AS weeks go, it’s not been too bad for Moeen Ali and Chris Pennell, two of Worcester’s leading international sportsmen.
On Monday, Worcestershire all-rounder Moeen scored his second one-day international century for England as they swept aside Scotland by 119 runs at the World Cup.
In doing so, he once again underlined his importance to a national side that had been beaten comfortably in their previous two matches against New Zealand and Australia.
It was yet more evidence of Moeen’s continued rise on the world stage and how far he has come as a player since he was first called up early last year.
At Sixways, news also broke on Monday that Pennell had been drafted into the England training squad ahead of this Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Ireland.
With Mike Brown now ruled out with concussion, and only Alex Goode seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, the full-back has quickly moved in for selection in the main 26 for the Dublin encounter.
While Pennell’s inclusion is not a major surprise, given his call-up to the second string England Saxons this year, it is no less significant.
For a player plying his trade in the second tier of English rugby, it is a sign of just how highly England head coach Stuart Lancaster rates him that he has turned to the Warriors star.
The 27-year-old is also a safe pair of hands, in more ways than one. Having already been in and around the England set-up, why would Lancaster look elsewhere?
Together with Moeen, he is doing Worcester proud at present.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here