Inspirational Spinners Swap Tips at The Ageas Bowl

Shane Warne meets Kearan Tongue-Gibbs

Hampshire legend Shane Warne swapped spin bowling tips with one of the most inspiring young cricketers in the country as 11-year old Kearan Tongue-Gibbs got a one-on-one lesson with the Aussie leggie at The Ageas Bowl this evening [Friday 27 April].

Kearan, who, despite being born with no hands or forearms, is a talented all-rounder (he grips the ball in the fold of his arm before bowling with tremendous accuracy), was invited to take part in the unusual net-session courtesy of the charity, Flannels for Heroes.

They recently held a 20:20 charity cricket event in Chelsea, London, in aid of Help for Heroes and Walking With The Wounded and the auction’s star prize was a net with Warne.

The lot was purchased for £14,000 by founder of Quicksilver Europe, Harry Hodge who, moved by a news story on Kearan last summer, invited him to come and join in.

Warne made his debut for Hampshire in 2000 and was appointed club captain in 2004.

Before he left the club in 2008 he took 276 first class wickets for Hampshire at an average of 25.59. 

He is regarded as one of the finest leg spin bowlers in the history of cricket and took 708 Test wickets for his country.

Words: Simon Vincent
Images: LMI Photography

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