Last month Oxfordshire’s Ollie Price and James Coles were named in the England Lions squad for a training camp in UAE that will take place across November and December
The two players initially came through the Oxfordshire Cricket pathway where they started in the Boys Under 10s, playing in the county age group teams before going on to represent Oxfordshire within the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA) competition. Just last year, both Price and Coles were in the same squad that saw Oxfordshire become NCCA T20 Champions, alongside Harrison Ward and Tom Price.
Price and Coles both had positive breakthrough seasons for their respective counties Gloucestershire and Sussex in 2023. Price scored 575 runs in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at an average of 82.14 and 763 runs in the County Championship, including three centuries and two half-centuries. Coles scored over 800 runs at an average of 42.45. Their successes on the pitch has resulted in them both receiving awards this year, namely;
- Gloucestershire CCC – Young Player of the Year – Ollie Price
- Gloucestershire CCC – Batter of the Year – Ollie Price
- Gloucestershire CCC – St Austell Brewery Players’ Player of the Year – Ollie Price
- Gloucestershire CCC – Supporter’s Player of the Year – Ollie Price
- Sussex CCCc – Men’s Performance of the Year, Presented by R-Cubed – James Coles
- Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) Player of the Month for August – Ollie Price
The England Lions group, includes 10 players who are part of a Lions experience for the first time, will focus on developing their red-ball skills predominantly. Selection for the camp was conducted in close collaboration with both players and counties, and several players not selected have been encouraged and supported to take up other opportunities overseas to support their individual needs. The England Lions Camp aims to understand the depth of England’s pathway whilst providing developmental experiences for high-potential players closely aligned to England’s future needs.
England Men’s Performance Director, Mo Bobat, said:
“It’s great to have both Ollie and James with us for our overseas training camp in Abu Dhabi. They’ve both shown real potential for their respective counties and we’ve been following them closely for some time.
The purpose of this camp is to expose players to international specific challenges and expertise and in doing so, help them to develop their Test match skills and readiness. They’ll have the chance to work with England coaches and players which will be great for them both. I’m confident that they’ll benefit and return even better players.
In addition to performances and results, Ollie has stood out for his ability to play spin in domestic cricket, as well as his own spin bowling capabilities. James has shown an ability to remain calm under pressure and score aggressively when his team has required a contribution. Similar to Ollie, James’s bowling has potential for growth.
With both players starting their journeys at Oxfordshire, it’s great to see them develop as players and people, and credit deservedly goes to all of those that have supported them on their way. “
Oxfordshire Cricket Performance Director, Matthew Barnes, said:
“We are incredibly proud of Ollie and James and delighted that they have been rewarded with England Lions selection in recognition of their potential and performances within the professional game. It is also fitting that the pair who have emerged from our talent development system, and who were once pupils at Magdalen College School will be able to share the experience in the company of one another.
I speak on behalf of everyone at Oxfordshire Cricket in wishing Ollie and James a positive experience with the England Lions and the very best for the future as they continue to establish their careers within the professional game.”