Three first-class players will spearhead Team Great Britain's open cricket challenge at next summer's Maccabiah Games in Israel.

Manager Nigel Rothband has named a 13-man squad. Under Rothband, GB claimed bronze in the 2005 Games and he is confident that they can push holders South Africa and Australia all the way. The third place finish was GB's first cricket medal for 16 years.

Darren Gerrard (ex-Oxford University), Jason Molins (Ireland) and Mark Bott (Cambridge UCCE and Nottinghamshire CCC) hold first-class status while vice-captain Jeremy Mordrick used to play for Essex 2nds.

The squad boasts a wealth of experience as nine players have taken part at a previous Maccabiah Games.
Rothband commented: "We have assembled probably the strongest British cricket squad ever to travel to Israel.

"The inclusion of three players with first-class experience gives us a real chance of challenging for gold." Rothband said: "To ensure we are well prepared between now and next July, a programme has been devised that will include regular get-togethers involving dietetic advice, fitness training, drills, nets and social activities.

"In addition the team will play four warm-up matches early next season against strong league opposition. I would like to say a big thanks to Barratts who have once again sponsored the squad."

Jeremy Lawrence and Neil Myeroff, joint-managers of the youth team, are equally optimistic about their team's chances. Lawrence said: "We are very happy with the squad that we have selected. Cricket is probably the only sport in the Games that has to be played over such a long period during the day in the heat of an Israeli summer."

Myeroff said: "The players will face an intense training regime in the months leading up to the games."

Team Great Britain Open squad:

Darren Gerard (capt) Berkhamsted, Jeremy Mordrick (vice-capt - Woodford Wells), Jason Molins (Brondesbury), Mark Bott (Cambridge UCCE and Nottinghamshire CCC), Adam Brand (London Maccabi Vale), Ben Frais (Eastcote), Dave Romain (Hampstead), Ben Hartman (Southgate), Richard Black (Stanmore & London Maccabi Vale), Richard Reggel (Belmont & Edgware), Andrew Daniels (OMT & LMV), Saul Weitzman (Belmont & Edgware), Ryan Kangisser (London Maccabi Vale). Manager: Nigel J L Rothband (Chorleywood & Herts 50+), coach: Michael Jacobs (Malden Wanderers)

Youth squad:

Steven Allweis, Gideon Caller, Daniel Cohen, Marcus Freeman, Scott Gerrard, Leo Glover, Jordan Godden, Joseph Greenwall-Cohen, Andrew Greenwall-Cohen, Joshua Hirschowitz, Oliver Layton, Yehuda Lieberman, Sebastian Schusman, Alex Ziff. Managers: Jeremy Lawrence, Neil Myeroff, coach: Steve Toms