Middlesex captain Simon Battersby (B1 1966-69) has become the 100th cricketer to represent England 70s, marking a significant milestone during the team’s successful Silver Fern Series against New Zealand.

Battersby reached the landmark on Sunday, 9 August 2026, when he took the field for England 70s at Frocester Cricket Club in the third match of a three-match One-Day International series against New Zealand.

The Middlesex stalwart, who captains his county side in the Seniors County Championship, was presented with his England cap as the national over-70s team celebrated a century of players having represented the side since its formation.

The England 70s team, made up of cricketers aged 70 and over, competed against New Zealand in the series for the Silver Fern Trophy, with England emerging victorious after three highly competitive matches.

Battersby’s achievement provided a fitting highlight for the hosts as they sealed the series and strengthened the growing international rivalry between the two nations’ senior teams.

An England 70s spokesperson said the series had been about more than just results, helping to forge lasting friendships between players while showcasing the continued growth of senior international cricket.

With England retaining the Silver Fern honour and New Zealand continuing to develop its own over-70s cricket programme, hopes are already high for a future rematch. Discussions are expected to continue about further international fixtures, with the possibility that England could one day tour New Zealand and take the rivalry to Kiwi shores.

Battersby’s appearance will now be recorded as a significant moment in the history of England 70s cricket, becoming the 100th player to wear the national colours at over-70s level.