Jersey pick Greenwood despite drink-driving admissions

BBC News

a day ago

Jersey have selected Wellington's Nick Greenwood for their T20 World Cup qualifiers despite the all-rounder admitting drink-related driving charges.The 25-year-old pleaded guilty at Jersey's Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to failing to provide a specimen, driving without insurance and failing to comply with traffic directions. The incident happened in the early hours of 8 July after Jersey had beaten Guernsey in their inter-island T20 series at Grainville. The court has adjourned sentencing on Greenwood, who was born in Jersey but grew up and lives in New Zealand, until 29 July but imposed an interim driving ban.Jersey Cricket say they are not funding any of Greenwood's legal costs associated with the incident."We acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and are disappointed that it has arisen," Jersey Cricket Board chief executive Sarah Gomersall said in a statement. "In determining squad selection, Jersey Cricket has considered precedent set by other international cricketing bodies, including New Zealand Cricket and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who have in past instances permitted players facing non-cricket-related legal proceedings to continue to represent their teams."Consistent with this approach, we have selected players based solely on cricketing merit."Greenwood is one of two full-time professional cricketers in the Jersey squad - he has scored 900 runs in 18 first-class games for Wellington.He has made 34 T20 appearances for Jersey since his debut in 2019, scoring 936 runs, and played in all three games against Guernsey earlier this month - his score of 45 in the second game was the highest by any Jersey batter across the series.
Tribe picked after excellent Glamorgan form
The squad also includes Glamorgan youngster Asa Tribe, who has hit fine form in recent weeks for the county.He scored his maiden first-class century against Leicestershire last week, while his 63 not out ensured Glamorgan beat Gloucestershire in the T20 Blast.He is part of an experienced Jersey squad - 12 of the 15-man party competed at the same stage two years ago - who will take on the hosts Netherlands, Scotland, Italy and Guernsey for a place in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.The top two sides in the round-robin format competition will progress.""This is an excellent opportunity for us to test ourselves against some of the best teams in Europe," Jersey director of cricket Paul Hutchison said."The squad has been preparing with real focus and intensity, and every match gives us the chance to show what Jersey cricket stands for — skill, spirit, and ambition. "A place at the World Cup would be a milestone moment for Jersey Cricket. We know it won't come easy, but we're ready for the challenge."Jersey squad:Charles Perchard (capt), Jake Dunford (wkt), Dominic Blampied, Charlie Brennan, Harrison Carlyon, Patrick Gouge, Nick Greenwood, Jonty Jenner, Will Perchard, Theo Pullman, George Richardson, Julius Sumerauer, Asa Tribe, Zak Tribe, Ben Ward.