngster at our old ground, as well as here at the new ground, and he is a lovely, well-mannered lad, who has an excellent temperament.

“He’s still very much involved with Welbeck and I know he is very passionate about the club. He’s proud to have come through and played so much cricket here.

“Jake bowled really well against Pakistan and he was very unlucky not to get more wickets, but we’re hoping that there will be many more to come for England in the future.”

Welbeck secretary David Hunt added: “The club are extremely delighted to see Jake make his Test debut. Everyone here was behind him, cheering every little thing he did, especially his first wicket.

“All the kids here were pretending to be Jake Ball playing for England all weekend so it’s clearly made an impact with the kids as well as the players he has played with in the past few years which is nice to see.

“Jake is the second Welbeck player to play for England. We are proud of that and the whole community here is proud of him, being a local lad.

“Now we want to see another player come through. We’ve got a couple of lads playing for Notts, so we hope they can follow in Jake’s footsteps.

“Hopefully Jake can now continue and have a good Test career which would be good for himself and puts Nottinghamshire and Welbeck on the map.”