Second Whitby area cricketer could feature for England

With Adam Lyth making his long-awaited debut and opening the batting in the first Test last week, Staithes’ Ryan Gibson has now been called in as 12th man, meaning both local lads could be on the field at the same time.

Rising star Gibson told the Yorkshire Post this week he was delighted with the call-up.

“Every young cricketer starting up aspires to play for there country and I also aspire that one day,” he said.

“It’s pleasing to see local lads doing well, especially Adam who’s deserved his chance now over a long period of time and we all hope he takes it with both hands.”

Gibson was called on to field for an over last summer when England took on Sri Lanka in the game which the visitors won on the penultimate ball of the day. It has been a cracking year’s progress for Ryan, who was picked to attend a prestigious academy in Adelaide, Australia, over the winter - a move which coincided with the Cricket World Cup.

The ex-Fyling Hall student feels this will stand him in good stead.

“Adelaide was incredible,” he said.

“The Darren Lehman Academy improved my game massively, I certainly would recommend it to fellow cricketers. “I was lucky enough to play with {Australian Test cricketer] Shaun Tait at his local club, Sturt.

“During the week, I was also lucky to bowl at and train with the World Cup sides that were playing their group games at the Adelaide Oval.”

Gibson is now hoping the involvement of several Yorkshire players with the senior England set-up could boost his chances of moving up from the Tykes’ academy and into the first team.

“I’d like to think so, especially in one day cricket,” he said.

“I’ve started the season well batting at the top of the order so I just need to continue scoring the runs.

“The academy certainly improved my game, the opportunities I got over there, practising and playing on grass wickets for six weeks can only improve my game.

“Playing and training with the World Cup squads certainly helped as I was always asking for advice from these guys and learning.”

England won their first Test against New Zealand in dramatic fashion on Monday afternoon, taking a series of late wickets to take a 1-0 series lead.

Lyth scored seven and 12 on his debut at Lords and, along with Gibson, will be counting on strong home support at Headingley in the second and final Test of the series.

Next up for England is a small matter of a visit from Australia and the Ashes series.