Swardeston Cricket Club’s Will Rist stars for MCC in Thailand

Swardeston's Will Rist has been in action for an MCC touring side against the Thailand national team this week.

The wicketkeeper/batsman was selected as part of a 13-man squad to play three 40-over matches against Thailand at the TCG ground in Bangkok. The tour includes four fixtures against club sides and the tourists have also been delivering coaching sessions for local primary schools.

Rist top scored with 59 as the MCC side lost to Thailand by six runs on Saturday. The following day he made an unbeaten 14 to guide the tourists to a four-wicket win, setting the series up for a deciding match on Wednesday.

Rist made 10 as the MCC posted 180 for seven from their 40 overs and then played a crucial role in a thrilling finale, claiming a run out as Thailand were all out for 174 with three balls remaining, handing the tourists a six-run victory.

The tour concludes with matches against Chang Mai today and tomorrow.

The Cricket Association of Thailand was granted associate membership of the ICC in 2005 and MCC head of cricket John Stephenson said: 'The Cricket Association of Thailand has done a superb job in recent times to spread the game and increase participation rates. Since the club last visited just over ten years ago, significant strides have been made, and it is hoped that this tour will contribute to building the identity of Thailand within the international cricketing community.'