20-year-old James is in Cape Town with the England Lions, while Thomas, who has just turned 17, is with the England Under 19s at Stellenbosch.
Before the brothers set off, they talked about what it was like growing up together and what their cricketing ambitions are.
“It’s brilliant and exciting for us both to be going to South Africa,” said James. “I’ve done that in the past and now Thomas is doing the same, which is really good to see.
“He’s probably further ahead than I was at that point in my cricket. He can do things that I couldn’t, so he doesn’t really need my advice!”
Regarding his call up, Thomas said: “It was a huge honour for me to get that call to go with the England Under 19s. I’ve worked really hard towards it. I’ve had lots of help over the years from the Academy at Somerset and it’s a great privilege to wear that cap.
“I remember when James was called up and we were all so excited.”
It’s not just at cricket that the brothers excel. They are sporting all-rounders as James explained.
“Dad got us into pretty much every sport from a young age,” he said. “I enjoyed them all growing up and had fun playing with my mates. I just loved cricket and then got picked onto the Academy. Suddenly, I got selected for the 50-over cup side and that made me realise that I could go further.”
How much has his older brother influenced Thomas?
“James has been a huge influence on me,” he said. “We’ve played lots of sports together, be that squash, golf or just back garden cricket. It’s been great to compete against each other, and I think that’s helped both of us kick on, especially in cricket. I don’t think that will ever stop. I still want to challenge James on the squash court. He still beats me at golf but in a couple of years hopefully I will get to beat him. James is off scratch and I’m off five.”
James added: “We were very competitive when we were younger, and we still are! There have been some major tantrums on some sporting pitches. Squash is probably where we get the most competitive. We’ve had lots of support from King’s College who have helped us with our academic studies alongside the cricket.”
Reflecting on the recent season, Thomas said: “2024 was a huge year for me. To be in the same Somerset side and win the Second XI T20 Cup alongside James was a good start. I learnt a lot last summer and have got a lot to focus on this winter.
“I look up to James as someone who I want to be in the future, but I’m taking it in small steps at the minute and can’t worry about stuff that’s in the future.”
What is Thomas hoping to gain from the Under 19s training camp?
“Hopefully, I can improve my game and work with the coaches who are out in Stellenbosch to progress my cricket ability. I’m also looking forward to spending some time with my team mates. I’ll also need to do some of my school work!”
How does James feel about his brother’s development?
“I wasn’t playing for England Under 19s when I was 16, so he’s probably a step or two ahead but there is a long way to go. It would be nice to play for Somerset alongside him one day.
“Ultimately, I want to play with him for Somerset and maybe England as well. To see him doing so well at the moment is really good. I’d say I’m more of a red ball player, while Thomas has got more of an all round game.”
Thomas was quick to highlight the role that his brother has played in his development.
“‘I think I’ve learned a lot from watching James play,” he said. “We’ve worked a lot together in the back garden.”
Talking about the Lions training camp James, said: “I went to a similar training camp last year, so I’ll be looking to build on that and be looking to expand my game based on what I’ve done so far. Hopefully, I can push on because playing for England is the dream.”
Looking to the future, Thomas said: “Playing alongside each other for Somerset would be great and something to definitely keep working towards. I’ve still got a long way to go, and I need to improve and work on a few things to get to that position, but hopefully one day it will happen.
