Warwickshire Seniors will be well-represented in the Over 60s ODI World Cup in India, with the inclusion of veteran all-rounder Mike Palmer in the England squad. Palmer, a crucial member of Warwickshire’s Over 50s team, steps up to the Over 60s category this season. With an impressive cricket career that includes over 17,000 runs and more than 1,600 wickets in Warwickshire and Birmingham league cricket, Palmer brings a wealth of experience.
Heading to Chennai next month for England’s opening game against New Zealand on 19 February, the 59-year-old, who qualifies for Over 60s this year, is the youngest member of the squad. Known for his outstanding contributions in league cricket, Palmer has bowled alongside renowned players like Allan Donald, Charlie Dagnall, and Ryan Maclaren during his ten seasons in the Birmingham League for Stratford-upon-Avon and Knowle & Dorridge.
Acknowledging the pressure to perform with both bat and ball, Palmer expressed his excitement about testing his skills against the world’s best players in his age group. With only three seamers in the squad and a demanding schedule of 10 games in 18 days, he anticipates shared opportunities to open the bowling.
Palmer’s journey with Seniors Cricket in Warwickshire has revitalized his cricketing spirit, and being selected for this tour is a great honor. Eager to make the most of the experience, Palmer emphasizes the pathways available for seniors, hoping to inspire more individuals in the over 50s, 60s, and 70s age groups to join Warwickshire teams.
In Chennai, Palmer will be joined by Warwickshire league umpires Keith Boyall and Ian Gorton. The tour presents a fantastic opportunity for Palmer and his teammates to compete against top players in their age group and strive for success in the Over 60s ODI World Cup. England has been placed in Group A alongside New Zealand, Canada, the USA, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the Rest of the World, with the top two teams qualifying for the semi-finals.
