HE was the first Worcestershire U11 player to take a hat-trick at the age of ten and became the first batsman to make a century for the same side 12 months later.

Now, 18-year-old Craig Everett, captain of the Worcestershire U19s, is still breaking records, having hit an unbeaten 215 against Glamorgan last month - 66 runs better than the previous record.

The Droitwich Spa resident has been part of the Worcestershire set up since he was ten-years-old and is currently part of the Worcestershire Academy.

But, despite being skipper of the U17s last season, Craig was surprised to have been handed the captaincy so early.

He said: "I was not expecting to be named captain because there are some people who already have experience.

"I help select the team, batting order, decided bowling changes and fielding positions.

"I look after everybody and have responsibility for the team."

Craig, of Sandles Road, currently plays for Walsall in the Birmingham Premier League after leaving Halesowen in 1999, and comes from a strong cricket background.

His two brothers, Leon and Karl, play for Walsall and Halesowen respectively while his father, Wayne, also played for Halesowen. At one point, all four played at Halesowen and the brothers featured in the same starting 11.

Craig was named Midland Cricket Club Conference U16 player of the year in 2000 and recieved the Alec Hastilow Trophy for his efforts.

He added: "I really want to play for Worcestershire and do a good job for them and try to be one of the great players at Worcestershire."

Craig was also practised with Steve Waugh and Shane Warne and last year turned down the chance to go to New South Wales to further his cricket so he could finish his A-levels but he is still hoping to get that opportunity.