RICHARD Trotman admits to feeling “like a little kid” as he prepares for England’s opening match today in the Over 50s World Cup against Namibia in Cape Town.
The Twyford House all-rounder will bat at four as England aim to get off to the best possible start in the 14-nation competition.
England face six pool matches in nine days ahead of a play-off round and then finals day on March 19 to complete a punishing schedule.
Trotman, aged 51, said: “It’s going to be like playing half a season in two weeks, but we’re all very excited and ready to go after training very hard.
“We’ve done a lot of work to be as fit as possible, particularly in the field, and can’t wait to get started.”
After Namibia, England face the UAE tomorrow while it’s then India (March 10) and Pakistan (March 12) before they lock horns on March 13 with hosts South Africa whose squad features former one day internationals Louis Koen, Clive Eksteen and Alan Dawson.
England’s final pool match is against neighbours Wales on March 15.
Trotman, who also plays for Gloucestershire Over 50s, added: “There are a lot of former internationals around … the Zimbabwe squad includes Murray Goodwin so we’re expecting the standard of the games to be very high.”
Trotman marked his England debut last year with 148 against West Indies and has now represented his country six times, enjoying a total of five victories.
To follow the tournament and for live streaming of matches, visit: https://masterscricket.org/world-cup-2023-cape-town/