Chris Russell.
CRICKETWROXALL'S Chris Russell is set to make his first class debut for Worcestershire today (Friday) against the Pakistan touring team.
He will take his place in the Worcestershire first team for the three-day game at New Road, Worcester.
John Hilsum, chairman of Ventnor CC, where Russell learned his cricket, said he was delighted for the 21-year-old pace bowler.
"Chris is the first cricketer to come through the Island Academy system, as opposed to the Hampshire system, which has nurtured Hampshire’s Danny Briggs and Dave Griffiths and Gloucestershire wicketkeeper, Steve Snell."
"It is also interesting that Chris is the third first-class cricketer to come from Wroxall in recent years, following Danny and my own son, Ian."
Hilsum said Russell had been doing well for Worcestershire second XI and last season was leading wicket taker for Wolverhampton in the Birmingham League.
"This is testament to the hard work of the Island cricket coaching set up, particularly Ross Edwards."