Maynard in Ashes first Test call

By Richard Thomas

Tom Maynard is excited about taking up the role of England 12th man

Glamorgan's Tom Maynard will act as England's 12th man for the first Ashes Test against Australia at Cardiff.

The 20-year-old batsman, son of the county's director of cricket Matthew, has been selected as a substitute fielder for the first three days.

"I'm very excited at the prospect of being 12th man, it should be a brilliant experience," said Maynard.

"Most of the job is taking on drinks but if I could make an impact with a catch that would be brilliant."

The job of 12th man in an Ashes series was made legendary by Durham's Gary Pratt who ran out Australia captain Ricky Ponting during the fourth Test at Trent Bridge during England's famous Ashes Test win in 2005.

Ponting made his feelings known about specialist fielders being used as substitutes as Pratt was on the field for Simon Jones, who had gone to hospital with an ankle injury.

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England won that Trent Bridge Test which helped them to a 2-1 series win to regain the Ashes after a 17-year absnece.

Pratt's achievements four years ago have not been lost on Maynard.

"I am a bit nervous about it as well as excited. You don't want to drop a catch or miss-field in front of 15,000 people and on national TV," he added.

"But if you can make a bit of an impact with your fielding like Gary Pratt did then that would be something to cherish in such a big sporting occasion.

"It's obviously an honour to be asked to do the job and it will be a great experience being around the England dressing room."

Maynard, who has only played 11 first-class matches in the last three seasons, will be sharing 12th man duties with Warwickshire's Nick James, who is currently on trial with Glamorgan.

It will keep up the Maynard connection with Ashes series as father Matthew, the former Glamorgan captain, played two Tests against Australia in 1993.

Maynard was also assistant to coach Duncan Fletcher during the victorious series four years ago.