A PASSIONATE cricketer has been knocked for six after being selected to play for one of the best counties in the country.
Barnard Castle Preparatory School boy Theo Truss has been chosen to play for Durham County Cricket making him one the the best U12s in England.
The top-of-the-order batsman and leg-spinner will receive top instruction from professional team coaches as well as play at the highest level against some the of the nation’s best young talent.
Sponsored by professional cricket bat manufacturer Newbery, the 11-year-old has already enjoyed meeting professionals Ben Stokes and Paul Collingwood at a club media session.
With a best bowling figure of five wickets for two runs, he is one of a handful of spin bowlers in a squad that also features two Barnard Castle School Year 7 pupils.
Theo, of Barnard Castle, began playing cricket when he was just two with a plastic bat and a ping pong ball. He signed on with Surrey's performance programme when he was just seven, played for Hampshire U10 and U11 and now Barnard Castle Town.
“Cricket has always been my passion and my dream is to play professionally, for England and tour the world,” said Theo, whose favourite players are Joe Root, Shane Warne and Don Bradman.
Teacher and cricket school coach Ben Wicling said: “I think Theo is possibly the best cricketer we have ever had; he is outstanding and has so much potential.
“Being a leg spinner at his age is extremely unusual as it is the most difficult form of bowling. He has worked extremely hard and I know Durham are very impressed with him.”
Prospective parents and pupils will get the chance to see sports, academic and cultural opportunities at Barnard Castle Preparatory School at a week-long open event due to be staged from May 11.
Head teacher Laura Turner said” We we want as many people as possible to drop in to see the incredible range of opportunities available to young people at our school, both within the curriculum and the host of other activities we offer.”