The only cricketer I know of who supports us.
http://www.evertonfc.com/news/2016/07/19/evertonian-jakes-delight-at-england-bow
Jake's Delight At England Bow
It’s not been a bad summer for Nottinghamshire cricketer and Evertonian Jake Ball.
His beloved Blues have announced Ronald Koeman as their new manager, Notts are top of the T20 Blast table - and he has just made his test debut for England.
With James Anderson and Ben Stokes suffering from shoulder and knee injuries respectively, the fast bowler was drafted into the side to face Pakistan in the first Test at Lords earlier this month.
Those who follow cricket will have seen the Club wish Ball the best of luck via our
Twitter account, and his response (below) shows just how much the Toffees mean to the 25-year-old.
“Becoming a Blue came from my dad and granddad,” Ball explained to
evertonfc.com. “My granddad’s best friend is
Ray Wilson, who of course was an Everton left-back and played in the World Cup-winning team in 1966. My dad grew up knowing him, became a Blue and that got passed on to me.
“The first game I watched live was David Moyes’ first game, against Derby. I used to like watching
Kevin Campbell play and, because I was a bit of a defender when I played as a kid, I liked
David Unsworth as well. These days, I am a big fan of
Ross Barkley. I was really surprised he didn’t get a game at the Euros because at times last season he was one of the better creative midfielders going.
“I still try to make it to Goodison Park as often as I can. It does tend to be a bit difficult now but I did manage to get there for a few games last season. I always love coming down to Goodison, it is one of the better grounds to watch your football.”
Unfortunately for Ball, his England debut would end in a 75-run defeat.
Despite the result, the occasion will live long in the memory for the Nottinghamshire man, especially after he capped his week by taking his first international wicket, trapping Azhar Ali lbw.
Furthermore, he has retained his place in the squad for the second Test at Old Trafford, which starts on Friday.
Asked about stepping out in his nation's whites for the first time, Ball added: "I loved it. It is something you dream about as a kid and it was certainly a ‘pinch me’ moment walking out, especially with it being at Lords and through the Long Room.
“It was something extra special to make my debut at Lords and then, on a selfish note, to put in a decent performance as well.
“Taking my first wicket was another ‘pinch me’ moment! I’ve been asked what it felt like and I couldn’t really remember it. It was all a bit of a blur.
"Now I have watched it back and had a bit of time to think about it, it is certainly a moment I won’t forget in a hurry.”