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Tim Sargent Selected for Australian Over 50’s World Cup

Below is an Article from the Advertiser regarding Tim Sargents selection:

South Aussie Tim Sargent will represent Australia at the Over 50s Cricket World Cup in South Africa

Tim Sargent is proof you should never give up on your dream of playing for your country. The 54-year-old will depart Adelaide on Friday to represent Australia at the Over 50s World Cup in South Africa.

Reece Homfray, The Advertiser

March 3, 2020 3:26pm

Tim Sargent is off to South Africa to play in the Australian Over 50s cricket team against sides from around the world. Picture: Dean Martin

Tim Sargent is off to South Africa to play in the Australian Over 50s cricket team against sides from around the world. Picture: Dean Martin

Tim Sargent is proof that you’re never too old to earn something new – including one of Australian sport’s most sacrosanct items, the Baggy Green.

On Friday, the 54-year-old leaves Adelaide for South Africa where he will represent his country in the Over 50s Cricket World Cup.

Sargent has enjoyed a long career at club level with Goodwood while getting a taste of District action with the Adelaide Buffaloes, but his childhood ambition of playing for Australia never materialised any further than his dreams.

But that was until 2017 when the accountant and father-of-one made the Australian Over 50s team to tour England.

He was presented with his own Baggy Green cap, embossed with his unique number (12) that will remain his forever.

“It’s a special moment,” Sargent said.

“The first Test we had was against Wales and they had the PA system going, a band, there were kids from the school cheering us on with local flags and they played the national anthem, it was very much like a proper Test.

“Everyone gets quite emotional every time we get a new player that gets a cap, they normally tear up when they’re presented with it.”


Tim Sargent has realised his dream of getting his Baggy Green. Picture: Dean Martin

Tim Sargent has realised his dream of getting his Baggy Green. Picture: Dean

Sargent’s journey to playing for Australia took off in 2017 when he represented SA in the Over-50 national championships, which this year are coming to Adelaide in November.

“It all started when I just turned 50, there was a tournament where a few states played against each other and they picked an invitational team to tour England for a month,” he said.

“We played various County Over 50s teams, and Tests against England and Wales.

“Each year we have a state carnival, the second was in Sydney and third in Brisbane and last November was in Perth.

“This year we’re lucky that the carnival is going to be held in Adelaide, so we should get a strong team together and my understanding is the next World Cup is in England.

“For guys who have kept their fitness or are playing cricket and are mobile, there’s a great opportunity to play for your country at your age level.

“At Adelaide Turf level or suburban you’re playing against anyone at any age, you don’t often get umpires and you’ve got to score yourselves.

“You play for the enjoyment.

“This brings back the old memories of playing people a similar age who are passionate about it, and it brings on the competitive juices again.”

Sargent, a left-arm opening bowler, and the Australian team will play a warm-up game in Johannesburg next week before the tournament starts in Cape Town.

This year’s event involves 196 players – 70 of whom have played at First Class level – from 12 countries and the South African team is being coached by fast bowling great Alan Donald.

The Over 50s national championships will be run by the SA Veterans Cricket Association in Adelaide from November 21-16.

SA’s over-50s grand final will be played between Adelaide Uni and Hills Fleurieu at Gaza this Sunday.

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