England footballer Dan Worrall expresses open eagerness for opportunity, stating "I'm at my ceiling - if an England call arrives, I'd grab it with joyful abandon."
Aspiring Aussie Cricketer Finds New Lease of Life in the UK
Amidst the chaos of the pandemic, one man's wish to escape Australia's monotonous food scene led him to rediscover his passion for the game he once neglected. Dan Worrall, the renowned Aussie cricketer, was named our website's Cricketer of the Year for 2024. Adam Collins' piece on Worrall first appeared in the 2025 edition of our website Cricketer's Almanack.
The Five Cricketers of the Year are an illustrious tradition dating back to 1889. They are chosen by the editor, primarily on the basis of excellence, influence, and an unusual affinity for English cuisine, it seems! No one can claim this prestigious honor more than once.
Worrall's decision to leave Australia and start anew in England was a result of covid-induced changes, such as the growth of Uber Eats, and a longing for good food. "I began to question the fun in Australian cricket with food delivery lighting up my screens every night," Worrall admits. The enticing option of using his British passport and relocating as a local had been lingering in his mind while he played closed-door Big Bash games during the pandemic.
By 2021, Dan had rejoined Gloucestershire and made a lasting impression on Surrey's South African batter, Hashim Amla during a match at The Oval. The rest, as they say, is history. A swift offer from Surrey soon followed, and Worrall found himself diving headfirst into his English adventure. With a unique diagonal run-up, mirroring his life's approach from different angles, he quickly settled in, helping Surrey secure their third successive Championship title with an impressive 52 wickets at 16.
The Dukes ball, known for its variable nature, swiftly became Worrall's nemesis turned ally. While his first encounter with the ball was in 2015, for Berkswell in the Birmingham League, its swings and swoops reawakened his love for the game. "I knew then, this is the ball I want to conquer,” Worrall recalls.
Before his move to Surrey, Worrall had already made a name for himself at home, making a rare Sheffield Shield final with South Australia, and earning an Australian call-up for a tour of South Africa. His career took a downturn due to a foot injury and a series of unlucky events, but Worrall never let it dampen his spirit. Instead, he found solace in the UK, spending time with his teammates at Gloucestershire and working part-time at an Oxfam bookshop in Bristol.
Born on July 10, 1991, in Melbourne, Worrall grew up in a working-class family, where football and rugby were more popular than cricket. His unique path to cricket began when he shot up 10 centimeters at the age of 20, and started bulking up. "I bowled faster and found my calling,” he says.
Worrall's move to Surrey marked the start of a new chapter in his life, with two little ones, Florence and Arthur, in tow. Having now settled in London, Worrall is eager to represent England, provided there's an opportunity that suits his abilities. "As a 33-year-old, I'm not there to be a project player. I'm here to do a job, however long it lasts," he declares. Regardless of whether England calls, Worrall plans to continue enjoying his cricket at The Oval, knowing he's lived a charmed life, having been fortunate enough to make the game his own.
Stay updated with live scores, player updates, and more on our website. Don't miss out on the latest cricket news, team standings, match highlights, video analysis, and live match odds.
Related tags:
UK CareerEngland EligibilitySurrey Signing
- The renowned cricketer, Dan Worrall, was named the Cricketer of the Year for 2024 on our website, arecognition that adds to the illustrious tradition of the Five Cricketers of the Year.
- As Worrall navigates his English adventure with Surrey, fans can follow his progress with the latest cricket news, team standings, match highlights, video analysis, and live match odds on our website.
- Ready to make a mark in English cricket, Dan Worrall, who agreed to join Surrey, aspires to represent England if an opportunity arises, emphasizing his readiness to do a job and not be a project player.
- Amidst the debate over his eligibility to play for England, Worrall's cohesion with his teammates and his impressive performance with the Dukes ball, which he has affectionately termed his nemesis turned ally, may encourage some to argue in his favor.
