THERE cannot be many sporting siblings who see more of each other than Tom and Ollie Price.

The former Magdalen School pupils, who signed professional contracts with Gloucestershire in January, share a house in Bristol and helped each other stay fit while cricket was suspended earlier this summer.

If that was not enough, they have both just finished their first year at Durham University, where they regularly train together.

While this would be more than enough time in each other’s company for some brothers, the arrangement came to fruition during lockdown.

Tom, 20, said: “We were very lucky that we were both living with someone doing the same thing.

“When you’re doing your drills it’s another set of eyes and another pair of hands.

“It’s about not seeing each other as brothers, just someone to work with and help yourself work on your own game.”

It did no harm for the 20-year-old, who made his first-class debut in the Bob Willis Trophy against Worcestershire last month.

His younger brother, 19, is still waiting for his chance, but it has only added to his desire to reach the top.

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Ollie Price Picture: Oxfordshire Cricket

Ollie said: “As with all siblings, there’s very much a competitive edge when it comes to things.

“But that ends up being a real positive, because you’ve got someone pushing you on.

“When Tom made his debut that was something I wanted to emulate.”

The pair grew up in Cumnor and played for Great Tew as youngsters, with Ollie also appearing for Oxford and Tom for Abingdon Vale.

Both played extensively for Gloucestershire’s second XI in 2019 and were each rewarded with

two-year deals, which expire at the end of next season.

While opportunities have been limited in the shortened 2020 campaign, the pair do not need to look far for a source of motivation.

Tom said: “We’ve been involved with Gloucestershire since we were both 12, travelling down every Sunday and sometimes in the week.

“We both push each other on, because there’s certainly a competitive edge, but there’s also a greater understanding there as well.”

His brother added: “It’s definitely been very helpful having your brother doing similar things.

“You’ve always got a reference point, someone to train and talk about the game with.”