Ben Kellaway Spins Both Ways . . . But is Definitely Heading Upwards

 

There is already something unusual – and potentially game-changing – about Ben Kellaway, but now he wants to break another mould by playing for England.

The Glamorgan all-rounder can bowl with either arm, even switching during an over – a rare skill that could yet become a decisive weapon at the highest level.

But as the new County Championship season unfolds – with Glamorgan starting their third game of the Division One campaign at home to Leicestershire on Friday - Kellaway’s immediate focus is on recovery after a hip injury halted his early momentum.

“I picked up a little niggle in the last game here at Notts. I've got a grade 2B (muscle tear) in my hip flexor. 

“So I'm hoping it's only sort of four weeks, so I’ll soon be back and raring to go. But it's a bit of a frustrating one, and a frustrating time for me.”

READ MORE: Glamorgan Duo Asa Tribe and Ben Kellaway Ready for Next Step Towards Test Match Cricket

The setback interrupts what has been a rapid rise for the 22-year-old from Chepstow.

After a breakthrough campaign last summer, Kellaway earned selection for the England Lions and spent the winter immersed in elite environments, including time around an Ashes series in Australia and a spin camp in India.

“Last season was amazing and then to get that call up for that series in Australia was awesome,” adds the ambidextrous spinner, who took 25 wickets last season in his county’s promotion-winning campaign, at an average of 32.12.

“I've had a great winter full of various experiences. Australia was epic in terms of shadowing that sort of Ashes series and learning from some of those more senior guys.

“Then, I managed to go on another Lions spin camp in India in late January. It's been incredible to experience all these different cultures and environments and it's only taking my game to the next level.”

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That exposure has accelerated Kellaway’s development and sharpened ambitions of breaking into the senior England set-up, with the former Cardiff Met student among a group of emerging players pushing for higher honours alongside clubmate Asa Tribe.

Glamorgan have not had an England player for  20 years, since fast bowler Simon Jones was hurling them down against the Aussies. 

Kellaway was still a toddler then, but is keen  to bridge that long gap with a Test call-up this season.

“It's exciting - you want to represent your country and you want to be playing for England.

“For me, it's just taking it step by step. If I keep performing for Glamorgan and keep pushing us forward, then whatever comes from that comes from that.”

For now, though, his priority is helping Glamorgan establish themselves in Division One. 

Despite external doubts before the season, early performances have offered encouragement.

“I think, in particular, in that first game against Yorkshire we showed a lot of people what we're about,” adds Kellaway, who bats right-handed and is predominantly an off-spinner.

“There’s been a lot of doubters, but we showed what we can bring, even in parts of that second game at Notts we got into positions where we were on top.

“A few moments went against us, but there are so many positives to take. If everyone stays fit and keeps driving forward, there's no reason we can't do great things this season.”

That belief reflects a more aggressive mindset within the squad under captain Kiran Carlson, with a clear emphasis on chasing victories.

“That declaration in the first match shows what we're about,” says Kellaway.

“We're here to play positive cricket, to win games and get on the front foot. We nearly got over the line in that game, and that was because of that bold declaration.”

Kellaway has also been following debates around the trial of injury replacements in county cricket, recognising both its potential benefits and pitfalls.

“There's a lot of debate going on and it's a very interesting topic. 

“It makes sense if used with the right rules in place. But the last thing you want is a fresh bowler coming in on day four and blowing you away. Injuries are sometimes unavoidable and can have a massive impact on games, but the rules have to be fair.”

While red-ball cricket remains the focus, the 21-year-old Kellaway is also looking forward to the white-ball summer in the Vitality Blast even if his involvement in The Hundred for Welsh Fire may limit his appearances in the One-Day Cup.

“We're really excited in terms of the white-ball cricket and we're looking forward to it. 

“The signings we've brought in and the way we're structuring the team is really exciting.”

Still, it is his ambidextrous bowling that continues to set Kellaway apart and could lead to him grabbing attention this season. 

Though not yet a fully polished weapon, it offers a glimpse of what could make Kellaway uniquely dangerous.

“We'll bring it out again at some point,” he promises.

“It's something I've continued to work on. It's more about using it as a variation. 

“It's not all there yet, but I can see where it could be in 10 years’ time. It's something I want to keep pushing to make me stand out.”

For now, patience is required as he works his way back to fitness. 

But with rare skills, growing experience and rising confidence, Kellaway’s trajectory suggests his journey may only just be beginning.