Stephen Butler, from the Esperance Cricket Association, was presented with his blazer before his first match at the recent Veteran’s Cricket Australia Over 60s tour of New Zealand. Photo: Facebook.
While cricket gear was put away in March by most local players, one of the most decorated cricketers in the region has been busy training solo for a tour of a lifetime.
Newtown Cricket Club president Stephen Butler has travelled to the UK to represent Australia in the Over 60s squad to compete for the Grey Ashes.
The tour includes 16 games over 30 days, with ODI matches against England (5), Scotland (1), and Wales (1), as well as nine tour matches.
Commencing Wednesday June 25 with a tour match against Staffordshire at the Hammerwich Cricket Club, the tour concludes with the fifth and final ODI for the Grey Ashes at the Royal Ascot Cricket Club on July 24.
Butler’s selection as a lower order allrounder in the 16 man squad comes on the back of his first Veterans Cricket tour of New Zealand three months ago.
In two One-Day Internationals against the Black Caps, Butler scored 29 runs and collected three wickets at an average of 8.75.
Butler said the experience in New Zealand was “amazing” and he was “honoured and proud” to receive his first cap for Australia.
“Receiving the cap is the pinnacle of the journey (leading to) selection.” Butler said.
