PRESTWICH cricketer Ian Walker has reaped some international success after captaining England in the Indoor World Cup.

The team finished fourth in the tournament held in Wellington, New Zealand, which was won -- unsurprisingly -- by Australia.

Ian (34), who had a prolific season with Prestwich as batsman and wicketkeeper, admitted beforehand that earning a semi-final place would have been deemed a success.

So even though his side were beaten in the semi-final by Australia, and subsequently lost to Sri Lanka for third place, they emerged with credit. Walker, with a hamstring injury, also missed the crucial play-off game.

He said: "It was a long way to go, but it was an excellent experience, and the tournament was very well organised. Australia deserved to win. They were awesome in the final against New Zealand."

The tournament could also mark Ian's indoor cricket swansong, although the team management have asked him to play in a three-match test series against Sri Lanka in March.

But he has a more pressing non-cricketing engagement in the next couple of weeks. His wife Sue is expecting their second child.