Former Australian fast bowler declares England defection interest

An Aussie-born bowler who was once suspended for scratching a penis and testicles onto a cricket pitch has declared his ambitions to play for England and become the first player in 125 years to switch allegiances from one to the other.

Dan Worrall, a former South Australia seamer who featured in three one-day internationals for Australia in 2016, is on track to become eligible for England next year and could emerge as a surprise option on the back of his stunning form in county cricket.

He holds a British passport due to family heritage and is classified as a local player for Surrey, with whom he has won two titles and has just clocked past 100 first-class wickets after match figures of 8-91 against Hampshire.

Worrall, who turns 33 in July, would be a long shot but his three-year stand-down period, after which he would be available to play for his adopted country, ends in April 2025.

No player has represented both nations since Albert Trott’s two Tests for England in 1899 followed three matches with Australia four years earlier. Since the advent of limited-overs cricket, a player is yet to represent both nations.

“There’s still at least 300 overs for me to bowl [this season] before that’s even considered,” he told London’s Daily Telegraph.

“The way the rules are, it’s three years since being a local player in England, so I suppose that would be next April.

“I’m ready to go if I’m required, but I’ve learned in my time that as soon as you think that far ahead, you’re kidding yourself.