The first 3 names that ran before James Bracey’s in the 55 man England squad list this year – Anderson, Archer, Bairstow – confirm James’ calibre, as a future England player, but also his status as a Bristol boy living his dream. For many,  a quick rise to the top like James’ would have been too much to digest. After all, it was only two years ago that James was graduating from Loughborough University. For James, a guy whose character is “a combination of humility and age-belying maturity”, it is just another challenge he is rising to, and facing head-on, in the pursuit of his ultimate goal - a spot in the Test match side. 

Cricket is as much psychological as it is physical, and to succeed in the sport you need to be mentally strong. James' mindset has received plaudits from players, fans and media all across the sport, and his coach, Richard Dawson, now England bowling coach, has been extremely praiseful of his mental strength. In particular, his ambition, and the self-belief to back it, are two qualities James clearly possesses. In our giveaway sessions, we’re trying to portray the mental side of the sport and so to talk to James about the sacrifices he’s made along the way, and how he remains able to work so hard, was a real pleasure. Ambition and self-belief are two of the most desirable qualities for a young sportsman to have and so to speak to a cricketer with these qualities in abundance, was a real pleasure.  

As proud Bristolians, we're pleased to see someone fly the flag for the city on an international stage. James is a proud Bristol boy and any suggestions that success may lead him to stray from his roots cannot be true – on the same day as the T20 Blast quarter-finals last year, James was at the Rovers' ground watching his team against Accrington Stanley. Being lined up as a potential candidate for an international side is a great honour and one that is thoroughly deserved. Like James, we’re very much looking forward to what these next couple of months bring. If a debut does not come this summer, it surely cannot be that far away.