The school was very proud of Muhammad (Mo) last week following his selection for the Somerset 2nd XI to play against Warwickshire CCC 2nd XI in Birmingham. You might recall that Mo has had lots of cricketing success recently with selection and standout performances for the prestigious Bunbury South West U15 squad last summer and more recently, selection for the Somerset Academy. However, being given the opportunity to play for a county 2nd XI in a 4-day match, at the age of 15, is credit to his hard work over the winter months. Despite defeat to a more experienced Warwickshire side Mo performed admirably bowling 21 overs and taking 4 wickets across the two innings.
Mo Kaleem, a Middle Fifth pupil, has had a wonderful summer of cricket. Mo, who broke into the school 1st XI this season (as an U14) was put forward to trial for the Bunbury festival following his performances for Devon U14s. Mo was nominated a year young and had a wonderful trial taking 6 for 49. He was subsequently selected for the south and west squad for the 2024 festival where he performed with credit taking 8 wickets across the three days. Mo became the first Exonian to be selected since current Somerset players Tom Lammomby and Ben Green. The Bunbury festival, which was first held in 1987, is an annual cricket tournament for the best under-15 boys players in England with the four regions playing against each other. It has a wonderful history and has for many years been the place where future stars have been spotted. As of 2018, 91 of the cricketers who have played at the tournament have gone on to play for England, including national team captains Michael Vaughan, Andrew Flintoff and Joe Root while 10 of 11 England players in 2019 World Cup final played at the event.
Mo’s incredible season continued with selection for the prestigious ECB spin camp coached by former England great Graeme Swan and Pakistan legend Mushtaq Ahmed. To round off a summer to remember Mo he was selected to play for Somerset U18s where he bowled an impressive 74 overs in two 3-day matches and two 1-day fixtures.
He is very much looking forward to training with school, Devon and Somerset this winter as he tries to fulfil his ambition of becoming a professional cricketer.
Exeter School 1st Xi vs Blundell’s School 1st XI – 29th June 2024
Mo has saved a film clipping of all of his wickets which you can view below.
