Former Cumberland cricket captain Marcus Sharp has been sharing his pleasure at helping England to a World Cup win.
Sharp, 52, was a member of the side which won the Over-50’s World Cup in South Africa after a hectic tournament.
Pictured with the Cup, Sharp said: “Clearly I’m not used to playing for a World Cup so to win one feels quite special.
“It’s been lovely to feel the support from back home and the effort that has been put into the organisation of the tournament has been unbelievable.”
England beat hosts South Africa in the final game with Sharp taking 1-31 and having the best economy rate of the bowling attack.
Sharp had joined Cumberland in 1994 after being released by Lancashire and went on to take 344 Championship wishes for his adopted county over the next 17 years.
Eric Carter, the current county President recalls: “David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd was playing for us at the time and he recommended Marcus as one to get hold of. He thought he would be very good for us.
“His opinion was certainly correct because Marcus was an exemplary player and captain for us over all those years who was from a lovely family. I can’t speak too highly of him.
“I’m actually not surprised that he has gone on to play for England Over-50’s because he still turns out at Clitheroe. He will maybe only bowl four or five overs, and get a wicket for not many runs.”
At the end of his Minor Counties career with Cumberland, Sharp’s 344 Championship wickets were taken at an average of 21.31 each and his best bowling for the county was 7-19.
He also took 20 wickets in List A games and a further 51 in Trophy matches.
