FORMER Lavington paceman Ryan Brown will be used as a net bowler for Australia in the lead-up to the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval.
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Brown, who plays for Brighton and Hove in the Sussex Premier League, had his first training session with Darren Lehmann's embattled side last night and will return on the eve of the final match of the series .
"I'm really looking forward to it," Brown said.
"It's just the chance of a lifetime.
It's just the chance of a lifetime. I can't wait.
- RYAN BROWN
"I can't wait."
Brown, 22, was awarded a Country Cricket NSW Big Brother Movement Scholarship to play in England with the Haywards Heath Cricket Club in Sussex during the 2014 season and stepped up a grade by joining Brighton and Hove this year.
He was put in touch with the Australian camp by Lavington coach and NSW development manager Robbie Mackinlay.
"Ryan was on holidays from his job for most of the English school summer holidays and wondered what the chances were of doing some net bowling," Mackinlay said.
"I didn't have any luck via Cricket NSW so I went straight to Pat Howard (director of cricket) and he was fantastic.
"He sent a request to Gavin Dorey, the Australian cricket team manager, who then made contact with various people and the rest is history.
“It’s worked out really well.”
Brown rocketed to prominence in Cricket Albury-Wodonga ranks during the 2013-14 season when he finished among the association's leading wicket-takers.
He went on to represent the Riverina open team before heading to England.
"It's a good opportunity in that he could impress and then questions are asked like where he's from, what is he doing and what has he got planned," he said.
"You never know where it could lead.
“It’s great because Ryan is a terrific young bloke.”
Brown will return to Lavington this season with English import Jethro Menzies.
Australia trail England 3-1 in the Ashes and will be looking to regain some credibility with a big performance in Thursday’s final Test.
