Universities student is MCC's latest international

Date released: 21 June 2007

Ruel Braithwaite (left) from one of MCC's six University Centres of Cricketing Excellence played for the West Indies squad in their one-day match against England Lions at Worcester on Thursday 21st June.

Ruel ended the day with 1/19, capturing the prize wicket of Middlesex and England's Owais Shah.

Braithwaite, a right-handed bowler for Loughborough UCCE, is following in the footsteps of former MCC Young Cricketer Darren Sammy, who took seven England wickets on his Windies Test debut.

Braithwaite showcased his talents for MCC when he played in the drawn match against the West Indians from 1st–3rd June at the Racecourse Ground, Durham.

This week he helped Loughborough to win the BUSA (British Universities Sports Association) Cricket Championship Final (right) at Shenley.

Braithwaite said:

"I am delighted to be selected for the West Indies one-day team. The MCC Universities programme has been crucial to my development and I am happy to be improving both my cricket and academic skills at Loughborough."

The squad's for Thursday's match included five players who have benefited from the support of MCC’s cricket schemes.

Former MCC Young Cricketers Alex Gidman and Paul Nixon were in the Lions squad and Sammy in the West Indies' selection. Another Lion, Gareth Batty, developed through the MCC School of Merit.

John Stephenson, Head of Cricket at MCC, said:

"MCC's cricket schemes demonstrate the Club's determination to foster new talent and maintain its reputation as the world's most active cricket-playing club. I am proud to see so many MCC assisted players representing their countries."