A YOUNG cricketer has written himself into the record books by taking TWO hat-tricks in one innings – a feat only achieved by a handful.

Not only did Josh Fox, 13, from Chatteris, take three wickets in three balls twice but he did it without conceding a run in two overs of pace bowling.

Hugh Chevallier, from Wisden – cricket’s bible of statistics dating back to the mid-19th century – said taking two hat-tricks in an innings was so rare it had only happened twice in first-class cricket and only once in England, in 1907.

He said: “It’s an amazing achievement. It’s an incredibly rare feat and it’s never happened in international cricket. People dream of taking one hat-trick let alone two in two overs.”

Josh recorded his staggering haul for March Under-13s last Wednesday, taking wickets with the fifth and sixth balls of his opening over and the first, fourth, fifth and sixth deliveries of his second.

Cromwell Community College student Josh said: “I was just bowling straight and aiming for their feet. I was gobsmacked. I never thought I’d get that many wickets in one game in my whole life.

“As soon as I got my hat-trick everyone told me to try to get another ... so I did.”

Five of Josh’s victims were bowled while one was caught at slip as shell-shocked opponents Waterbeach crumbled for 14.

The teenager dismissed batsmen so quickly that the teams contested another hastily-organised game afterwards to use up the time.

Josh, who plays alongside his dad Pete in Chatteris’ third team, said: “I have never played in a game like that and it’s probably the only time I ever will.

“I don’t think I can beat it. I might try to get another double hat-trick in the next game or maybe bowl everyone out.”

Proud mum Marie watched from the sidelines, giving Josh’s dad updates over the phone.

Mr Fox said: “My wife couldn’t hang up because he kept taking more wickets. I went on to the internet after it happened and realised how rare it was.

“He’s just taken it all in his stride. I told him that it doesn’t happen very often but he thought nothing of it.”

A delighted Mrs Fox said: “We always thought he was more of a batsman.”