Australian-born bowler Daniel Worrall closing in on England debut; The Ashes, Stuart Broad comments

Australian-born seamer Daniel Worrall could feature in next year's Ashes series - but he won't be donning a baggy green.

The 33-year-old, who is a British citizen, made the choice to change his allegiances two years ago and is now close to being eligible for international selection.

Worrall played three ODIs in the green and gold a number of years ago, but is now closing in on becoming the 12th player to represent both cricket powerhouses.

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The right-arm quick has taken 139 wickets at 21.17 for Surrey over the past three seasons of the County Championships and according to former Test player Alec Stewart, Worrall would be a quality addition to the side.

Daniel Worrall. Getty

"After Jimmy Anderson, over the last two years he's the best bowler in the country," Stewart told the London Telegraph of Worrall.

"He is as close to Jimmy Anderson skills wise that I've seen, and he's just got better and better. Would I pick him? We're about winning, so yes.

"If he gets picked, there will be plenty of headlines and plenty of comments, but we have got to move with the times. Really, it's not ideal, I just want people born and bred in England, grew up wanting to play for England.

"But while regulations are there, he's just going to strengthen England's bowling because he is a serious cricketer."

Anderson retired from Test cricket earlier this year, ending one of the great careers and leaving a massive hole in the bowling attack for Brendon McCullum's team.

James Anderson. Getty

But according to Stuart Broad, the potential inclusion of Worrall could give England a boost heading into the 2025/26 series against Australia.

"I'm a huge fan of Dan's bowling – he's the standout player in county cricket," Broad said.

"He moves the ball consistently. I like what he does with that wide angle on the crease, he can swing the ball away and nip it back. He has a lot of weapons in his armoury.

"There is no doubt he will be in the selectors' thoughts because you could get a couple of great years from him. Ultimately, playing for him will be about winning Tests.

"He is a bowler that could help you get 20 wickets for a couple of seasons."

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