THE Elms School's new head of geography tested out The Ashes cricket stars when he bowled at them in the nets.

Henry Lamb, who also coaches sport at the Colwall school, threw down some deliveries at England and Australia in preparation for the fifth Test at The Oval.

Lamb has turned out for Oxford MCCU Academy, South Wiltshire and Wiltshire and Dorset age-group sides as well as being a playing member for the MCC.

He said: "The prospect was both an exciting and nervous one, not least because I was hoping to be scouted, have my boyhood dream fulfilled and be fast-tracked to play for the England team!

"The nervous part was a fear of being hit with the ball and so I had made numerous jokes previously that week that I should be bowling in a helmet. Fortunately this did not happen."

Lamb bowled at Cameron Bancroft with England's Ben Stokes, captain Joe Root, Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow also involved.

He added: "Getting up close to these world-class players was not disappointing. I generally found them to be friendly and polite."

Australia retained the Ashes by winning the fourth Test before England levelled the series at 2-2 at The Oval.