Falconer's Hundred on brink of disaster after email 'hoax' sparks chaos
Caleb Falconer, the 19-year-old Middlesex all-rounder, was on the cusp of disaster in The Hundred after an email 'hoax' sparked chaos over his eligibility.
A few phone calls, emails and an identity check later, Falconer's father Stuart had managed to get Caleb on to the auction list, and his name was being fought over by two Hundred franchises.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was not convinced he really was Falconer's father, and had to get back to him to verify his identity.
Falconer senior eventually sorted out the issue, and Caleb's name was included in the auction. The Southern Brave eventually won the bidding at £55,000, with Falconer yet to make an appearance for the team this summer.
Falconer has been soaking up the experience of training alongside players he grew up watching, and has been picking their brains as much as possible.
He caught the eye at the Under-19 World Cup, finishing as the tournament's sixth highest run scorer with 309 runs from six innings at an average of 61.80.
Falconer's batting is built around power and innovative strokeplay all round the ground, with AB de Villiers – the original 'Mr 360' – among his inspirations.
"I like playing the old paddle, or the scoop, especially when it's a big quick bowler and you just use their pace," he said.
Falconer's ambition now stretches well beyond The Hundred, with the 19-year-old keen to play for England's senior side one day. He would love to play in all three formats, and see himself as an all-round player who can adapt to the different formats.
Falconer's progress has been impressive, given that he only moved to the UK in 2023, having been born and raised in South Africa, with the aim of cracking it as a professional cricketer.
His chance to make an appearance for the Southern Brave in The Hundred could come on Monday, in their final group game against Trent Rockets.
If he gets the opportunity, Falconer will be looking to make a big impact and prove himself in the competition.
Source: BBC Sports