WA Premier Cricket: English import George Bell back with Rockingham Mandurah for 2024-25

Englishman George Bell is returning to Rockingham Mandurah this summer, two years after the young cricketer made a great first impression for the Mariners.

Bell averaged more than 42 with the bat during his WA Premier Cricket season with the Mariners in 2022-23.

Confirmation of his return for the 2024-25 season, which begins this Saturday, may at times allow Rockingham Mandurah to field a tantalising trio of young tyros at the top of the order.

Homegrown star Teague Wylie will be looking to lock down his spot in WA’s all conquering Sheffield Shield team while fellow favourite son Corey Wasley, who spent time last season playing for WA’s Second XI, is also hunting higher duties.

Bell, who has just turned 22, is a former England under-19 player who played in the same Under-19 World Cup in 2021 that Wylie dominated for Australia.

He was still in England last weekend playing for Lancashire County in the County Championship and is therefore unlikely to play in the Mariners’ season opener at Lark Hill against South Perth.

It will be new coach Craig Reynolds’ first game at the helm after the former junior coach was appointed to replace retired club legend Craig Simmons.

“My overall thoughts are that Rockingham Mandurah is a sleeping giant of the WACA cricket system and has untapped resources in the region,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds, a former first grade player with Scarborough and Perth, has vast experience with juniors at both the Mariners and feeder club Secret Harbour.

He is also a past captain-coach of suburban turf outfit Wembley District Cricket Club.