In 2006, Scott Elstone joined the Notts Academy, though continuing through that summer to play for Staffordshire Under 17s. At the same time he made his Notts Second XI debut (aged 16yrs, 81 days) and the following year was a regular in both the three-day and one-day sides. In 2008 he joined Wollaton in Notts Premier and scored several centuries for that club, being named Premier League Young Player of the Year in 2009. The Notts Academy joined the Premier League to 2010, with Elstone appointed captain. In addition that summer he made his Notts First Eleven debut, appearing both in the 40-over and 20-over competitions.
In 2011 Elstone left the Notts Academy to become a member of the Nottinghamshire Playing Staff. Throughout the summer he was given a permanent place place in the Notts One Day Eleven, appearing in 23 matches. He was recognized as an outstanding outfield, but usually batting low in the order rarely had a chance to make many runs and was not employed as a bowler. When Trott retired injured during the 2011 England v India Test at Trent Bridge, Elstone was drafted in as sub fielder and took two catches. He became an instant 'hero' and made headlines well beyond the confines of Trent Bridge. The Guardian carried an article the next day about "the unknown 21-year-old who took two nerve-jangling catches in the closing stages of England's second Test triumph at Trent Bridge".
Elstone’s heroics were rightly celebrated but failed to outshine his county teammate Stuart Broad, who picked up a hat-trick earlier in the match. “It was amazing to be on the field for it,” said Scott. “It was the first Test hat-trick at Trent Bridge and to be able to celebrate with him in the huddle afterwards was amazing."
His moment in the spotlight did not radically change his opportunities for First Eleven cricket in 2012 - restricted due to the signing of both Michael Lumb and James Taylor - despite his performances for Notts Seconds in all competitions. Ironically he scored 131no and 53no v Northants at Lady Bay in the last Second XI Championship game of the season – he also captained the side. He left Notts in 2012 having appeared in 35 One Day matches for the county, but making no First-Class appearances.
Amongst the handful of players to experience the East Midlands derby from both perspectives, Scott Elstone then spent three seasons at Derbyshire. He played 14 First-Class games for them, making 452 runs at 21.52 with 103no v Glamorgan his top score; Elstone also took 10 First-Class wickets at 34.60, 3-68 v Northants being his best return. “There were more opportunities for me at Derby and I think both lots of supporters accepted that, so I didn’t really get any stick for it,” he said.
He was released by Derbyshire in 2016 and in that summer played one Minor Counties Championship for Shropshire, making 114 against Cheshire.
Scott Elstone was born on 10 June 1990 in Burton-on-Trent and educated at the Friary School, Lichfield. Since 2018 he has appeared for Checkley in the North Staffs and South Cheshire Premier League. He is currently working in Commercial Partnerships for Warwickshire CCC.
July 2020