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Andrew’s still stars
for England at cricket
PembrokeshireSport.co.uk is always delighted to highlight the success of our talented young players ‘up the line’ and is thrilled to learn that Andrew Salter is continuing to do well in cricket at the highest level for his age group as the all-rounder from St Ishmaels has represented England at under 17 and under 18 levels again this campaign.
He played his club cricket with Ammanford and they came a creditable fifth behind Sully in the South Wales League, with Rhydian Harries opening the batting, plus brothers Alun and Huw Evans also playing well so there is a real ‘Pembrokeshire’ element in the side. Andrew has been batting at No 5 and has scored a few runs but his off-spin bowling has earned him 29 wickets, including two four-wicket hauls against strong opposition. Although he is not one for figures it is worth recording that he came third in the bowling averages with 25 wickets from his 189 overs, which included 25 maidens. He bowled the most overs of anyone in the team and his best figures were 4 for 24 against Newport Cricket Club. His batting brought 288 runs, with a top score of 49 so he is certainly doing well at such a young age in senior cricket.
Continued England involvement
He has also continued his involvement with the English national squad and this means regular trips to Loughborough for training sessions and now for ‘Boot Camps’ where the emphasis is not only on developing bowling and batting skills but also developing a mental toughness that is so important at the highest level. It means a great deal of travel but Andrew is lucky that parents Graham and Irene are more than happy to take him to matches and training sessions, and he also receives total support from big brother James.
One of the highlights this year was undoubtedly a 16-day visit to India with the England Under 18 squad.
“It was an amazing experience,” says Andrew. “We played five matches and after we won the first easily they brought in a couple of players from the IPL and the matches were really hard after that. The rest of the time was spent pushing us to help develop mental toughness – and although it was really hard work I learnt so much and was glad I went.”
Success against Sri Lanka
– and games for Glamorgan
Andrew played in a one-day international for England Under 17s against the Sri Lankan Under 19s at Sleeford in Lincolnshire. He was the only Welsh player in the squad and had a wicket in his five overs as the opposition scored 180 before Wales were dismissed for 135. He also played in the triangular series at Loughborough against Scotland and Ireland and again was pleased with his bowling in the latter match after the Scotland game had been called off midway through because of rain.
Not content with that little lot, Andrew played in five matches for Glamorgan 2nds against the likes of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Leicestershire and was particularly pleased with one performance where he had figures of 1 for 60 in 22 overs bowled straight through one session. Steve Watkin, Richard Almond and Terry Jenner have been a help with his bowling, whilst John Derrick has coached him in batting – and it is hoped that the legendary Robert Croft will find time this forthcoming winter to give Andrew some one-to-one tuition in the art of off-spin bowling.
Andrew’s ambitions received something of a boost when Glamorgan coach Matthew Maynard said,
"The next move now is to develop young spinner Andrew Salter and hopefully Robert Croft will play a big part in that as we look to the succession plan for Crofty."
High praise indeed for the Tish youngster!
Sri Lankan tour in the offing
There is a tour to Sri Lanka in the offing, on the same lines as the trip to India, and Andrew is hoping to be included in that after attending yet more sessions at Loughborough, where the facilities are excellent.
He knows that there is still a long haul ahead of him after setting his sights on a career in cricket but is eager to learn and take on board every scrap of useful advice offered.
“I have been very lucky so far because mum and dad have been brilliant in taking me everywhere and I have enjoyed playing with and against some very good players in the past year. Now it’s up to me and I can only give it my best shot.”
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