Hussain debut pleases skipper

CHRIS JOY: Praised by captain Chris McDonnell.

Cricket

OLDHAM Cricket Club believe they could have unearthed a jewel following Bilal Hussain’s impressive first-team debut against Heywood.

The 16-year-old left arm medium-pace bowler was thrust into the side in the absence of Neil Inkpen.

Hussain, who has hardly played any cricket this season because of his GCSE exams, finished with one for 18 from five overs.

Captain Chris McDonnell said: “It isn’t easy opening the bowling with the new ball, but Bilal did really well and played with confidence.

“He has only featured in a couple of games this season, but it was a case of needs must as to putting him in the side because we had a lack of bowlers.”

McDonnell is also pleased with the likes of Martin Kershaw and Craig Joy.

Both 19 years of age, they have handled their promotion to the first team in the wake of the exodus of a large number of senior players before the season started.

He says middle-order batsman Kershaw is holding his own while wicket-keeper/batsman Joy has also raised his game.

McDonnell added: “These lads have always played second-team cricket, but they have stepped up, held their own, done a good job for the team and are playing with confidence.

“It has been a difficult season and we have tried to keep young players out of the firsts wherever possible because when they come into a struggling side they can find it disheartening.

“But the ones we have introduced have done well and that can only bode well for the future.”