Monty Panesar and Olly Stone prepare for village cricket

Playing for Great Witchingham, even it is just the odd game, will be a homecoming of sorts for Stone whose cricketing journey started in Norfolk.

“I still come home a lot,” he explained.

“Witchingham helped me train a lot during Covid; they were very accommodating. So to go back and repay the favour and say thanks to them, it’s a no brainer.”

The club are aiming for a first East Anglian Premier League (EAPL) title.

“It can only help the club get better, push the development of the youngsters in the 2nd and 3rd teams, help the club go forward and also get a few people to come down and watch – there’s nothing better than playing in front of a crowd,” Stone added.

Stone’s fastest deliveries can reach 94mph (151km/h) so, if you are an East Anglian Premier League batter padding up in the away changing room at Walcis Park, do not forget your thigh pad and elbow guard.