Bath cricketer Joe Heywood shines for England U19s in Youth Tri-Series

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Bath Cricket Club’s 17-year-old pace bowler, Joe Heywood, represented England U19s in the Youth ODI Tri-Series against Ireland and Scotland this week, following an impressive season with Somerset CCC 2nd XI and Bath 1st XI.

The Beechen Cliff Year 13 student, who studies PE, biology, and psychology, opened the bowling for England U19s against Scotland U19s on Saturday and again against Ireland U19s on Monday, taking 4-36.

Heywood has been part of the Somerset Pathway since the age of 11, making his 1st XI debut for Bath CC last season at 16. This season, he has shone, taking 29 wickets for the 1st XI, with a best bowling performance of 5-23 against Bridgwater CC. At Loughborough University this year, Heywood was clocked bowling at 83mph – the sort of speed expected of professional opening bowlers.

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On his England U19 debut, Heywood said: “It’s been a great honour to be selected and represent England U19s this past week. I would like to thank my coaches, teammates, and my parents for their support. After representing Somerset 2nd XI and the 1st XI in the Metro Bank One Day Cup this August, my ambition is to become a professional cricketer for Somerset and eventually represent England.”

Rob Maggs, director of cricket at Bath CC, commented: “We’ve been really impressed by Joe’s development over the last 12 months. Taking nearly 30 wickets for the 1st XI this summer demonstrates his progress. We will continue to work closely with Somerset CCC to support Joe through coaching and match play, ensuring he maximises his talent.”