Essex is on its way to producing another star cricketer to follow in the footsteps of John Lever, Graham Gooch, Nasser Hussain and Paul Prichard.

William Burnell, 14, is being tipped to become a top all-rounder, following his acceptance to attend the MCC School of Merit at Lords indoor school.

William, a year 10 pupil at Gosfield School, was one of 54 young players throughout the country invited to attend the selection process at Lords, and from there, just seven were selected.

He will spend six Saturdays, starting tomorrow, attending special coaching sessions, which are to be led by MCC head coach, former Middlesex and England player, Clive Radley.

The youngster, who lives in Frinton-on-Sea, played for the Essex County Cricket Schools Association last season, is delighted at his selection, saying: "I was naturally pleased to be selected and it will be an honour to be among the elite of young cricketers at Lords".

William, who is essentially a batsman, but also bowls a mean delivery, and started playing cricket three years ago, has received sponsorship from Hartmann Printing Machinery of Colchester.

William said: ''Quintin Kembry of Hartmann's has provided me with a bowling machine, and I am very grateful for his support. The machine allows me time to practice in one hour sessions after school in the school sports hall".

The teenager, who enjoys all sports, but his first choice naturally is cricket, also expressed his thanks to family friend, Eric Rowley, who was instrumental in helping William to obtain a Brian Johnston Memorial Trust Fund Grant, he being one of only six people to receive the grant.

William, who plays club cricket for Frinton-on-Sea, Colchester & East Essex and Wanstead, is driven to all parts of the county as he strives to reach the top in his chosen career by his father, Mark. William said: ''My father played club cricket and has been very supportive.''

Gosfield School's head of physical education and deputy headmaster, Peter Harder said: "We are delighted in the progress that William has made and wish him every success at Lords.

''He has got a foot on the ladder to what we hope will be a rewarding and successful career".

Hopeful of making the grade . . William Burnell, who is to attend the MCC School of Merit at the Lords indoor school.

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