Frocester cricket stalwart John Evans has brought his time as England Over-70s captain to a close after a highly successful international spell that included two World Cup triumphs, two Silver Ashes series victories and a memorable win over New Zealand.
Evans reflected on what he described as an “amazing” four years with the national side after deciding that the time was right to hand over the captaincy. The source says his journey began in 2022, when England manager Chris Lowe asked him to become vice-captain to Chris Swadkin.
That leadership role was linked to England’s Silver Ashes tour of Australia in February 2023. Swadkin was an excellent role model, but health issues experienced during the tour gave Evans more opportunities to lead the team.
England came from behind to win the Silver Ashes 2-1, with Derek Towe emerging as the tour’s star performer. Swadkin subsequently handed the captaincy to Evans for the home series, while Towe became his vice-captain.
Success against Australia
Australia returned in 2023 for another series. England won 2-0, with the source also describing the third game as an exciting draw. That result formed part of a run of strong performances against one of the leading sides in the Over-70s game.
The first Over-70s World Cup followed in 2024 and was staged in England. Evans regarded the tournament as a great success both as an event and for the national team.
England lost to Australia in the pool stage, but recovered in the final at Wormsley Park. Evans’ side defeated Australia to become the inaugural Over-70s World Cup champions.
World Cup defence in New Zealand
The 2026 season began with another trip to Australia for the Silver Ashes. England completed a 3-0 series victory before travelling to New Zealand to defend the World Cup title.
Australia again defeated England during the pool stage. However, England responded as it had two years earlier, reaching the final at Hagley Park Oval and triumphing over Australia in a tight contest to lift the trophy again.
England then completed a 3-0 series victory against New Zealand. A subsequent match against an England Over-65s team brought Evans’ captaincy tenure to an end.
Tribute to teammates and supporters
Evans said he believed it was the right moment to pass on the role. He described being involved with the England Over-70s squad as an honour and a privilege, and wished his successor the same luck and enjoyment he had experienced. The source does not identify who will replace him.
“It has been an amazing four years for me involved in the England Over-70s squad.”
He thanked the management team of Chris Lowe, Chris Swadkin and Charles Bury, describing their contribution as important to his time with England. Evans also paid tribute to Derek Towe, his “superb vice-captain”, and to all the players who had represented the side during his four years in charge.
Further thanks went to his wife Jude and the other women who supported the team. Evans said he intended to remain involved with England in whatever capacity he could.
“I wish my successor the same luck and enjoyment that I’ve had.”
“I will continue to support in whatever capacity as long as I am able.”
Evans leaves the captaincy having helped England win two World Cups and two Silver Ashes series. His record also includes the series victory against New Zealand, closing a remarkable chapter for the Frocester cricket stalwart and England Over-70s cricket.