Whitstable Cricket Club’s John Butterworth speaks of his excitement after being named in England squad for the over-60s Cricket World Cup in India – where he could play alongside Nasser Hussain’s older brother Mel Hussain

Long-serving Whitstable all-rounder John Butterworth is preparing to represent his country at a World Cup - alongside the brother of a former England Test captain!

Butterworth has spoken of his delight at being named in England’s squad for the over-60s Senior World Cup in India.

The 61-year-old who had a busy 2023 summer, helping England beat Australia in the Grey Ashes and also playing a key role as Whitstable 3rds secured the Kent League Division 11 Shepherd title, said: “There was a bit of a wait from the end of the season.

“I had to wait a few weeks to hear but I’m very excited.

“I’ve always wanted to go to India so I’m pretty chuffed.

“I was actually with a friend on a plane, coming back from a holiday and the message pinged through as we landed.

“So I got quite animated about that on the plane! I think my enthusiasm was tangible.

“It’s great. I’m really excited and just chuffed to be involved at that level, albeit at an older age. It’s an incentive to keep going and to keep fit.

“I’ve already started preparing myself because, in the winter, we can hunker down and forget about our bodies a bit and eat much more.

“But I’m looking after myself. I’ve been running and there’s going to be some indoor cricket at Canterbury.”

Also in England’s team for the tournament which is set to take place from February 12 until March 5 is Mel Hussain - the older brother of Nasser Hussain - and Tunbridge Wells’ Simon Routh alongside Jim Phillips, who’s also from Kent.

The trip will be a significant one for Hussain, a batsman good enough to play for Hampshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire as a young cricketer, as the World Cup will be held in Chennai.

While Mel was born in South Shields, Nasser is Chennai-born and it was father Joe’s