Devon Cricket Board - Morris gets break into First Class game

Morris gets break into First Class game

DEVON quick bowler Charles Morris has been invited to join the First Class squad at Oxford University next season.

Morris, who is 19 and plays league cricket for Budleigh Salterton, was a regular in Devon’s 12 over the second half of last season.

The former Kings College scholar – he was at boarding school in Somerset while dad John was serving as a padre in the Royal Marines – was accepted by Oxford Brooks this year to study sports science.

Morris applied to be considered for the MCCU squad – Oxford are one of five universities playing First Class cricket under the MCC banner – and was accepted after being assessed by head coach Graham Charlesworth.

As part of the MCCU squad Morris will get to work with fast-bowling coach Jon Morris, the former England player, and ex-South Devon CC and Somerset all-rounder Gary Palmer who is the batting coach.

Richard Dawson, the ex-England spinner who played for Devon while studying at the University of Exeter, is another of the staff coaches at Oxford.

When Morris was selected for Devon last season one or two eyebrows were raised as he had only played a handful of games for Budleigh and had been groomed by the Somerset youth set up. Very little was known about him.

Dad John said his son had literally been on the radar for sometime having impressed in a national competition to find the next generation of fast bowlers. He went to the MCC Academy in

“When he was 16 Charles entered the Nat West Speed Stars competition staged at Lord’s and at 80-odd miles an hour was the second quickest in the country,” said John. “They used an indoor version of ‘Hawkeye’ to measure the speed.

“Charles played against Oxford University for Devon at Budleigh last season in a T20 game and did quite well, which probably helped his application.

“There are only five universities with First Class status and Oxford is generally reckoned to be in the top two. This is a great opportunity for Charles to combine studying with the chance to make a professional career in cricket.”

Roger Newman, Devon CCC’s director of cricket, said he was delighted Charles had been picked up so early by the Oxford talent spotters.

“ Charlie has had injury problems over the last two years and it was only this season that he was really back to full fitness and able to bowl at his best,” said Newman.

“He looks a fine young cricketer and is the sort who will listen and learn from an opportunity like this.”

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773