Kellaway to grab Welsh Fire chance with both hands

Ben Kellaway made his Glamorgan debut in 2023

Glamorgan all-rounder Ben Kellaway will be flying the flag for Wales with the Welsh Fire in the Hundred during the next month as he bids to take a step closer to representing England.

The 21-year-old from Chepstow will link up with the Welsh Fire with the opening game against Northern Superchargers on Thursday, 7 August.

Following an impressive summer with Glamorgan, Kellaway was a late inclusion for a squad that includes superstars like Australia batter Steve Smith and England's Jonny Bairstow.

Kellaway will also provide some variety as he has the unusual skill of being able to bowl with either arm, having taken wickets as an off-spinner as well as an orthodox left-arm spinner.

Bowling both hands

Ben Kellaway has bowled right and left arm spin for Glamorgan this season

Kellaway wants to be primarily recognised as an orthodox right-arm spinner alongside his middle-order batting.

But he has developed the same bowling skill with his left arm which has become far more than just a party trick.

"It is something I have been working on the last couple of years," said Kellaway.

"It is one of those skills that has just come about.

"The term ambidextrous is probably pushing it a little bit because in every day life my left hand is pretty useless."

Kellaway says it was something that started in lockdown.

"It is weird because it all started during Covid when we did not have much to do," said Kellaway.

"My brother and I enjoy playing cricket and we would just be in the driveway and garden playing 24/7 during lockdown.

"When you are playing in the garden it is always more exciting when you can spin the ball away from the batter, so I thought why don't I try and chuck a few left arm.

"At first it was pretty rubbish and I would just mess about it in the nets for the next couple of years with my mates."

Kellaway had a couple of coaches who thought they could make this unique skill work and he has sometimes changed his action mid over.

"It started to get a lot better, it's getting there," said Kellaway.

"One of the toughest bits about it is telling the umpire every time because it is just as confusing for them as it is for me because I have to remember to tell them.

"People are starting to clock on around the circuit now so they are aware of it so they are constantly asking me what I am doing."

Putting the Welsh in Welsh Fire

Kellaway has been in fine form for Glamorgan this season in all formats having scored 772 runs at an average of 59 in the County Championship and taken 25 wickets.

Kellaway has also enjoyed an excellent season for Glamorgan in the T20 Blast, taking 10 wickets at an average of 17.10 and scoring 262 runs at a strike rate of 150. It is these numbers which has seen him recognised by Welsh Fire.

"It's an amazing opportunity because there are some world-class players that are in this competition let alone at Welsh Fire, but the other teams as well," said Kellaway.

"Getting the opportunity to being in around that is going to be invaluable for me as a learning experience. It should be a good month for or so.

"I am excited, it's going to be a great opportunity no matter how much game-time I get.

"Being around that quality of players and coaching staff is going to be invaluable."

Kellaway is the only Welshman in the Welsh Fire ranks, although his Glamorgan colleague Mason Crane is also included in the squad.

"I am proud to be Welsh," said Kellaway.

"The Welsh are always very supportive so hopefully they can flood in and provide some noise.

"We get good crowds with Glamorgan so hopefully with Welsh Fire we can get that as well.

"Potentially they'll try and pick my brains on the home conditions so there'll be a little bit of pressure on me.

"But with the talent we have in the squad, I'm sure we'll have a great campaign."

England ambitions

Ben Kellaway's highest score this season is an unbeaten 181

Kellaway is also hoping a strong showing in the Hundred can enhance his England ambitions.

There is an England Lions tour of Australia this winter and Kellaway has a chance of being picked for the second string national side.

Glamorgan have not had an England international for 20 years since fast bowler Simon Jones starred in the 2005 Ashes series.

There have been England players with Welsh links since like Geraint Jones and Phil Salt, while Mike Powell, James Harris and Tom Maynard came close to selection while at Glamorgan.

"It is going to be a massive learning experience for me and hopefully a stepping stone in my career," said Kellaway.

"The aspiration to play for England is definitely there. The Lions tour is going to be a short-term goal for the next year or two."