SOMERSET Academy cricketer Bertie Michael scored 131 on his debut for England Under 19s in their drawn game against Pakistan at Arundel Castle.

The talented 18 year old left handed batter opened the Under 19s innings and went to his 50 off 97 balls with nine fours soon after lunch on the opening day and still remained at the wicket by close, unbeaten on 98 after helping England to 264 for 5.

The Somerset Academy player went to his century the following morning off 175 balls with 18 fours after being at the wicket for 4 hours and 18 minutes.

Bertie, who plays his club cricket for Taunton Deane, has played up through the Somerset age groups and joined the Academy in January 2024, making his Second XI debut later that year.

This year Bertie has enjoyed considerable success. In the 11 games he played for Somerset Under 18s he scored 902 runs at an average of 64.43 with four centuries and a best of 128 not out.

In recent weeks he has scored 60 and 94 for Somerset Seconds against Nottinghamshire which he followed up with a century against Surrey. In addition Bertie was part of the King’s College team that won the England Schools Cricket Association Under 18 Cup.

Congratulations also to 16 year old all rounder Theo Lamey who is also on the Academy and was a member of the successful King’s College cup winning team this summer, has been included in the England Under 19 squad for the youth ODI series against Pakistan.

Theo, who has played up through the Somerset age groups and made his first team debut in this summer’s Metro Bank One Day Cup as well as enjoying success for Somerset Seconds.