14-year-old cricketer Toby Lambert, of Fernwood, is on the road to success after landing Midlands under-15s trials

One of the county’s most talented young cricketers has been selected to trial with the Midlands under-15s team a year young.

Toby Lambert, 14, of Fernwood, will compete against some of the most talented under-15s players in the country as he gears up for a chance to play at the world famous Bunbury Festival.

Lambert must first impress in his trials to earn selection to the Midlands squad by competing in four peer-versus-peer matches.

Toby’s dad Gary said he was delighted with his son’s progress and challenging him to put the hard work in.

“There are four games, so he will be playing against lads from all over,” said Gary.

“After that, a Midlands squad is selected and will play against the North.

“To be nominated a year early is a huge achievement, and if he doesn’t go in this year, there is that chance again next year.

“The criteria they pick from is performance and potential, so you could have a shocking few games but if they see your talent, you can be selected.”

Toby was nominated to the Midlands squad by former pro Matt Wood, who is Notts’ player pathway development manager.

The tournament pathway is also one of a number of the routes to under-19s team, Young Lions, Lions and, for the rare few, the England senior team.

“Toby had a decent season last year which helped massively,” said Gary.

“For a then 13-year-old to make his debut in the Premier League (for Clifton) and to go down as the youngest ever player was big.

“He scored 1,000 runs in men’s cricket which is unheard of.

“He did alright with the county as well. He missed the first month with a broken thumb, but he came back and scored runs regularly for them and played for the 14s, 15s, 16s, and the emerging players’ programme, which gained him a lot of exposure.

“He has been netting all winter through the programme, getting between eight and ten hours a week, which has been really beneficial.

“Most his age only get two hours a week from January onwards and he has been going since October, so it has helped him massively.”

Gary said he was confident Toby would continue to progress during his cricket journey.

“He is very laid back,” he said. “It doesn’t worry him and he takes everything in his stride.

“He is enjoying his cricket and that is the best thing.

“He communicates with us, and we are lucky enough to have had sessions with Paul Johnson (former English cricketer) and he picks up as much as he can from these guys.

“As you know, professionals give up so much to get where they are, and I am seeing that and experiencing that now.

“He has talent, but now he needs to work hard.”