They are Tewkesbury’s answer to the Chappell brothers – that great Australian cricketing family from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

But while Ian and Greg Chappell captained their country with great distinction, their younger brother Trevor never got to lead out the Baggy Greens.

And that is where the Allcoat family can outscore the Chappells.

That’s because the middle brother of three – James – will be captaining Tewkesbury Cricket Club this season, following in the footsteps of older brother John and younger brother Tom.

Tom has been captain for the past three years and still plans to play this season even though he is now teaching in Weston.

“He’s assured me he’s going to play,” said James. “He’s one of our key players. He’s an all-rounder and has a big part to play.”

He’s a big act to follow as captain as well.

“He was the youngest member of the side when he took over as captain,” said James, 30, “so he did really well. He’s very mature and has a good head on him.”

Older brother John, who these days lives in Newport, captained the side for three or four years 10 years ago when James, a wicketkeeper/batsman, was establishing himself in the 1st XI.

So who was the better captain, John or Tom?

“That’s a tough one,” laughed James, “I’ve not been asked that before.

“John moulded a side together, we were an up and coming side when he was captain.

“Tom had a good side, he was a more attacking captain.

“They were both good captains, I think I’m going to sit on the fence on that one!”

So what made James decide he wanted to be captain?

“I think the time is right,” he said. “I think you’ve got to pick someone who will play the majority of games and I’ve been in the 1st XI for 13 years now.

“You’ve got to be a good leader off the field as well as on it.

“I’d like to have a stint at being captain for as long as I can. I’ve got a good understanding of the game and if I can do half as good a job as my brothers I’ll have done well. They were good role models.”

So what are the club hoping to achieve in the Gloucestershire Division of the West of England League this season?

“We need to get off to a good start,” said James. “That won’t be easy because there are lot of good teams – Cheltenham 2nds, Hatherley, Frocester 2nds, Cirencester, Stroud, Gloucester. A lot of sides can beat each other.

“Let’s get a good month in and see where we are. To be talking about promotion at this stage is arrogant.”

James plans to bat at five, six or seven this season – “It’s hard work keeping wicket for 50 overs, especially on a red-hot day in July,” he said.

And while the captaincy will obviously be demanding at times the new skipper certainly won’t be short of support this season.

Jack Brixey is the new vice-captain and he will be expected to weigh in with a big chunk of the team’s runs alongside Fred Humphries and Stu Tame.

Adam Brookes will again be the bowling spearhead. “He gets a lot of wickets,” said James, “he can bowl match-winning spells.”

The club also have high hopes for youngsters Harry Low, Will New and Luke Hughes who have all shown promise.

At the other end of the age spectrum – and on the other side of the boundary – James’ dad David will be watching on with interest and great pride.

“He was the 1st XI wicketkeeper before me,” said James. “I took over from him. He’s 60 now and still plays the occasional game for the 3rds. He’s our groundsman and along with Tom Brown does an awful lot for the club.”

The Allcoat name has been synonymous with Tewkesbury Cricket Club for many seasons and if James has his way that will continue for many years to come.

“My son Samuel is one,” he said, “I’d love to still be playing when he is old enough to play.”