JAMES BRUCE admitted to mixed emotions after being handed his first Lord's final appearance - less than an hour before the start.
In-form Bruce was expected to miss out but was included at the expense of veteran off-spinner Shaun Udal after Shane Warne decided he was better suited to the overcast conditions.
Bruce had to be content with his role as 12th man when the Hawks won the C&G Trophy in 2005.
On that occasion he was denied when Chris Tremlett passed a late fitness test so he was delighted to be given the nod by Warne at 10am on Saturday.
He admitted: "I was surprised because I didn't expect to play but John Crawley had told me he thought I stood a chance and to prepare as though I was going to play because of the conditions, which suited me.
"Later on, Warney had a chat with Shaggy and then came over, put his arm around me and said I'd be playing.
"I was thrilled to be involved."
Full story in today's Daily Echo
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