Gloucestershire’s John Evans is celebrating after being named world Over 70 player of the year for 2024.

The 73-year-old Frocester chairman has been honoured after captaining England to glory in the inaugural Over 70 World Cup, leading from the front with a total of 227 runs in five innings including top scoring with 78 in the seven-wicket final victory against Australia at Wormsley in August.

Evo, as he is universally known, said the news had come “completely out of the blue”, and caps a memorable run of successes since turning 70.

He said: “I didn’t have much luck in my 60s, I missed out on the chance to play for England because of two knee operations but my 70s have been a completely different story.”

Evo was a key member of the Gloucestershire side which became national Over 70 champions in 2023, and has also helped England beat Australia in two Silver Ashes series.

He added: “I’m very honoured to receive the world award, I had no idea at all it was coming. I do think that the England team had a lot to do with it... you can only be a good captain if you have a good team around you, and we certainly had that.

“I enjoy my golf but I’ve always got a buzz out of being part of a team, whether it’s football or cricket, there’s nothing quite like it.

“I know there are those who don’t think much of seniors cricket but there are still a lot of very good players around and the standard is very high.”

Evo has plenty of motivation to keep playing for a while yet as New Zealand has just been named as the host country for the next Over 70 World Cup in March 2026.

He said: “It’s definitely a new target to have and to stay fit for!”