The director of sport at Felsted School has been selected for the England Over 50's Cricket Squad for the upcoming World Cup in Cape Town.

Charlie Knightley will take part in the event, which started on March 6 and is the largest ever international over 50's tournament - with 14 teams participating in 56 matches.

After an impressive debut season with the Essex Over 50s, Charlie made his debut for England in July 2022, and will participate in the World Cup as one of the two wicket-keepers/batsmen in the squad.

Charlie said: "I feel extremely privileged to have been selected for England and I am very thankful for the support of the Felsted community.

"Having been at Felsted since 2001, I have always stressed the importance to the pupils of continuing with their sport after leaving school and I hope this reinforces that sport is for all ages!

"I would like to thank some close friends and family, as well as the touring 'Strollers' for their support in helping me travel to SA.

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"I am also fortunate to have been backed by the Essex 50+ set up and especially Mel Hussain, who as captain, selected me for the team."

In the tournament, England will play six pool games against Namibia, UAE, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Wales.

The other group is made up of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. The top four teams progress to the semi-finals with the other teams competing for the remaining places.

Felsted headteacher Chris Townsend said: "We are all incredibly proud of Charlie, he thoroughly deserves this opportunity to represent his country.

"He’s a great inspiration to our students who aspire to follow their passions. We wish Charlie the very best of luck and the whole Felsted family will be cheering him on."

Felsted school has a "formidable" reputation for cricket, overseen by director of cricket Jason Gallian, a former England player.

Several Old Felstedians have gone on to become professionals for Essex and England, and current Year 12 student Monty has just been selected for the Essex Cricket U18 squad.