Atherton’s Mo Nazim admitted he was desperate to represent the Anthony Axford North West Cricket League Select XI against the German national team in a T20 friendly at Farnworth this evening, writes Graham Hardcastle.

Farnworth captain Simon Booth was recently asked by Atiq-uz-Zaman, the Lancashire based coach of Germany, if he could put a side together to face the European nation as they prepare for an ICC T20 World Cup qualifying event in Scotland, beginning later this week.

Germany, who have won their last six T20s, have been training in Bolton, and Booth has obliged by picking a strong squad of 13, which he will captain.

It’s headed by an eye-catching trio of professionals in Milinda Siriwardana (Farnworth), Jameel Stuart (Farnworth Social Circle) and Jono Bird (Kearsley).

Nazim is one of the amateurs, and someone desperate to play. In fact, so desperate, that he didn’t wait for Booth’s call when he heard the 5.30pm fixture was taking place.

“Any league I’ve ever played in, I’ve always wanted to represent that league,” he explained.

“I heard they were playing this game, so I messaged Boothy and asked if I could play. I was desperate to play, and I thought I’d get to him before anyone else did.

“Playing against the German boys, an international side, it’s brilliant opportunity for us all."

NWCL Select XI squad: Simon Booth (c&w, Farnworth), Curtis Anderton (Little Lever), Jono Bird (Kearsley), Dave Flanagan (Lostock), Nipun Gaikwad (Little Lever), Connor Lord (Tonge), Cam Murray (Kearsley), Mo Nazim (Atherton), Milinda Siriwardana (Farnworth), Jameel Stuart (Farnworth SC), Zander Van Tonder (Padiham), Ollie Wetton (Salesbury), Will Wrathall (Read).