DJ vows to put Spalding cricketers in a spin

Spalding Town Cricket Club could have a famous face turning out for them soon – Radio 1 DJ and TV presenter Greg James.
 
The 32-year-old has agreed to turn out for the Memorial Field club after speaking to 2nd XI captain Matt Gill live on air on Wednesday, May 23.

One of the features on Greg’s weekday show is a feature called Rage Against the Machine where people are invited to leave an angry voicemail.

Matt did just that after not having had a reply from Greg about playing in a charity match he’s organising later this summer.

The message was played on air on Wednesday, while a shocked Matt was driving his daughter Willow (11) at the time.

Later that evening he then received a call asking to go live on the radio on the same show, something he did while playing for Spalding in a twenty overs a side game against Woodhall Spa.

Greg is unable to do the charity match, but instead agreed to play.

He has plenty of cricketing pedigree having played for Hertfordshire U18s as a youngster and is the godfather of England seam bowler Jamie Anderson’s daughter.

Matt said: “It was my daughter’s idea to ring the Rage Against the Machine and leave a message.

“When we were driving and in the car and our voices came on the radio it was just genuinely hilarious.

“We were shocked and then later came a call from his management team that they wanted me to come live on air.

“I was playing cricket at the time so I had to say to the captain if he wins the toss make sure we’re batting when the call comes.

“He’s been busy with the Biggest Weekend Festival this weekend but we’re hoping to sort a date for a home game on Sunday some time this summer soon.”

Greg said on air: “I want to find out what Spalding Town Cricket Club is all about.”

• Matt is organising a charity game where a team he’s putting together for the Battens Disease Family Association to play the Lashings, a collection of famous former players.

That game will take place on Thursday, August 9 at Seas End Hall at Moulton Seas End.

Further details are to be announced.