6"2 LEFT-HANDED OPENER
Ben Charlesworth was handed a Gloucestershire debut by Richard Dawson in August 2018 aged just 17. First selected as a batting-all-rounder, Charlesworth batted seven on debut before slowly establishing himself as a resolute left-handed opener in his early twenties.
An impressive youth record resulted in Charlesworth’s selection in the England U-19 squad for the 2020 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. He played two fixtures in the tournament, top scoring against Australia with 82.
His progression stalled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, Oxford-born Charlesworth returned to form during Gloucestershire’s 2021 One-Day Cup campaign averaging 52 as Shire reached the quarter-final stage.
A career-best 99* came in Glos’ win against Hampshire in Bristol. Chasing 205 to win, Gloucestershire’s rapid pursuit of the visitor’s total meant Charlesworth was cruelly denied a maiden List A hundred.
In 2022, the left-hander played an important role at the top of the order in Gloucestershire’s final three Championship fixtures. Opening with Marcus Harris in the West Country derby at Taunton, Charlesworth hit half-centuries in both innings before hopes of a famous Gloucestershire win were curtailed by rain.
A man of the match performance against Middlesex took Gloucestershire to within touching distance of a One-Day Cup quarter final. Charlesworth’s contribution of 97 was only halted by his selfless determination to move the game forward.
Gloucestershire fans will surely not have long to wait until Charlesworth hits a first professional hundred, perhaps in the same side as younger brother Luke.
Individual Honours
Gloucestershire Academy Player of the Year: 2018
Gloucestershire Career Stats
Batting & Fielding
Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 100 | 50 | Ct | |
First-class | 23 | 37 | 2 | 737 | 77* | 21.06 | 37.73 | 0 | 6 | 10 |
List A | 10 | 10 | 1 | 451 | 99* | 50.11 | 80.39 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
T20 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Bowling
Mat | Overs | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR | 5w | |
First-class | 23 | 92.5 | 10 | 3/25 | 34.2 | 3.69 | 55.5 | 0 |
List A | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0/12 | - | 6.50 | - | 0 |
T20 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
*Figures up to date as of 01/04/2023
Ben Charlesworth
Left hand bat | Right medium-fast
Age: 23Born: Oxford
Squad number: 64
Player sponsor: BIE Magnum