The 18-year-old, who has just finished studying A-levels at Oakham School, hit a remarkable 148 not out for Leicestershire against Middlesex at the spiritual home of cricket.

After his impressive knock, which helped the county to a draw in the LV County Championship clash on Friday, Josh was congratulated by England opener Andrew Strauss, who was on the opposing side.

Reflecting on his innings, which included three sixes and 14 fours, Josh told the Rutland Times this week: "It was obviously very special.

"It was a bit of a dream to be honest, especially to get my first hundred at Lord's."

When he strode to the wicket to join South African ace HD Ackerman, Leicestershire were struggling at 209-5 in reply to Middlesex's first innings score of 367.

Josh admits the nerves were jangling as he strolled from the changing room through the world-renowned Long Room at Lord's to the pitch.

He could never have imagined what would happen next. The pair of them put on a club record sixth-wicket stand of 270 with Ackerman contributing 194.

The talented young Cobb, who captained Oakham School's first XI this summer, started slowly before playing a series of fine drives and delicate flicks. He brought up his first ever half-century at this level with a pull wide of mid-wicket.

Josh, who learned he had passed his sports science A-level a fortnight ago, began to warm to his task, even having the confidence to pull two enormous sixes into the grandstand.

He had a nervous period when he got into the 90s before bringing up three figures in 255 balls. Josh continued in the same vein after that, adding two more fours and a huge straight six.

He said: "I've played a few matches in the first team but with this game being at Lord's I was a bit more nervous than normal.

"When I got to 96 I started to get a few more nerves. I was looking to get my hundred with a boundary but in the end I was happy to get there in ones. HD was great at the other end. He told me just to be patient and it would come. It was a great feeling to get there."

Champagne flowed in the dressing room afterwards because, aside from Josh's maiden ton, Ackerman reached 1,000 runs for the season and the pair celebrated a record partnership.

Josh's team-mate, opener Matt Boyce, who lives in Oakham, also played his part in the match with 63 in the final total of 533. Middlesex were on 185-5 in their second innings when a draw was declared.

Josh now hopes to make the England Under 19s squad to tour India and South Africa this winter.

He added: "Hopefully my innings at Lord's will help me become a first team regular with Leicestershire. My dream and my ambition is to play for England although I know that is a long way off at the moment."