All-rounder Jason Foulkes shines on Wales debut

Pride of the north: St Asaph pair Jason Foulkes (right) and Matty Ryan. Picture: Matt Thompson, Wales NC

Jason Foulkes of St Asaph returned superb figures of 3-18 on his debut for the Wales T20 squad against Buckinghamshire last weekend.

Wales won both matches in High Wycombe, with another Saints player, Matty Ryan, also taking his national bow.

Foulkes took 53 wickets last season – the highest number in the North Wales League as Asaph claimed a first-ever Premier Division title. His call-up was just reward, not just for the player but the Elwy Park Grove club.

Playing their final matches of the NCCA T20 campaign, Wales stand-in skipper Cam Herring won the toss and batted in the opener.

Morgan Bevans smashed a rapid 62 off just 28 balls as Cymru amassed a competitive score of 161.

Bucks openers put on 37 before Foulkes picked up his first national counties wicket in his first over (a wicket maiden) and took two more to finish with 3-18 off four. The hosts ended on 141-9.

In the second game, Wales piled up their highest score of the competition – 191/4 – and then held their nerve to restrict Buckinghamshire to 188/3 in a thrilling finish.

Matty Ryan’s involvement in both games with the bat was brief, but it was still a big boost to get chosen for the squad.