Jamie Cox is used to opening the innings for Somerset, but on June 4th he will be step out in front of the biggest crowd that he has ever faced.

The thirty two year old Tasmanian, who joined the county in 1999, will be carrying the Australian flag through the streets of London next Tuesday as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Parade.

Jamie received the news whilst he was fielding for Somerset against Surrey at The Oval and was totally surprised to receive the invitation from the Australian High Commission.

He told me: " I'm absolutely thrilled to be asked to carry the Australian flag. When they tried to contact me I was out in the field, but I phoned back and said that I'd be delighted to accept the invitation. At first it didn't register, but the more I think about it the more proud I am to have been invited to do it."

He continued: "I don't know all the details yet but it's obviously going to be a big day for me. There are a few Aussie cricketers over in this country so I guess I just struck lucky to be chosen for this honour."

The last nine months have been a period in his life that Jamie is unlikely to ever forget, and this will be another achievement for him to celebrate.

In September he led Somerset to victory in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at Lord's, in December his son Lachlan was born, earlier this year he became Tasmania's leading all time run scorer, and in April he got married to Helen.

Somerset fans will be no doubt be hoping that Jamie Cox can crown his year of success by winning another cricketing trophy for them to celebrate

© SOMERSET