The Southern Premier League leading wicket taker is about to test his spin bowling skills in a 14-nation Over-50s World Cup in South Africa starting next week.
Julian Ballinger (above, pictured by Howard Gadsby) has been selected to represent Wales in the tournament and, if selected, will play in the opening pool match against Pakistan at Claremont, in the heart of the wine region, on Monday.
Wales are pitted against the host nation, South Africa, England, India, Namibia and the USA, while pool B features veterans teams from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the West Indies and Zimbabwe, who include three former Test cricketers in a formidable looking squad.
Ballinger, 50, played Southern League cricket for Alton for 28 years, taking a record 645 wickets, including 25 five-fers. He left the Brewers in 2021 to return to his native South Wales with his family and now turns out regularly for Miskin Manor. He described it as "a great honour" to be selected for the o50s World Cup.
Wales (159-9) were beaten by seven wickets by Pakistan, Ballinger soring 9 not out and bowling six wicketless over for 22 runs.
Julian Ballinger (above, pictured by Howard Gadsby) has been selected to represent Wales in the tournament and, if selected, will play in the opening pool match against Pakistan at Claremont, in the heart of the wine region, on Monday.
Wales are pitted against the host nation, South Africa, England, India, Namibia and the USA, while pool B features veterans teams from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the West Indies and Zimbabwe, who include three former Test cricketers in a formidable looking squad.
Ballinger, 50, played Southern League cricket for Alton for 28 years, taking a record 645 wickets, including 25 five-fers. He left the Brewers in 2021 to return to his native South Wales with his family and now turns out regularly for Miskin Manor. He described it as "a great honour" to be selected for the o50s World Cup.
Wales (159-9) were beaten by seven wickets by Pakistan, Ballinger soring 9 not out and bowling six wicketless over for 22 runs.
