Mike Gatting and Devon Malcolm showed their support for The Lord’s Taverners on Wednesday, September 23 as the two former England cricketers helped open the new Indoor School at the Cricket for Change Centre in Wallington, Surrey.

Fast bowler Malcolm bowled the first ball to former England captain Gatting during the official opening of the facility which will provide access to cricket for disadvantaged and disabled youngsters across Greater London.

The indoor school is the latest in a long line of sporting and recreational facilities across the UK to be supported by The Lord’s Taverners.

The school features two state-of-the-art indoor cricket nets which have been named after two of the major funding partners, The Lord’s Taverners and London Marathon Charitable Trust.

Gatting, a former Ashes-winning captain, said: “The Lord’s Taverners believes that sport and recreational activities are vital for youngsters’ growth.

“The new Indoor School, part-funded by The Lord’s Taverners, provides excellent facilities for young people to practice cricket and develop vital physical and social skills.”

The Lord’s Taverners is a youth sports charity whose objective is to give young people a sporting chance. This year The Lord’s Taverners will donate nearly £2.5 million to help young people of all abilities and backgrounds participate in sport and recreation activities.

Matthew Patten, Chief Executive at The Lord’s Taverners, said, “We are thrilled to support this fantastic initiative through Cricket for Change. Following a busy few months in the professional cricket calendar, it is important to remember the grass roots of the sport and try to improve access throughout the country.”