My dad was a top England cricketer and is a Sky Sports legend – but now I’m making my own way in the sport

EX-ENGLAND captain Michael Atherton is one of the most celebrated cricketers on and off the pitch.

Atherton skippered his country by the age of 25 and led them in a record 54 Test matches.

And after retiring, Atherton turned his hand to punditry, working as a commentator with Sky Sports, and becoming an award-winning cricket correspondent for The Times.

But the OBE is not the only talented player in his family.

That's because son Josh de Caires has emerged as a promising young batsman - with aims of being an all-rounder - for Middlesex.

De Caires - who achieved a first in economics at Leeds University - is becoming a rapidly improved spin bowler.

He told : “I never imagined this.

“I backed myself and I knew I had some skills with the ball, but didn’t think I’d get anywhere near a seven-for or an eight-for this year.

"One of my mates texted me saying, ‘Imagine the odds you’d have got a couple of years ago on getting a 10-fer before a first-class hundred’.

"It would have been ludicrously long.”

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De Caires, who was given his mother's maiden name, admits he was not much of a bowler growing up.

But he improved when Ian Salisbury - a former team-mate of his dad's - joined Middlesex's coaching staff this season.

De Caires said: “I have always enjoyed the challenge, bowling at good batters in a game is a bit like a puzzle.

“It’s enjoyable to try to work someone out like that. It’s funny, I felt that my batting had really improved at the start of the year.

"It still has, but probably when you are batting 8-9 it’s hard to show that off.

“Hopefully in the next year or so I can keep my place with my bowling, but I want to perform with the bat, too, and become a genuine all-rounder.”

De Caires is at peace with being the son of a legend but wants to earn a name in his own right.

He said: “He’s very good at keeping his space.

“I am not sure I will ever outgrow the tag, but it’s not something I’m too concerned or fussed about.

"It’s something I’m obviously immensely proud of my dad for, but I’m happy just getting on with my game.”

De Caires has also earned his first call up to the England Lions squad for a winter training camp.

He is one of 10 new faces in the 21-player squad and the camp will be held in the UAE from November 16 to December 7.