Evergreen England Over-70s captain John Evans will lead his country for the final time this weekend when England take on New Zealand at the ground he has graced for decades.
The opening match of the three-match One-Day International Silver Fern Series will be played at Frocester Cricket Club on Sunday, August 9 (12.30pm), providing 75-year-old John Evans with the perfect stage to bring the curtain down on his remarkable spell as England Over-70s captain.
Evans said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be captaining the England Over-70s in the series against New Zealand. As it is my last series as skipper, the fact that the first game is at my home club, Frocester, is the icing on the cake.
“The last four years have been an amazing experience. To skipper such a talented group of players has been an honour and a privilege.”
The Gloucestershire cricketer bows out as one of England’s most successful senior captains. Earlier this year, he led England to back-to-back International Masters Cricket Over-70s World Cup titles after a 15-run victory over Australia in the final.
That triumph came only weeks after England completed a 3-0 Silver Ashes whitewash over Australia, capping an unforgettable period under Evans’ leadership.
England and New Zealand last met in March during the Over-70s World Cup in New Zealand, where England had reduced the hosts to 51-5 before rain brought the contest to a premature end.
The series marks the first time New Zealand’s Over-70s side has toured England. Alongside the three ODIs, the tourists will also face several county sides and an Invitation XI selected from the Over-70s County Championship.
All three internationals will be live-streamed on the England 70s Seniors YouTube channel, while the second and third ODIs will feature commentary from Andrew Green. Coverage will also include interviews with players and officials from both teams.
Live scoring will be available on the England Seniors Play-Cricket website, with regular updates on the England 70s Facebook page and match reports published on the 6070 Cricket Club website.
Admission to Sunday’s match at Frocester Cricket Club is free, with the club bar open throughout the day and a barbecue available for spectators.
