THE Australian one-day cricket team may be struggling in its five-game series against England so far, but Carroll College teacher Paul Cullen hopes to buck that trend later this month.
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Cullen will fly to England on Friday, July 13 as part of the Australian over 60s cricket team’s tour of the United Kingdom.
He described the England over 60s as a “very strong side” and it’d be hard to argue after the Poms clinched a 3-nil clean sweep victory on their tour down under last year.
“They have some very good players and I want to do my best to reverse that result,” he said.
“But I’m starting to get very excited.
“I haven’t been on anything like this before, not for Australia.”
As there is no over 60s competition in the Eurobodalla, Cullen spends most weekends in summer travelling to Canberra to play in the zone league against teams such as Southern Highlands and Illawarra.
An Australian over 60s selector was in the stands one Sunday earlier this year when Cullen, an all-rounder, had a particularly “good match”.
He will be keen to carry on that form in England, particularly in the third Test as there is a possibility the match could be held at Lord’s.
“That would be pretty special, you dream about that sort of stuff,” he said.
The Aussies will only have three days off in the 19-day tour and Cullen is keen to make the most of that time.
“They’ve given us a choice of Wimbledon, the Olympic Games or just to wander around the countryside doing art galleries and markets,” he said.
Cullen’s upcoming adventure isn’t all about cricket, though.
There’s also personal motivation as Cullen and several of his Carroll College students have been using it as a way to raise money for Beyond Blue, an organisation that provides support and information for young people suffering from depression and anxiety.
“I’m very keen on alleviating that problem in young people,” Cullen said.
The group is well on its way to achieving its goal of raising $3000, however further donations are more than welcome.
For more information, or to donate, visit www.everydayhero.com.au then type in either ‘Paul Cullen’ or ‘Carroll College’ into the search bar.
Cullen said that he also hopes to catch up with some ex-Carroll College students who are now living in London.
