Cricket Diary: Pre Season and Out

Two pre season games this week and a visit to the physio and whilst I have performed well with both bat (17 not out off 12 and 24 off 18) and bowled OK (6 overs 2 wickets 18 runs), the fielding has been tough. Better than last year without doubt but a long way from being comfortable. The advice is to take 4 to 6 weeks to do a little more rehab, a lot of strength work and build up fitness.

I was also told this week that I would not be playing for Staffordshire Seniors for the first three games which seemed to be a surprise to everyone but me! As I have yet to sort out a club it is easier to accept the advice so the bat(s) have been packed away and the diary cleared of all games and net sessions for the foreseeable future.

Whilst disappointing this is not exactly a surprise and there is quite a lot of positive stuff in the mix as well.

My body is in much better shape and at the end of last season I would have accepted how it is now and played with the discomfort and restrictions but I now know how much better it can still be and I have an opportunity to really get as fit as possible and play for many more years. The truth also is that I am not comfortable ‘putting my body on the line’ (as my mate described it) and playing through the pain and discomfort when so many don’t share the same philosophy. I have worked really hard over the winter, made huge improvements, but I am not there yet so it seems fair that I put myself first.

My form is good. Feel really good at the crease and bowling much better, so I know the hard work is worth it.

Whilst 4 to 6 weeks should be enough the reality is it could be longer, and once started on this particular journey it has to be seen through to completion, so as far as playing County and Club cricket goes it is a case of “wait and see”.

I am going to do no Cricket training at all for 2 to 3 weeks. There are some games in May I could guest in which I will probably use to gauge how the training is doing.

I am in Spain at the end of May which will be when I think I will have a view as to when I will play again.

In a somewhat weird way I am really looking forward to this, but it is also disappointing that I need to do it. I also need to step away from a lot of the endless talking and not doing that seems to be endemic in Cricket (or it may just be with me) and just focus on myself, Sands pets and parents – as Eric Morecambe said, not necessarily in that order!