By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

NORTH Devon batsman Dan Bowser was the man of the series AGAIN in England’s triumph Down Under over Australia.

Bowser, who opens the batting for North Devon in the Premier Division of the Tolchards DCL, has been a member of England’s Learning Disability XI for the past 10 years.

The 32-year-old left-hander was man of the tournament in ‘Ashes’ series against Australia in 2017 and 2019 and completed his hat-trick in 2022 with 393 runs across eight games at an average in the mid-60s.

England dominated the eight-match series – five T20s, three ODIs – which was played out on grounds around Brisbane. Having won two man-of-the-match awards, Bowser was odds-on for man of the series as well.

“At the end of the tournament I was presented with a certificate in an embossed Cricket Australia folder, which was a nice touch,” said Bowser.

Bowser opened up with 40 against Australia and in all eight games never failed to pass 30. His top score in T20 was 52 and he made 83 and 75 in two of the three 50-over matches.

England went 3-0 up in the series before Australia pulled a game back, but were never beaten again. 

“We lost by one run, but scored 225 for four in the next game and won that one convincingly to go 4-1 up,” said Bowser.

While Bowser’s team were routing Australia, their counterparts in the Deaf XI were defeating the Aussies nearby in their own series. England were captained by Exmouth’s Lawrence Greenway and included Paignton’s Stephen George in their side.

“We were at their last game played before the closing ceremony and it was incredible to be there with the deaf boys,” said Bowser.

“What was also nice was to be part of an England squad with two other guys from Devon.”

Bowser had to wait until 2015 due to an injury problem to make his international debut, but since then has featured regularly in the side.

And at 32 he feels he still has a few years left in him as an international cricketer.

“I want to keep going as long as possible and have said I would like to still be playing at 40,” said Bowser.

“A lot will depend on how I continue to bat … and what my wife says!”