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Talented 14-year-old all-rounder Greg Maybury admitted he couldn't wipe the smile off his face after being told he had been selected for the senior national side.

The Somerset youngster was the surprise pick in a squad full of new faces as coach Gus Logie and his selectors rang the changes. He is believed to be one of the youngest, if not the youngest, player ever to be selected for his country.

"I'm excited. I was not expecting it this early. I think I'm going out there mostly for the experience but I would assume I'll play a couple of games to actually get that.

"My mum was a bit worried, she said I couldn't stop smiling as I was walking round the house, I was so excited.

"They were proud of me and they are happy with my schoolwork, so they are letting me go."

Maybury is currently in Barbados playing in the Sir Garfield Sobers tournament with Bermuda Under-19s. He flew out to the Caribbean at the weekend after captaining the under-15s in a triangular tournament in Bermuda.

"I can't wait, really. I'm hoping to do well out here with the under-19s and the next thing will be to go to Europe and try and do well with Bermuda."

Maybury, whose ultimate ambition is to captain Somerset's Cup Match side and the national team, has had a breakthrough season with Somerset taking nine wickets in the 50-over-league at a tidy average of 17.89.

He also claimed seven wickets in the two-day league at an average of 12.

The Warwick Academy student cites shaggy haired seam bowler Matthew Hoggard as one of his cricketing idols.

And it is his ability to swing the ball both ways, like the English pacer, that has attracted the attention of his coaches.

But it was his work ethic and commitment, as much as his talent, that led to his selection for the national squad. "I think my coaches would tell you I'm always the first one out at training and the last to leave. I'm always doing extra work with my dad in the nets and I'm committed to my team and to my game."

Maybury's father, Greg Maybury senior, said the tour would be a great opportunity for his son.

"I'm trying not to build it up too much. I would think that the idea is to get some exposure and see what he's like in the senior side.

"I'm happy for that, but I don't want to put too much pressure on him.

"I'm sure he'll handle it well though. He's a scholar as well and he has maturity beyond his years."

Maybury will travel with Bermuda for the first part of their tour to Europe where they will play Denmark and Holland.

He will return home along with Maurice Lowe, Roderick Masters and Azeem Pitcher when the rest of the team travel to Ireland on August 21 for an Intercontinental Cup match.

The four will be replaced at that stage by Malachi Jones, Stefan Kelly, Chris Douglas and Rodney Trott, all of whom will miss the first part of the tour because they will be competing in the World Cup qualifiers in Toronto with the Under-19 squad.

Chairman of selectors Arnold Manders said of Maybury's selection:

"The national team haven't had too many players training and we were looking for someone who was not going to be away with the under-19s.

"His name came up as one of our talented youngsters and hopefully we can get him groomed for the

future."

Coach Gus Logie added: "I think this is reward for the hard work he's put in on the field. He's shown great maturity at this age and we want to further enhance that in a productive and a nurturing environment. This is really and truly an opportunity for him to get some experience and to learn what is required at this level."[[In-content Ad]]

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