Lancashire's Richard Gleeson hopes he can inspire other cricketers

Five years after making his debut for Northamptonshire, the 32-year-old Lancashire quickie was named last week in the ECB’s 55-man training group ahead of the proposed summer schedule against West Indies, Pakistan, Australia and Ireland.

Gleeson’s journey to this point might not be considered the orthodox route after previously working in a factory, a fishing tackle shop and also having done some landscape gardening.

On the field, he played club cricket with Blackpool and Minor Counties matches for Cumberland, in addition to a coaching role with the Lancashire Cricket Board.

After making his Northants debut in 2015, Gleeson joined Lancashire towards the end of the 2018 season.

His form for the Red Rose last year led to a spell playing Big Bash T20 cricket for Melbourne Renegades last winter, followed by appearances for England Lions.

Consequently, a full international outing would be the icing on the cake.

“It’s quite exciting to think that opportunity could come up in the not-too-distant future,” Gleeson said.

“It’s the pinnacle, it’s what everyone wants to play, so to go from club cricket at 26 to an England international at 32 would be amazing.

“I think it’s a great story to never give up and follow your dream because you never know what might happen.

“It’s a great advert for Minor Counties cricket and, if it (England selection) does happen, it will make a nice read.”

Possible England selection may be looming on the horizon but Gleeson is preparing for another big day.

Marriage is scheduled for later this year but, given the coronavirus pandemic, he’s having to wait and see how the lockdown restrictions develop.

Should Gleeson be chosen for any of the games scheduled for Emirates Old Trafford or Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl, there is also the small matter of whether his family would be allowed to witness his international debut.

“We’re due to get married on October 10,” he said.

“We’re a bit stressed with that at the minute, trying to see what are our options are.

“From what I’ve read, the squad that’s selected two weeks before a game joins up at one of the grounds and then are almost locked away, kept in the bubble.

“I presume families aren’t permitted into the environment but I haven’t asked that question.

“I’ve spent a lot of the winter away, out of the country. But she’s really good, Laura (fiancee). She just gets on with it and understands it’s a short career – and to come from where I’ve come, I’ve got to take every opportunity I’ve got so I’m quite lucky in that respect.”