HALSTEAD cricketer Joshua Wells has flown out to Australia.

The highly-rated 18-year-old is spending the winter playing for Melbourne side Altona.

“I’m really excited,” said Wells, a former pupil at Holmwood House School, in Lexden, and then at Felsted School, where he was coached by former England Test cricketer Jason Gallian.

“This is a great opportunity for me and not something that comes along very often.

“I’m sure I’ll thoroughly enjoy the experience and I’m looking forward to furthering my game, playing in different conditions against different players.”

For the full story and more cricket news, see this week's Gazette.