KEITH Harsham of Alton has been chosen to play for England Over 50s in the Sri Lankan ODI international tournament in February.

To say cricket is Keith’s passion, is a massive understatement. Originally from Guyana in the West Indies, it is in his blood.

Now 57, Keith came to England when he was five and soon showed great promise as a young cricketer. Surrey offered him a contract, but he opted for university instead. He played for UCL, Combined Universities and captained University of London, securing his ‘purple’. His passion for the sport has never waned.

A right-arm medium-pacer and lower middle order batsmen, he was a prominent all-rounder when Basingstoke & North Hants were in their prime in the Homes Counties Premier/Thames Valley Leagues.

He still plays for Basingstoke 2nd XI and is a regular in the first-choice Hampshire Seniors side.

He and his wife, Jane, moved to Hampshire 25 years ago, living in Alton, and he has played for Basingstoke all that time.

A Level 3 ECB coach, Keith Harsham has worked tirelessly for Holybourne Cricket Club and now Basingstoke coaching the youngsters, including his own children, Georgia and Max, who have played at county colts level themselves. Georgia has subsequently played for Surrey Women.

Three seasons ago, Keith was invited to join the Hampshire Over 50s squad and on the strength of his performances last season, both batting and bowling, he was selected for England by the ECB.

Keith and two Hampshire team-mates – Kevin Poulter (Hook & Newnham) and Nic Gargaro (New Milton) are in the side that will play several ODIs against teams from all over the world, including Australia.