NEIL Harris is to score at Lord’s when England take on Bangladesh in the first Test later this month.
The Oxford University and MCCU scorer will do the honours for Bangladesh at the home of cricket from May 27 to 31.
“It is a real honour. I am really chuffed, especially at my tender years,” said Harris, who is 74.
“It was a nice surprise. I was asked if I would like to by the MCC and Andy Scarlett, the scorebox manager at Lord’s.
“Obviously I said yes!
“I hope there is going to be somebody from Bangladesh in the scorebox. I haven’t got a clue who their players are.”
When he learnt of his appointment, Harris had been concerned about missing the third day of Oxford MCCU versus Middlesex in The Parks.
But Banbury and Oxfordshire scorer Nobby Clarke will fill in for him.
“This is my 14th season scoring for the university and MCCU.
“I have also scored for Oxfordshire sides for 16 seasons, mostly for the development XI and the top youth side.
“This appointment is recognition of that I suppose.
“I am the third Oxfordshire scorer to score in a Test match after Andy Scarlett and Nobby Clarke.
Harris, who lives in Weston-on-the-Green, also scores for Bicester & North Oxford on Saturdays and the MCC when available.
He played for Oxenford in the OCA until 1985 and started scoring in the early 1990s.
“I’m at it all through the summer, five days out of seven,” said Harris.
“I really enjoy scoring, especially when the top clubs come over.
“ It gets me out of the house for a bit. I get a bit bored in the winter months.”
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