A former teacher of cricketer Emilio Gay said he always knew he was a “talented player” as he made his Test debut for England against New Zealand at Lord’s.
Gay, 26, grew up in Bedford, went to Bedford School, played for Northamptonshire for five years – and now plays for Durham.
Gary Steer, the director of cricket at the school, said he was great to train as he “just loved playing the game and he took everything on board”.
The opener received his England Test cap, on Thursday morning, from another Bedford School alumnus, Sir Alastair Cook, before being dismissed for eight runs.