Powerful under-13 batsman Ben is being heralded as King’s best young prospect for decades after scoring four centuries in one season. Ben, who is the younger brother of Boys' Division Head Boy and First Team cricketer Johnnie, has amassed a total of 912 runs at an average over 70, with a top score of 139 not out. His outstanding form has seen him move up first to under-15 level and now to King’s First Team, playing five years above his age group.
Son of Buxton Cricket Club stalwart Robert Marsden, Ben practises almost every day either with King’s or with Buxton Cricket Club, and plays four matches a week at the height of the season.
King’s Cricket Coach Steve Moores, brother of England cricket coach Peter Moores, said: “None of us can remember anyone performing better at such an early age. He’s a really good lad - the sort who carries his kit with him everywhere just in case he might get a game. It’s very unusual for a young man to be so prolific; as well as having natural talent you need great powers of concentration to score so consistently.”
Ben says Kevin Pietersen is his favourite cricketer. He said: “I have a simple approach and just concentrate on hitting the bad ball.” He added: “Obviously I’d love to have a career in the game, but even I know it’s far too early to tell if I will be good enough.”
