A geography teacher at a Herefordshire school has told how he bowled to the Ashes cricket stars, including series hero Ben Stokes.

Henry Lamb threw down some deliveries at both England and Australia players in the nets in preparation for the fifth Test at the Oval.

Henry, who also coaches children's sport, has in the past turned out for Oxford MCCU Academy, South Wiltshire and Wiltshire and Dorset age-group sides, as well as being a playing member for the MCC. 

He now teaches at the Elms School, a private boarding school in Colwall.

He said: "The prospect was both an exciting and nervous one, not least because I was hoping to be scouted, have my boyhood dream fulfilled and be fast-tracked to play for the England team!

"The nervous part was a fear of being hit with the ball and so I had made numerous jokes previously that week that I should be bowling in a helmet. Fortunately, this did not happen."

Henry bowled at Ben Stokes, Cameron Bancroft, Joe Root, Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow.

He added: "Getting up close to these world-class players was not disappointing. I generally found them to be friendly and polite."

Australia retained the Ashes by winning the fourth Test before England levelled the series at 2-2 at the Oval.