FROM the Wiltshire League Division 10 to a Test match at Trent Bridge, Jon Lewis has come a long way in the last 20 years.

It may have taken a while, but the cricketer, who started his adult career as a fresh-faced 12-year-old in Swindon's fourth team, has finally earned that Test cap that many believe is long over-due.

In starting against Sri Lanka in the the npower series finale against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge yesterday, Lewis became Swindon's first ever Test player and according to one of his old coaches, his potential was obvious even from an early age.

Kevin Thompson, coach at Swindon's junior set-up for the past 20 years, worked with Lewis as a youngster before captaining him when he made the step-up to adult cricket.

He said: "Jon was always a very good cricketer. I remember when he was really young he was good with both the bat and the ball.

"At that time he was probably better as a batsman but over the years he has shown his worth as a swing bowler.

"He was good enough to play adult cricket as a youngster and played well. I guess there is a bit of pride watching him play for England as I can say I had a small hand in helping him."

At 30 years of age, it looked as though Lewis's Test dreams had gone, especially after being selected in the squad several times but just missing out.

"Jon has been waiting for it a long time," said Thompson from Trent Bridge. "It is a great moment for him and for Swindon."

David Martin, secretary of Swindon United Churches, said Lewis' achievement should be celebrated by everyone in the town.

He said: "I am sure all the cricket clubs around here would like to add their congratulations.

"It is wonderful news for local cricket. Swindon are obviously the club that have nurtured him and so deserve a lot of praise."