Allrounder Eve selected for England training squad

Eve Alder has become the first Gloucestershire player to be

selected for the England Women's Under 15 Winter Training Programme. 

The talented 13-year-old will join 26 others youngsters from

around the country at three camps at the National Cricket Performance Centre in

Loughborough.

Allrounder Eve, who plays for Cirencester CC was selected

after a stunning 2012 season that saw her open the bowling for three different

county age groups, average 74 with the bat for the under 13s and win their player

of the year award.

And the Kingshill School pupil – who is one of the youngest

girls on the programme - said she was shocked and delighted when she found out

the news.

She said: "Because of my age it wasn't really an aim for

this year but it was a really good surprise. It should be a great experience as

I will be training with the top coaches and players in the country."

Having two older brothers Eve was introduced to cricket

playing in the back garden but has been involved with the Gloucestershire set

up since appearing at an under 11 boys' district trial two years ago. Since

then she has gone from strength to strength and is one of only two girls on

Gloucestershire's Emerging Players Programme.

And while the number of girls playing the game in

Gloucestershire is growing, Eve - who is also a talented footballer and hockey

player – says she thinks more should try their hand at cricket.

She said: "I think some girls see it on TV and think it

might be a bit boring when they play it they find out that it's good really

fun. There are more teams for girls now and I think more girls should give it a

go."

Gloucestershire Cricket Board women and girls development

officer Lisa Pagett said: "Eve has progressed really well and played two age

groups up last year. If it wasn't for rain she would also have played in the

senior women's team which would have made her the youngest player to do so for

a long time."

Lisa said: "Right from when we first saw Eve she was

instantly impressive. She is the kind of girl who listens to advice and takes

it on board very quickly. She always wants to learn and has made real strides

in her batting in particular this year. She thoroughly deserves her selection

and it will be a wonderful opportunity for her."

Eve was selected after impressing ECB talent scouts who were

alerted by Lisa.