Mark gets his Foot in the England door
However, Mark Footitt’s call-up to the ECB’s England Performance Programme Bowling Camp this winter has provided them with the perfect tonic.
Footitt has been nothing short of outstanding this season in a team which has struggled to mount a serious promotion push.
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Hide AdThe 28-year-old has enjoyed his best season in 2014, claiming over 100 wickets in all competitions.
This tally includes five five-wicket hauls and career-best figures of 6-48.
Footitt will spend three weeks in South Africa taking part in an extensive bowling training camp with ECB coaching staff, during which he will aim to earn a call-up for the England Lions next year. He reflected on the call-up, saying: “It’s been a good year and it’s nice to get recognition for that.
“It’s an exciting prospect and I can’t wait to get out to South Africa. “I’ve given myself the best chance and I’m thrilled that I have been selected and recognised for my efforts this year. “It’s been an incredible season and something that doesn’t happen to many people.
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Hide Ad“To take 100 wickets in all competitions is a brilliant feeling. “I hope I can impress in South Africa and it can lead to further involvement with the national set-up, starting with a possible England Lions tour in the New Year.” Footitt joined Derbyshire in 2010 and the left-arm paceman is the first Derbyshire player since Dominic Cork to earn this level of international recognition. Derbyshire’s Elite Performance Director Graeme Welch said the call-up was well-earned.
He said: “This is a great achievement for Mark and the Club.
“It’s fitting recognition for being the leading wicket taker in the country.
“Our ambition is to produce match-winning county cricketers capable of going on to international honours.
“Mark is already setting a great example in both respects.
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Hide Ad“He’ll add something different to any bowling unit because he’s left-arm and consistently up around 90 miles-an-hour with the ability to swing the ball. “It’s a great opportunity for the lad to show what he can do.
“We’ll all be rooting for him and will support him in every way we can.”