The UK’s best schools for cricket have been revealed in The Cricketer’s Schools Guide 2023, with both Bedford School and Bedford Preparatory School included in the top 100 list.
Bedford School is of course famous for producing one of the world’s most successful cricketers in Sir Alastair Cook, with many professionals past and present passing through the school on their way to successful careers.
Northamptonshire’s Emilio Gay, who has enjoyed a stellar season at Wantage Road – leading to calls for his inclusion to the England Lions tour this winter – is one huge prospect to come through Bedford School.
Former Northamptonshire captain, Alex Wakely is another big name while current Northamptonshire players, Gus Miller and Harry Gouldstone are also amongst Bedford School alumni.
All entries to The Cricketer’s guide were judged against an extensive set of criteria, which included a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.
State and private schools are both well represented in the top 100, with the best all-girls and prep or junior schools also picked out by The Cricketer’s judging panel.
Gary Steer, Bedford School’s Director of Cricket commented, “We are thrilled to be once again included in the Top 100 Schools and the Top 50 Prep Schools, as defined by The Cricketer magazine.
“It is an honour to be selected out of so many excellent schools across the UK.
“Our sports teachers, professional coaches and grounds staff all work extremely hard all year round to give all boys a challenging and enjoyable cricket programme to take part in, as well as first-class facilities to play on.”
The Cricketer researches and produces the Schools Guide annually, with the 2023 edition being supported by Durant Cricket – one of the country’s leading suppliers of cricket ground equipment.
the 1st XI are put through their paces by former professional cricketers 1st XI coach, Tom Brett, Director of Cricket Gary Steer, David Sales, David Ripley and Cricket East’s bowling coaches Will Sneath and Brad Matthews.
While 2022’s 1st XI captain Rohan Mehmi has moved on to university in Yorkshire, he will be hoping to get a taste of the big time, with university MCCU sides traditionally facing first-class counties in pre-season games.
Taking over the 1st XI captaincy from him is Charlie Blythman; a staple in the 1st XI last year and hoping to keep Bedford School’s rich history and form going when the season starts up again in April 2023.
