After changing his nationality three years ago, former Australia speedster Dan Worrall is eager to play for England in the next Ashes Down Under.
Worrall, 33, represented Australia in three One-Day Internationals in 2016, but he left the nation in 2022 for Surrey as a local player because he had a British passport.
Since then, he’s been dominating County Cricket, taking 135 wickets for Surrey at an average of 21.1. Will the legendary player from South Australia be prepared to play against his native nation later this year?
According to Telegraph Cricket, Worrall said, “Yeah, of course.”
I haven’t given it any thought. Everybody else is talking about it. All I can do is go out there and give Surrey my all in the hopes of having another great season at the Oval.
I’m not very bothered about it. It’s just one of those situations where, as a professional athlete, there are always people with opinions and those who want to see what will happen next in their career or to grab the next headline.
However, as a player, I believe that the moment you begin to consider that and allow it to enter your mind, it only diminishes your potential as a player, professional, and individual. I’m not that bothered, in my opinion. What occurs will occur. No matter where I am, I will do my best.
Due to his vast expertise bowling the Kookkaburra ball in Australia, Worrall may be able to help the team as a mentor in addition to his role as a player. In all, Worrall has participated in 51 Australian first-class matches and claimed 191 wickets.
“I can tell [England’s attack] how not to [bowl in Australia] – I spent 10 years doing that,” the 33-year-old stated when asked how he might assist the visitors.
“There are a lot of guys around the squad that have more experience in Australia than I do, especially at that level, but I am always keen to help out players and English cricket.”
Worrall appears unlikely to be selected by England despite his extraordinary numbers because Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum appear to be interested in pace, while players like Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer are all ready for the Ashes Down Under.
Worrall asserted that “pace” is the key to success in Australian conditions and concurred with England’s strategy.
“I believe that the way English cricket is arranging their fast bowling cartel is the best strategy for winning in Australia,” he stated.
“Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, and Gus [Atkinson] have all shown success.” I believe they are attempting to get Jofra [Archer] ready for the Ashes series. In Australia, you have to have bounce and speed. It’s not a secret, in my opinion.