Ravenshead teenager Lawrence Burton has returned from an ‘incredible experience’ representing England Under-17s at the World Indoor Cricket Federation’s Junior World Series in Dubai.

Lawrence, a student at The Joseph Whitaker School, Rainworth, won a medal after England triumphed in a shield competition.

It was the first Junior World Series since 2018 because of the pandemic and the England team were given good wishes from some high-profile names in the sport.

Lawrence was pleased to receive video messages from England and Nottinghamshire CCC legend Stuart Broad, as well as current Nottinghamshire and Trent Rockets star Steven Mullaney.

Lawrence said: “We played some tough opponents, such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa who all play lots of indoor cricket throughout the year because this form of the game is so popular.

“The gold medal was won by the Kiwis, but after all the group stage games we played in a shield competition and progressed to the final.

“It was our chance to come back with a medal, although we were playing the host nation.

“However, we ended up beating the UAE by about 60 runs, so during the closing ceremony we went on stage to receive our medals.

“Overall the tour was a huge success, with both the under-17 boys’ and girls’ teams winning their shield finals.”

Lawrence said due to the tournament being in a hot climate, trying to stay cool while playing was an important factor.

“The centre was air conditioned, but it was still quite draining,” he added. “It was a relentless 11 days of constant training, playing, more training, and supporting the other English teams.

“Indoor cricket is a very physically-demanding sport. It is played at a much faster pace than the outdoor game and the ball is always live, meaning players have to be concentrating all the time — and all members of a team must bat and bowl.

“Warm-ups and cool downs were very important on the tour to help our bodies get ready to play under the tough conditions, and reduce the chance of injury.

“I field front court leg side and have an important role in getting run outs and stopping runs from happening.

“I have to be very sharp because I field so close to the batsman, meaning I don’t have much room for error.

“Due to my performances in the group stage games I was selected to play in the semi-final and final.

“Overall it was a huge honour to represent my country, wear the three lions, and meet people from other countries — it was an incredible experience.”

Lawrence, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, must now compete as an adult.

However, he has ambitions to aim for the next international tournament in India in 2026.

He again thanked his sponsors for their support — The Armchair Club, the Rotary Club of Ravenshead and Blidworth, and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Talented Athletes Fund.

The Armchair Club is helping Lawrence by hosting ‘A Question of Sport’ night at Ravenshead Village Hall on 25th November, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £4 for under-18s. There will be prizes, for more details and to book places call 07780 676345.