ZCZC
BSP-14
FBL-WC-ENG-CRICKET-HART
England reject Hart plays cricket rather than watch World Cup
LONDON, July 9, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Joe Hart played cricket on Saturday rather
than watch Jordan Pickford keep a clean sheet for England in the World Cup
quarter-finals.
The 31-year-old, who played 75 times for England including in nine of the
10 qualifiers, said he was “gutted” at not making Gareth Southgate’s squad
and turned out for his hometown cricket club, Shrewsbury.
While England were beating Sweden 2-0, Hart scored six runs batting at
number nine and took a catch in his first appearance for the club in 11
years, in a Birmingham League Premier Division match against Knowle and
Dorridge.
“Joe was a credit to himself, his cricket club and his community
yesterday,” tweeted Knowle bowler Chris Cheslin on Sunday.
British media reports suggest that Hart’s club future should be sorted out
soon because Manchester City, who have loaned the goalkeeper to Torino and
West Ham over the last two seasons, are willing to listen to permanent
offers.
BSS/AFP/SG/ARS/1728 hrs