There can’t be many people who play sport for 50 years and then get called up by England.
But Paul McKeown, 61, who started at Workington cricket club when he was 11 years of age, has just been selected by England Lions Over-60s.
He will make his debut on Friday at Seaton Carew against Scotland in the first of six matches for the over-60s over the summer.
Paul had been contemplating surgery on his knee at the end of last season but has done his own rehab and was able to get back in action for the net session at the National Cricket Performance Centre, Loughborough University.
He had been spotted and recommended on the Over-50s circuit where he captained Cumbria and was among 35 seniors who attended the training camp.
From there he was in the 22 chosen for a trial match at the Ticknall club in Derbyshire where he took two wickets, including that of former West Ham goalkeeper Nigel Martyn who is also a very stylish batsman.
He received word that he had been chosen for the England Lions squad to play throughout the summer.
Still playing second team cricket for Workington, he talks to Cumbria Crack’s John Walsh about the call-up, his career in the game and the importance of creating a legacy for the youngsters coming through.
Listen to their chat below:
