Following selection for the 2nd ODI in Bangladesh George Balderson received his England Young Lions U19 cap on the outfield at Cox’s Bazaar from former England player Michael Yardy.

After missing out on the 1st ODI George was selected for the 3rd tour match in Bangladesh having already played in the opening game of the tour, a T20, scoring 16 not out off 17 balls including a 6 as England closed on 120/8. George went for 17 off his 2 overs as the hosts ran out winners by 7 wickets with 7 balls remaining.

On his full debut, coming in at number 7, Balderson scored a quick fire 29 off 14 balls including 5 boundaries to help England to 256/7 off their 50 overs. With the ball George’s 10 overs went for 49 runs claiming the wicket of Bangladeshi captain Akbar Ali who had made 57. Again it was the hosts who were the winners reaching their target of 258 with 5 wickets in hand and 13 balls remaining.

George was again selected for the 3rd ODI in which the hosts batted first scoring 266/9 off their 50 overs. Balderson’s bowling figures were 4 - 1 - 25 - 1 with his wicket, that of Tanzid Hasan, being the opening one of the match. Unfortunately the Young Lions were unable to chase down the total and were all out for 203 in the 47th over with George contributing 11 off 13 balls.

The final 2 matches of the tour are both 4 day test matches at Chattogram with the first of these starting on Thursday 7th February. Hopefully George will be in with a shout for selection.

Congratulations George and to no doubt a very proud Balderson family.