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Home , 2012 County Championship, Alex Lees, Alviro Petersen, Andrew Hall, Ashley Giles, Benny Howell

ESSEX’S GREAT EXPECTATIONS BEYOND THE ROPE

March 2012 Issue No.1

Graeme Hick IN! Talks about his new life down under NEW W WReveals hiDs buounrcse btaockn ability £310 NDisicausslels OIrel’aBndr’s iuencen rtain future

Boyd RScalinag Nenw kin

HeiEnggland Fhast Bowtlings Coach David Saker ’s Chris Wood THE BIG Goes Undercover INTERVIEW

ISSUE No.1 March 2012 £3.75

PREVIEW 2012 SEASON ’S CORNER OPENING STAND

BOUNDARY’S MAGIC MOMENT

England Batsman

There were times in the match when they put us on the back foot “and that was expected, so we did well to win in the end Sharjah, UAE February 10, 2012 captain Misbah-ul Haq Afghanistan vs. Pakistan praised the spirit of the Afghanistan FAIRy TAleS always seem to be exclu - side who pushed the Test nation all sively reserved for outlandish Hollywood the way in Sharjah films and in the minds of the most cre - ative authors. But within the sporting arena, fairy tales can in fact come true. After winning their way through five di - visions in two years, gaining a berth in the World , and dominating better established Associates and Affili - ates in the four-day format, Afghanistan have reached base camp - an ODI against a Test-playing nation. As expected, Afghanistan were sec - ond best, but the was never im - portant and frankly misses the point. From within the rubble of a war torn nation, a group of cricket loving men have risen and brought pride to a country in desperate need of admiration.

2 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 3 Contents - March 2012 Edition BOUNDARY OPENING STAND BOUNDARY - March 2012 Edition Hello and THE BIG INTERVIEW ORDER OPENING STAND 6 SnapShot WThee lcome 8 Cricket at a Glance CONTENTS 16 10 Worcestershire Preview 2012 Hello and welcome to Boundarry! 12 Edito Captain’s Corner We know as fans that it is very 15 Boyd difficult to be upbeat at the moment after Top Tweets their dismal showing in the UAe, but 26 don’t panic, not yet anyway. Forget the 15 BOUNDARY Competition Rankin batting horror show that is the england middle order and bring some enjoyment back into your cricketing life by picking up our new cricket magazine aimed at Ashley Giles MIDDLE ORDER bringing you the lighter side of the game. The former England Test star talks us through his 16 The Big Interview In our debut edition we go on safari, career and the moment he almost gave it all away Ashley Giles - My Career figuratively speaking, as we chat to new england lion - and he 22 Going Undercover: Hampshire gives us an unique insight into life on tour with the england boys. 24 Wes Durston Interview In our very first Big Interview, we gave former england Test star Ashley Giles 26 Boyd Rankin Interview a visit as he spoke in depth about his 22 12 career, and tells us about the time he - Scaling New Heights almost gave it all away. 30 Scaling New Heights We hear from england’s fast- - Living in a Land Down Under Rankin has his eyes firmly set on England as coach David Saker and take a long he completed his maiden tour with the Lions distance phone call from Worcestershire 32 legend Graeme Hick as he reveals his Life Beyond The Rope: Ian Bell new life to Boundary. 34 David Saker Interview With the new season now almost upon us, finally, we hear from Richard Jones Chris Wood Captain’s Corner 36 and Alan Richardson as they preview Goes Undercover and talks talks about Boundary Riders the year ahead before they go back to school and take part in a quick pop quiz. about his teammates Northants and - With Barker & Whiteley

Andrew Hall is in captain’s corner, 10 Chris Wood dishes the dirt on his team - mates and we go beyond the rope with CLOSE OF PLAY Ian Bell, all during the middle order slog. 38 County Ins and Outs So forget england’s torturous tour to the 40 UAe, relax, pick up a copy and enjoy Niall O’Brien reading our debut edition while strolling 32 - Ireland’s Uncertain Future Worcestershire CCC around the boundary. 42 Club Life - Shrewsbury CC Preview the 2012 season Thank you and enjoy, 44 The Only Way Is Essex 34 Ian Bell 46 BOUNDARY’S Magic Moment CBounhdarry eidsito r Airey Life Beyond The Rope David Saker 30 www.b oundarymagazine.com England’s Editorial Visit our new website BOUNDARY BLigh0ter sUide oNf theD gamAe frRom aY cross the rope and follow us on Exclusive coach insists we have the Editor & Design Boundary Riders March 2012 Issue No.1 Chris Airey and Twitter for all the + Features best quartet in the world @Airey14 36 latest B OUNDARY news + Interviews + Videos and much more Graeme Hick Photography Northants, Hampshire, , Essex Living in a Land Down Under Worcestershire, Derbyshire, Getty Images, Flickr, Twitter, Matt Walker @boundary_mag Facebook, ECB 44 The Only Way is Essex 4 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 5 SNAPSHOT - BOUNDARY OPENING STAND

Two hundreds in a row Where Abu Dhabi SWhen NFebruaAry 15th 2P 012 SHOT doesn't happen too often Who Alastair Cook so I'm delighted What He became the first england captain to score back-to-back hundreds in ODIs as he helped his side secure a series “ whitewash against pakistan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Did you know Cook scored more runs in the side’s first two ODIs against Pakistan than in the entire three match Test series prior to it. In six the left-handed opener scored 184 runs - and he then thrived in the shorter format hitting ?consecutive centuries - 137 and 102

England Innings We've been saying all along that we don't become bad players overnight. Form fluctuates and, now I'm on a decent , “it's important I try to cash in

6 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 7 Cricket at a Glance BOUNDARY OPENING STAND OPENING STAND

A This Month’s Winners ... Saeed Ajmal Richard Levi Afghanistan The Pakistani spinner The 24-year-old hit a A remarkable story from T took 24 in world record 16 sixes in a War ridden nation who A Pakistan's whitewash the fastest ever T20 after winning their way victory Andrew international 100, hitting through five divisions in CRICKET Strauss' side and took 117 off just 51 balls for two years competed in career-best Test South Africa against New their first ODI against a figures of 7-55 in the Zealand - then secured Test-playing nation, opening game of the an IPl contract with the competing surprisingly series. Indians. well against Pakistan. GThis MLonthA’s LosNers ... CE England suffer Test whitewash to Pakistan

Captain insisted England had not be - come a bad side overnight after they were whitewashed 3-0 by Pakistan in the UAE. Strauss acknowledged, though, there had been “a consistent failure” from his side with most top-order batsman severly under performing in their first Test series in 2012. FIVE They lost the first Test by a humiliating 10 wickets, thanks to NEWS Saeed Ajmal’s career best figures of 7-55. Ireland have announced that they are They would go on to lose the second Test by 72 runs and applying to the International Cricket then the third by a margin of 71 runs. The left-hander scored 199 runs in 17 innings on Council for Test match status. The dismal english batting performance was the story of the the tour of the and averaged The Irish, who have set 2020 as their target series, with all top order batsman failing on almost every outing to the middle in the hot Arab desert. It was simply not just 30 in Tests. He was subsequently dropped entry date, will give central contracts to 23 Ireland players while coach good enough and improvement is desperately needed in from the Test side travelling to in March. equally difficult surroundings of Sri lanka this month. has signed a new two-year deal. Indian cricketer , who is undergoing failed to chemotherapy for cancer, has tweeted that his Month’s Vital Stats reach his 100th in tumour was "almost way out of the system." February, that is 12 months He tweeted he had got the "good news" after a doctor Record for the number of and counting now examined his reports.yuvraj is being treated in the US 99 wickets to fall by LBW in a beat Sri Lanka for a rare, but curable, form of cancer. Micha3el Cl2arke 9smas* hed 39 Test match in the in the final of the 2012 boundaries and one six in Dhaka Gladiators won the inaugural Bangladesh final game of the Pakistan Tri-Series with victory in his record breaking knock Premier League T20 series, beating Barisal Burners vs. England Test series the MCG decided which is the highest

17 E by eight wickets in the final. 2-1 Barisal Burners scored 140 runs for the loss of seven, ever score at the n SCG g but captain 's heroics were not enough to l The former skipper scored just 18 runs in five a save them. n

innings in the Tri-Series against and Sri d

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell India chase 321 in 37 overs lanka and was dropped from the squad - he then w

admitted that he may never play in ODIs again. says Australian would like to end his Virat Kohli smashed an o m playing days with the club. unbeaten 133 as India However, Hussey's IPl and international commitments e

chased down a mammoth n have ruled out a return to this season.

321-run target in under 37 s overs against Sri Lanka. e England women completed a 4-0 a

Luke Wright has signed a To retain any hope of qualify - l

Twenty20 series victory over new deal with Sussex until the ing for the best-of-three finals s . e

end of the 2015 season. against an already qualified r

Anya Shrubsole was the star per - i The right-handed batsman, who Australia, India needed to former throughout as she picked up e averages 36.51 with the bat in s reach their target in 40 of the

the best ever figures for a woman w 70 first-class games said: "I'm 50 overs allocated to earn a in a T20 international claiming 5-11 i delighted to stay at Sussex.” bonus point victory. n from her four overs. i Kohli, 23, hit 16 boundaries edwards added that her side must n

and two sixes in his 86-ball "hit the ground running" in the N

Zimbabwe suffered one of their worst tours ever to Z New Zealand this month losing three ODIs by a knock as the 50-over world three-match one-day series which combined 433 runs and then lost both Twenty20 champions reached 321 in runs through March. Internationals that followed. just 36.4 overs.

8 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 9 PREVIEW 2012 - Richard Jones & Alan Richardson BOUNDARY OPENING STAND OPENING STAND Alan Richardson Which teams will be claimed 73 wickets in Richard Jones & Alan Richardson fighting for the County the top flight in 2011 Championship title? Bowled RJ: I think Durham are always a strong side, they were the strongest side we faced last year so I think they Over Worcestershire will be up there. have Which Worcestershire player made some good signings, with the Which batsman will knows his cricket? And who will PREVIEW 2012 likes of and James stand out in 2012? be Bowled Over ? eSPITe being the bookmakers’ favourites to Taylor, you cannot write off a team RJ: I think it will be a big year with and I also for James Taylor with his high- go down, Worcestershire defined all the Richard Jones Alan Richardson odds and avoided relegation in 2011 - even actually think that Surrey will be chal - profile move to , if it was only just – and unsurprisingly, the bookies lenging too. They have a young side, obviously going up a division as Dhave already penciled them in once again for the drop. young captain in Rory and some very well. I think he is more than ca - But their fast bowling duo insist they can prove good players and I think they will be pable of performing, he has to people wrong for a second successive year as they up there, but it is very hard to look adjust to the different conditions push for survival once again in 2012. past Durham or Nottinghamshire – at Trent Bridge. I know him well, The Royals’ recent history could quite easily they are the teams to beat. he is quite a unique player, he resemble a 1960s toy craze, as the club on numerous nudges balls in different areas, What are Worcestershire’s occasions have yo-yoed up and down the County AR: I think the usually suspects will he is quick between the aims for 2012? Championship ladder - but finally stability was brought be up there again. I think Durham, and I think he will have a good RJ: Our aim again will be to stay up. I to New Road last season after a herculean campaign they have a tremendous balance in year. Who had best First-class batting think we are a progressive club and we ensured safety for the Pears. their side, they have all bases cov - average for Worcestershire last year? want to improve year by year. I think if Now the 2012 is set to be ered and with quality. I think Somer - AR: I will be boring and say we retain our division one status it will one of the most competitive years ever, and last set should be up there - there is a Marcus Trescothick, he will be Vikram Solanki be a good year. Genuinely I think we chance they will finish second in there or there about, it is like season’s top bowler Alan Richardson is adamant that Who took the most wickets for have a good chance of qualifying in the something, I wouldn’t want to bet bowling at someone with a barn his Worcestershire side can do it all over again. Worcestershire last year in T20s? Twenty20 competition - if we get on a While fellow paceman, 25-year-old Richard Jones, against that. I think the two promoted door in their hand. We had roll I don’t think there is any reason why is equally confident that his home County can have a sides will have a say in it as well they Saeed Ajmal come over last Gareth Andrew Gareth Andrew we can’t make it to finals day, something successful year and he can’t wait to welcome are both good sides, so it sets to be a season and he was massively or Jack Shantry Worcestershire has never done and we very competitive season. I think the impressed with the standard of Australian opener to the dressing room. Correct Answer: hope to do that next season. beauty of it is that I know people will the batsman in the league. look at the league and say that we be There is a young lad at Middle - Which of your teammates said this on I think everyone looks at the start of Which players will stand a certainty to go down and hopefully AR: sex called , he is Twitter? “I have locked myself out of the season to avoid relegation. I have we will prove people wrong. out for the Royals? Richard Jones is very good Aussie lad and I think my flat in Auckland?” played some second division cricket, it’s RJ: I would like to say myself, it is a big predicted to have people may struggle to get him not bad, but you want to playing division year for me - I am in my last year of my a successful 2012 out - he is one to watch. Jack Shantry Jack Shantry one cricket and play at the higher contract and I can actually see myself after claiming 16 standard. We will be looking to kick-on playing a very important role. So if I can first-class wickets Which teams will stand out in the Can you name 2005 from last year especially with such a contribute the way I know I can - if I can in 2011 England XI, in ? young side. come in and take wickets then I am one day competitions? Rory Hamilton- pretty sure I can have a good year. I RJ: I think the same teams will do well, - Brown shows off Trescothick, Trescothick, think will have another good shire stood out last year winning the T20, they over the 2011 CB40 Strauss, Bell, Strauss, Bell, What do you think of the new signings? achieved really but they deserved it. you got Pietersen, Vaughan, Vaughan, Pietersen RJ: When Phillip Hughes was at Middlesex he was year for us, he is improving year by year trophy - and they Somerset, Nottinghamshire, Durham and obviously Flintoff, G. Jones, Flintoff, G. Jones, unbelievable, and hopefully he can come here and and he is looking like a real talent and I are expected to Surrey had a really year last season, it would be Giles,Harmison, Giles, Hoggard, bring that kind of form. I think he will want to come think he is one of those guys who can feature strongly hard to call out of those four, if I had to put money Hoggard and Harmison and here and prove some people wrong, and hopefully play International cricket. again in 2012 on it, I would have to say Surrey really, S. Jones 8 S. Jones 9 he can come here and help us out. We have signed that youthful exuberance and that care David lucas from Northants who is a seasoned AR: I think Moeen Ali will just continue Correct Answer: Trescothick, Strauss, free style really and they have made a professional and he will come in and to improve, I think he will be a real good Vaughan, Bell, Pietersen, Flintoff, G. good signing in I think he every one knows he will do well. player in the future. Alexei Kervezee is Jones, Giles, Hoggard, Harmison and will do well for them next year. one to watch, he probably didn’t have S. Jones AR: I have known for years, his greatest season last year but he I think generally the strong sides he is the best glove man I have had the played our best innings of the 2011 sea - AR: will be strong in all competitions, I think privilege bowling through too. Dave son and I think this will give him the con - if gets back then Sussex lucas has got a good record and fidence going into next season. When I o1ut o0f 14 o1ut o1f 14 will be a good side and they will have a he should fit in well - he will first joined the club Richard Jones was good run in the competitions. They bring variety being a left arm our best bowler by miles, he can be a have an explosive batting line-up and spinner and if we get Hughes real good bowler, he just needs to find a AND THE ALAN RICHARDSON can do well in all competitions. I also It is always nice to get one playing at his best it will be bit more consistency and hopefully he believe Surrey will have another strong over the young guns a fantastic signing for us. can do this in 2012. IS . . . year after their success last year. WINNER 10 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 11 Captain’s Corner - Andrew Hal l BOUNDARY OPENING STAND OPENING STAND Last Test Series vs. Eng Series drawn 1-1 (2009/10) Did you know in South Africa S The term yorker is believed to derive South Africa ’ from a 18th century regional slang HHAlla belielvel s theo bown lers will have been playing as well as South Africa connection between ‘yorkshire’ and be key this summer when they have will be difficult for have also had ‘york’ and the notion of deception South Africa travel to england South Africa, but it’s clearly some good for a three Test series. N 1685 going to be a very closely results and ? The tourists, who are fought contest. I think it is too CORNER done well. The number I currently ranked second in the of runs Hall close to call at this stage.” “It will be a ICC Test Rankings, last visited has scored battle between these shores back in 2008 as in 21 Tests South Africa A favourites – but now the tables and 83 I think South Africa and england have turned after england ODIs for over the next

T Andrew Hall were crowned as the world’s Northants’ captain, and former South South Africa can push England 12 months for African Test star, Andrew Hall takes us best Test team last August. the number Hall, who played 21 Tests “ one spot, and through the 2011 season and sets out all the way

P for South Africa scoring 760 his aims for the upcoming year – while I think South runs, insists that next sum - Hall believes that england Africa can push he also keeps a keen eye on the Test mer’s series will be a close truly deserve to be number one them all the

A arena and the Proteas’ charge up fought contest. 3001 in the ICC rankings, but he has way.” the ICC rankings. “It is all about the bowling The number also been impressed with the department - both teams have of balls Hall South Africa team who have

C very good bowling line-ups has bowled been away from the headlines and it will come down to how in Tests slowly improving over the last well the two batting teams can few years. perform on the day,” he said. “The quality in the county “Playing on english wickets game has improved and this against the english team who has obviously helped. But What’s the funniest thing you have ever seen while on a cricket field? Andrew Hall hits a “In the Twenty20 competition last year, batsman David Murphy got his bat tangled up with his boundary for Northants legs while trying to run, he stumbled over and totally demolished the stumps. The other one while in action in the lV= would be when I played in Australia; Neil McKenzie dived to save a boundary and ended up with County Championship his pants around his ankles.”

T IS FAIR to say that the 2011 season was plagued with disap- Below: The 2011 lV= County Championship Division Two table Are you enjoying your pointment at Northamptonshire’s County Ground. shows how close Hall’s Northants captaincy at Northants? Andrew Hall’s side were in touching side came to promotion “yeah very much so, I was really I distance of an historic and looking forward to it when I was given dramatic promotion back to the opportunity to take over the - division one of the lV= taincy, it’s something I really enjoy County Championship as doing. I think it’s a great job to have they continue their attempt especially with the players we have to remove their trophy got. The guys we do have are playing hoodoo, as themselves exceptionally well and I feel that this Gloucestershire and always makes my job as captain not Somerset are the only necessarily easier, but that little less teams never to win the difficult when the guys are in good Championship in its 122 spirit and playing well. I just have to year history. make sure that I keep them in the Under the leadership of right frame of mind.” Hall, the Steelbacks nar - Is it a challenge leading a young team? rowly missed out on top flight cricket as they ended their campaign “No I enjoy it. We got some good characters in our side that help to Are you dedicated in agonisingly in third place – just a single keep us nice and relaxed, but it keeps you on your toes and I really point from promotion. developing young players? enjoy that from my side. I always perform better when I have pressure “yes definitely - it’s really important Most sides would crumble away into on me, but it’s good when we are playing well.” that we work with them and help them the darkness of the develop in to top performing wilderness, but the former South Africa cricketers as quickly as possible.” star insists his young energetic side

12 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 13 Captain’s Corner - Andrew Hall BOUNDARY OPENING STAND OPENING STAND What tips could you give to local club captains? Three things Twitter has taught us about cricketers? “I think it’s important that you have a lot of practice, when I was younger I would make sure 1) They love Nandos - with players such as owning ‘black cards’ that I stayed behind and spent some time working on my game. you only get out what you put Silly Points 2) Prefer Xbox to PS3 - Call of Duty and FIFA are their personal favourites in, and spending time after everyone else has left can only help your game. you have to Nickname? 3) love a good DVD - most players have a lot of free time spent in front of the box make sure you get the most out of your team, find the strengths and exploit them.” Hbomb or Hancock Favourite Film? can gain promotion in 2012, putting england lions set-up and Niall Armageddon to bed all memories of their nearly O’Brien playing regular international year. cricket for Ireland. Now Hall hopes Favourite Artist? After the positive 2011 season, Hall that they can develop into established Pink signed a two-year contract extension cricketers as quickly as possible and Most Memorable top tweets committing his future to Northants 8606 build on last year. until 2014. Now he hopes to install The number of Moments? 163 for South @josbuttler his long-term aims, on and off the runs Hall has Africa in India, it “Proper signing!!! If Gayle ever holes out to long on at field – but first he wants his beloved scored in his Promotion is still our was my first Test I'll eat my hat!! #plinkingbombs” county back into division one. first-class century and my expresses his excitement after “Promotion is still our first and career from foremost goal - with highest Test Somerset revealed the signing of for their foremost goal,” he said. “We have 190 matches score.Bowling 2012 T20 campaign – let’s hope Jos keeps his promise. already come close a couple of at an average some hard I think wise it would be times, but with some hard work over of 35.56 my 5-18 against the summer I think we have the play - “we can do it @kevinpp24 england in the ers and staff that can do it. “I am going to bed a SOUR man!!!!” World Cup in the “I am now here full time, all year “Overall we did well last year,” he Kevin Pietersen regrets splashing out on credit card West Indies round, where I hope to spend more added. “But I felt that we didn’t exploit roulette when on a night out with the England Boys . time with the youngsters at the club. I fully the chances we had in some Cricketing think the off-season is a crucial time games. This cost us five or eight Heroes? @swannyg66 as we plan and prepare for the new points that would have been the dif - Clive Rice, “Our hotel has seven sports channels showing top flight season - and I hope to spread my 15 ference come the end of the year. and The number of football from everywhere it seems, except england #stinker” knowledge from playing “This is something we will have Ray Jennings showing his disappointment after to not only the young players, but to first-class five to improve on next season as we will wicket hauls England’s Dubai hotel fails to have Newcastle’s latest everyone at Northants. have to make sure we take full ad - Have Any match live. “It might happen next season, it Hall has vantage of those situations. But at the Superstitions? may take a couple of years, but I am achieved - moment it is really exciting to have Always put my left determined to get the county into di - compiling one the amount of youngsters we have pad on first and @stuartbroad8 vision one – and we will be pushing 10-wicket coming through the ranks.” cross the My taxi driver has informed me he thinks Pakistan will 'crush' hard to do this in 2012.” match haul, Northants’ quest for promotion boundary and us 2moro. I told him to be quiet politely... #shutitpal It is an exciting time to be so far starts at on April 5, and by crease with my A vocal taxi driver in Dubai, who happens to also be associated with Northants as the club September 4, Hall hopes to see the left leg first a fortune teller, tells Stuart Broad what he thinks will boasts a plethora of young talented Steelbacks back where they belong in happen in the second Test against Pakistan. players within the first team squad – cricket’s top flight. with Jack Brooks involved in the BOUNDARY COMPETITI ON The bat which is endorsed by england star Stuart Broad - now it is your chance to get your hands on the new libro elite - just in time for the start of the season. Simply answer this question: NEW WIN! LIBBART O At which county did WORTH end his first-class career? £310 A - Worcestershire B - Somerset C - Durham To Enter: Send your answer, name and address to [email protected] Winner will be drawn on May 15, and will be announced on our website 14 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 The Big Interview - Ashley Giles - My Career BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER

I remember sitting down with my wife and wondering if I should “just give it all away Ashley Giles On September 12, 2005, when ’s and Rudi Koertzen removed the bails from within the grooves of stumps, amongst mass celebrations with My Career fans being showered with beer and cheap wine, england had regained the Ashes for the first time in 16 years – creating eleven new cricketing heroes.

Spin king Ashley Giles was one of them.

But little did everyone know just 12 months prior to this, within the quiet sanctums of his home within the company of his wife Stine, the talented spinner who had always dreamt of beating the old enemy in an Ashes Series, was close to giving up the game for good.

The Big Interview

16 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 17 The Big Interview - Ashley Giles - My Career BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER

THE MOVE TO SPIN THE NEW BEGINNING THE BREAKTHROUGH THE KING OF SPAIN THE PRIZED WICKET | India v england, Growing up in a small town in Giles had a choice, and as Pythagoras once 5-67 & 1-74 64 Wickets | 1996 Domestic Season Test series, 2001 Surrey, Giles didn’t always want to famously quoted, ‘choices are the hinges of destiny’ - be a mundane slow turning spinner Giles’ destiny was to be an international cricketer, and 106* | Warwickshire v lancashire, After success in Pakistan, Giles - instead he had high admirations his choice to move to spin assured that this would County Championship, 1996 was selected for the tour to India of becoming a fierce fast bowler in finally become a reality, and with a little help from and achieved a feat which has never an attempt to emulate the father David, he turned his back on Surrey and started By the end of 1995, Giles was still been repeated. 1973 ferocious Four Horseman who his new career – and he couldn’t have chosen a more not a regular in the Warwickshire side, “I didn’t play in the first Test be - Giles was born, on were dominating world cricket perfect place. but captain wasn’t cause of my Achilles tendon injury, March 19th that at that time. “I was gutted to not get a new contract at Surrey, but worried as he knew that 1996 was played in the second Test match and year in Chertsey, But the junior paceman had it was actually my dad and my brother who told me to going to be a great year for the young got a fifer in Ahmedabad, and then Surrey recurring problems with his back, forget about it, so I wrote to every county asking for a spinner. of course the final Test and the and when injured he began to bowl trial. “In the last game of the season in famous bowling over the wicket to spin for their third team - and “I remember coming up to edgbaston twice for trial in 1995, I was driving down to Sachin Tendulkar. 37304 surprisingly with some success. 1992 and I was offered a two-year contract and it was with Dermot Reeve and “In the third test we tried to hide it The number of “When I was younger I bowled incredible. he said that I had a good season, but from him, I bowled round the wicket seam during my junior career and balls Giles bowled “It was a great time to go to Warwickshire they were next year I will do really well and get Giles even managed to gain a new and we wore him down and that is was groomed as a seamer by in his first-class moving in the right direction, playing with players like 50 wickets and get runs - I was like nickname after the club shop ordered the first and only time Sachin has Surrey,” Giles explained. “In the career, claiming , and , during that was he talking about the same bloke some mugs which came back with a got out in Tests. I think he second team and I would open the 539 wickets at an 1990s period it was such a great time to be involved in here. new unusually name. still got 90 odd but we got him and bowling with seam and then go average of 29.60 this club’s history.” “But that was the kind of bloke “King of Spain came around, they frustrated him in the end. straight into bowling spin, I would Dermot was, he was able to insert were mugs ordered by the club shop, “Definitely one of the greatest bowl up to 25 overs at a time. confidence into people, seeing things two prototypes were ordered by them players I have ever played against. “ In one game at in Right: Giles in that maybe other people couldn’t see. Just a great technician and a brilliant

s and they were misprinted as King of the Surrey Championship, I asked action for “That following year I got 64 wickets Spain rather than ‘King of Spin’. player, he is a really nice guy as well to bowl spin, so I asked my Dad, Warwickshire and got a few runs as well and he was “There is only one in existence, I a real gentleman. ” he said do what you thinks right as he made his right, suddenly my career just took off, had one that was in the dressing and I bowled spin for the rest of the first-class debut e I got capped at Warwickshire, in room but that disappeared got day. for the county August I got the player of the month nicked, and the club shop still has the Below: Giles is mobbed by his “I bowled well but it didn’t go at the tender l award and I got my first First-class only other original, we did print a few fellow england teammates after down very well with Surrey and age of 19 hundred at the end of that season. more and made a couple of quid. getting Tendulkar out stumped for soon after that they told me that

i “Then I got called up into the “I didn’t mind the name it was a bit the first and only time in Tests they wouldn’t require my england A squad which was just of fun, you should see my wall at services as a spinner.” amazing, and what a great tour to home I still got a picture of 2005 of us Australia it was, was on the podium at Trafalgar Square, THE FIRST-CLASS DEBUT on it too. I have got some fond and right in the front there is a memories of that trip.” Spanish flag with the King of Spain G 1-31 & 1-33 | Kent v Warwickshire, County on it.” Championship, 1993

Giles made a surprise First-class debut in 1993, as THE TASTER he was an unlikely replacement for one of the world’s 1-106 | england v South Africa, Third Test, 1998 most feared bowlers. y Giles had the eye of the “I was playing over at Maidstone for the second team england selectors and he got his and we played one day and I was called over and told opportunity in the Test side at Old that I was moving up to the first team, what I didn’t re - in 1998.

e alise was that I was replacing Allan Donald who was in - “My Test debut weirdly followed a jured. similar pattern to my First-class l “I thought what a strange replacement, from a 90mph career, I only got one wicket, but I international, to a spinner playing his first game, I bet was the only spinner in the series to they were terrified – they must have thought it was get a wicket which is an interesting always used to say to Christmas. fact. “It was a big difference playing in front of a decent “ h “We eventually beat South Africa me - ‘That’s why they crowd at Canterbury. We won the game, I got one and I didn’t play again until 2000 with wicket in each innings and 20 odd in each innings and I the tour to Pakistan, so like my first- call it Test cricket s got my first cap for that game and it was a very class career I got a taster probably because it is bloody memorable moment. found out that I wasn’t quite there “But this was just a taster for me and it reminded me and I saw what it took to get there, I hard’ - and it is, there that I wasn’t quite there yet particularly as a spinner, I went away, I worked a lot harder and had more maturing and developing to do and this got myself into a position to play.” is no hiding place

A taught me that.”

18 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 19 The Big Interview - Ashley Giles - My Career BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER

THE CAREER LOW - the moment he almost gave it all away THE PINNACLE - the moment all his dreams came true, and he was able to share it with his friends 3-78 & 2-68 | england v Australia, THE FINAL TEST Ashley Giles had indeed be - Second Ashes Test, 2005 come a hero, but his experience 1-103 & 1-46 | Australia v england, pinpoints a devastating and po - Second Ashes Test, 2006 tentially catastrophic dark side to I think it will stay the game. Thankfully with support with all of us forever A hip injury would cut Gilo’s career and love from his family, Giles got 2005 short and he would play his last through it and will always be re - The year Giles As they say, the rest is history, as Test in Australia, which has membered as a member of ‘that’ “the 2005 Ashes quickly loomed and was chosen as become famous for all the wrong team. one of Wisden’s Giles, with 10 teammates and close reasons if you are an english But we should never forget cricketers of friends, became legends. player or fan. what this story truly means to him. the year But Giles would have a shaky “I carried the hip injury through start, gaining a lot of criticism for his the 2005 Ashes, then went to Pak - poor performance at lords, but the istan and was sore straight away. I Career Stats 1806 spinner came back and produced a had to miss the last Test and I The number of match winning effort on his home didn’t play until then end of 2006 in runs Giles scored ground. Australia. in his international “All I ever wanted to do was to “A lot of things weren’t quite the career, in 54 Tests play for england and in to compete same, the team wasn’t the same and 62 ODIs against the old enemy. We hadn’t for different reasons and I played won the Ashes since I was a kid, my last Test match that winter in even before I had started bowling Adelaide. That match will go down Giles was enjoying life on-the- spin, to be part of that team was in memory for england declaring s THE TEST BEST field, but in his private life the special. 4-129 & 5-81 | england v West Indies, First Test, 2004 on 551 and still losing. Warwickshire man was beginning to “The edgbaston Test was crucial, “Not found memories of my last struggle with the pressures and winning by just two runs and the Things had indeed turned around as Giles enjoyed his Test match but it doesn’t keep me Born: 19th March 1973

e demands of being an international whole emotion of that after lords. best ever Test in July that year at lords, the home of awake at night. I am very lucky to First-Class Debut: May 1993 sportsman. For most, playing a “We fought back and we were cricket. have played as much cricket as I Test Debut: July 1998

l sport at the highest level is a dream, more positive, first day when we “To claim my 100th Test wicket was very special and did for england and I am very privi - for Giles it quickly became a scored 400 was pretty special too. I it was that of Brian lara, bowled through the gate. It leged. First-Class Matches: 178 got a lot of stick at lords and came i nightmare. was very special to get a fifer and nine wickets in the “I don’t like to reflect on it too Runs: 5346 High Score: 128* every little detail of his perform - back and got five wickets in the match, and to receive my first and only Man of the much, I never like to look back on Wickets: 539 Best Haul: 8-90 ances became severely scrutinised game here, which was great and got Match award in Test cricket. what could have been, I am very and playing for england was no me back in it. “Then in the next game I got nine wickets again at lucky to have played 54 Tests and Test Matches: 54 longer a privilege he wanted and by “I also hit the winning runs at edgbaston, I was bowling as well as I ever have and I 62 ODIs. Runs: 1421 High Score: 59 the start of 2004 he wanted to walk Trent Bridge, which gave us the 2-1 “With all the experiences, good Wickets: 143 Best Haul: 5-57 G loved my cricket again. away from the game he once loved lead. Then of course the climax at “Steve Bull was instrumental in that, he got me back and bad, I am very privileged to be so much. the Oval, everyday just felt like for involve in the game and I loved it. I thinking about playing cricket and doing my job rather ODI Matches: 62 “The summer of 2004 was ever, but it was a great moment, we than worrying about what people were saying. It was now look forward to my future here Runs: 385 High Score: 41 strange as I was close to giving up had all dreamt off that moment and my best summer in Test cricket.” at Warwickshire.” Wickets: 55 Best Haul : 5-57 International cricket - I sort of let to share it together was special.” things get on top of me, I was a little Below : Brian lara looks on as he is bowled by Giles, his y down, I started to lose focus on 100th victim in Test match cricket what I was doing and what I did well, and I remember sitting down

e with my Wife and wondering if I should just give it all away.

l “Then I had a very fortunate and lucky meeting with Steve Bull, who is involved with the psychology of the england team, we came up with a plan and almost overnight my h fortunes changed. “I did well in the last Test

s against New Zealand, I took six wickets in the match and then that just kicked on into the West Indies series, my best summer in Test I would very much like to coach cricket which shows how quickly things can turn around.” A “one day internationally 20 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 21 Going Undercover - With Chris Wood BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER MIDDLE ORDER his choice to leave the game but he loved his time playing. I am not totally sure for the reason why he retired, maybe he thought that he had enough, but now we have a GOING UNDERCOVER young side which gives people more of an opportunity to play and get into the side, I don’t think it will be a mas - AT sive issue we have players who can come in and do as good of a job as We go undercover at the Rose Bowl with thier young seam he would have. bowler ChriHs Wood Aas he Mtalks abouPt 2012S, his enHgland IRE What was it like winning the 2010 Do you have any aims for 2012? dream and he dishes the dirt on his teammates. T20 with ? Are you looking forward to Best moment of my life. It was mind leading the Royals’ attack? blowing; almost now it still hasn’t sunk in. In 2011, you ended the CB40 campaign That will be my main aim to become It was very hard to take in, you almost as Hampshire’s leading wicket-taker – a main leader in the bowling attack; forget how many people are there, you just how did you feel? hopefully I will be in contention in all get into the game. It is without a doubt my It was a nice achievement, it was the forms of the game. I would like to greatest moment in cricket, so far. second year in a row that I have done that continue to be a leader in the one and it was a nice opportunity to play in all day competitions, it would be nice to one-day competitions. I was lucky enough be the top wicket taker in the CB40 to get the wickets and do well. It was quite again. I would like to be one of the hard to get into the Championship side, main bowlers that the skipper can Biggest Joker we had such a big squad with a lot of turn to for wickets and hopefully be a Most Talented Player competition and big names including real strike bowler Simon Jones and Dominic Cork. So for a I would have said Dominic young lad like me it was always going to Do you see yourself as more of an Just both bat and ball, when Cork last season, this year it be a difficult season to break into the four- all-rounder or just as a strike he is firing he is one of the would be Dimi – he is always day side so I was just happy to get as bowler? best all-rounders in the trying to motivate the lads many games as I did. I would like to think that I am more of Country going round being the joker an all-rounder, most of my team - are very happy with Was last season a difficult season for mates would say that I was a bowler What do you hope for in the future, his progress so far the club after relegation to Division who can bat, I would personally like do you have your eyes on a but the aim for him now is to just keep Two? to count myself as an all-rounder and possible England call-up one day? First and foremost the plan is to have on working hard. There are a lot of yeah it was because we are such a big hopefully this season I can change another good year with Hampshire. young players in that squad, I would say club, but at the end of the day we have their opinions. I think if my batting Then I think I can do what any young he was behind a few at the minute but if put that behind us and now it is a new performances do improve it will give lad playing county cricket wants to he scored a few runs then he has a beginning. We have a much smaller me a better opportunity to break into do, and that is to play for england in shout at being one of the stand out play - squad this year with a new captain in the Championship side. I think if you one of the forms, either in one day ers. I think it is just a waiting game at . We have a lot of young can do well in all criteria, bat, bowl With... competitions or Test cricket. The Test the moment for him, wait for his oppor - players and some experience heads and field well then you will get into squad looks pretty settled for what tunity and hopefully he will take it. and as I said it is a new era here the side in front of people and hope - could be for five years and the only now and we hope to get back into fully I can do this. the first division next season. I don’t way you can push yourself and get heads into that team is if you go away and over to the nets - think there was anything in particular How have your preparations for do well and put in the performances hopefully without a from last year that we did wrong - we the new season gone? and get noticed. I would like to get a moan found it hard to win our games at home Worst Music Taste Worst Dress Sense I had a slight set-back as I had a bad and if you are going to do well and staCy hris Wood chance with the england lions and back at the end of last season. I had Jimmy Adams Chris Wood hopefully prove myself at that up, you have to win your home games. to go to rehab for three months trying That’s according to us Many people would say me, standard in the near future. that’s not my opinion though, to get back healthy, and only got You worked very closely with Dominic anyway, his iPod never goes I think I dress rather well back training in January. I had Cork, how will his retirement affect you on in the dressing room just planned to go away to Adelaide, but Have you spoke to personally and the rest of the team? put it that way those plans got destroyed and I since he has been away with the Personally for me he was a great inspira - decided to stay here because we Lions, do you think he can break tion. He is a bowler who has been around, have great facilities here at the Rose into the full England side? James isn’t only one he has played Test cricket and he is guy Bowl which I can use everyday. of my close friends Hardest Worker that you could go up to and ask for advice, There has only been five of us here but he is also a Jimmy Adams Biggest Moaner and you knew what he would say would around Christmas so it was a very New skipper Jimmy Adams may be quality player, and liam Dawson help you. He was on the pitch for the ma - small group while the rest of them He is always looking to the leader on the field, but thats not what I have heard jority of games I played and helped me a were away sunning themselves up. improve his game, always His nickname is Vicky lot. It is a new era now, obviously it was the case off the field, well when it from him is that they last one in the nets Pollard so that says a lot comes to their taste of music anyway BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 22 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 23 Wes Durston Interview - I have proved some people wrong BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER MIDDLE ORDER start of a difficult period. Below: Durston in action during “It was awful,” he added. his Somerset days. He admits “I scored a half-century and his release from his home county a 20 not out in my last two Wes Durston Interview was "a bitter pill to swallow” games – then I got back to the club to be told I was being released. “It’s hard being told you’re not good enough for a new contract, especially as it was late in the year and I continue to bowl most counties had already a lot in nets and in made the signings they wanted. practices, maybe “It was obviously a difficult time for was able to play in the Twenty20 me and my family. competition for Derbyshire. if I get more “There were phone calls going “I guess there were certain pressures back and forth – and the longer it to do well as I was the new bloke on chances in games trial, but I didn’t put myself under any “ went, the more worried I became. sort of pressure. I just wanted to do it could improve my well.” confidence If I could repeat or Durston repaid Derbyshire with I have proved some some solid performances, topped off better last year that with a century against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge and a permanent con - Below: The Derbyshire’s batsman people wrong would be great tract soon followed. continues to work and develop his “I was delighted and it settled me occasional off-spin

achievement down as it made me realise they

Derbyshire’s tells his story of rejection and wanted me here for the long haul in all Wes Durston “ Silly Points “I took on a coaching role and forms of the game. “ “ disappointment - but how he came back stronger than ever thought that was how it was going “Playing in every game, getting three T20s or Tests? to be for a while - but thankfully I first-class centuries, scoring over I like them both Above: Durston doing what he does was given the chance to play for the 1,900 runs in total and getting 25 wick - the same, but I “ best - opening the batting and hitting . ets was a really good season – cer - still think Test the ball hard past a helpless bowler “I wanted to impress, but I had tainly one of my best years. match cricket is team mates who wanted to do the “I guess it has proved some people the purist form of It was awful same. everyone had their own wrong and showed I can do it. I knew I the game. HO eVeR said an old going on to make his first-class debut agenda to attract a professional could do it and it’s nice to actually go Left: dog can’t learn new at Taunton in 2002 against West In- team – yet we were doing it within a out there and perform.” Watching it Favourite Player? tricks? Amongst a Der - dies A. He made his first Champi- team environment.” From being in and out of the team at go all the eoin Morgan, I byshire roster full of baby-faced onship appearance the following year Durston quickly impressed with Somerset, to being left with no club at W way! Durston really like the way youngsters starting out on their own and in 2006 he became a regular the bat and – after an unbeaten all – Durston has experienced a total hits another he plays with his county cricket careers, one man, who member of the team after making his century against Sussex – he re - turn around in fortunes at Derbyshire, maximum unique batting had always underachieved at Somer - maiden first-class century against ceived a phone call which would but it took a lot of pain, swear and while playing style . set, not only found a new home in Derbyshire in the same year. change his life forever. tears to get there. in the Friends 2011, but a new love for the game. “I did enjoy my cricket there,” he “The opportunity came out of Now he hopes to spread his experi - life Twenty20 Veteran of 10 first-class seasons, said. “I didn’t play as much as I nowhere,” he explained. “I got a ence to the younger players at the England Deserve competition 30-year-old Wes Durston played all would have liked, but I definitely phone call inviting me for trials and I County Ground whilst helping the team to be No.1? 42 matches for the Falcons last year learnt a lot about the game on and off build on an encouraging year. yes definitely. - scoring a combined tally of 1,911 the field. Hopefully they can runs, claiming 25 wickets and he “It was a good time to be at the do what Australia scooped three awards at Der - club playing alongside some house- did and dominant byshire’s end of year awards hold names and I learnt a lot from for years to come. evening. It was without doubt his best them. ever county season. “I played with Sanath Jayasuriya, Quick Stats But Durston’s rise up the county and , Did You Know In 2011 Durston scored 1138 First-class runs in what ladder has been far from easy. He so it was a great opportunity to learn Off the field, Durston is a keen was his most successful season. His previous best has experienced frustration, disap - from some established international United fan, which led to was in 2006 with Somerset with 765 runs pointment and rejection – but the 31- players.” the nickname Besty, after the great year-old never gave up and in 2011 But in November 2009, Durston George Best – a reflection of Wes’ Left: Bar chart shows how many First all his hard work finally paid off. was released by Somerset, leaving footballing ability, well it was an class runs Durston has scored in the last Durston was born in Somerset, him with no club and signalling the ?ironic reflection of his lack of ability seven years (Somerset and Derbyshire) 24 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 25 Boyd Rankin - Scaling New Heights BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER MIDDLE ORDER RISH CRICKeT has come a long way over Rankin claimed the scalp of england Rankin training He has made 16 ODI appearances for Ireland and the last 10-years, developing quality young batsman Kevin Pietersen while in with the lions in played at two World Cups, but now Boyd Rankin players, including eoin Morgan who has action for the ICC Associate/Affiliate Bangladesh, while gone on to play Test cricket, and competing Nations team in Dubai has switched allegiances, representing the england Jack Brooks waits lions in an attempt to achieve his overall goal of wIell in World Cups which accumulated in a victory his turn playing Test cricket. over neighbours england in 2011– something that shocked the entire cricketing world. It was an occasion in which a young Irishman, who may not have grabbed all the headlines, but caught the attention of the english hierarchy. 6’8” After claiming over 50 wickets for Warwickshire in 2011, proud Ulsterman Boyd Rankin caught the eye of the england selectors once again and was picked to travel on his first international tour with the lions to Bangladesh and Sri lanka. 6’0” The english attack may not be lacking tall, fast and strong bowlers, but 6’8” Rankin, who grew up in Derry, has his eyes firmly set on a Test career. But to achieve this he must emulate the likes of and Morgan who both jumped ship and swam with the big boys. Thus difficult choices have had to be made as 5’0” the bowler attempts to scale new heights and play at cricket’s highest level. “My first aim at the minute is to play Test cricket with england,” Rankin said. “That is what I am fo - cused on at the minute, but obviously I will still 4’0” My first aim at the moment is to play Test “cricket with England play for Ireland when I can. I have grown up play - ing with them and I want to continue to play with them to try and get them to be where they want to be and that is to play Test cricket one day.” Rankin has taken his first steps of achieving his goal as he flew out onto his first england lions different being out there than playing for the lions at tour abroad this winter in the sub-continent. He home, but it was a really good squad to be around. I joined some of the Country’s most talented young - had a great time even though it was cut short by sters, led by Nottinghamshire’s new signing James injury. Taylor, but it would sadly be cut prematurely short. Rankin, who has toured Bangladesh before while on duty for Ireland, only played the one I need to know work game before a minor thigh strain meant he had to fly back to Birmingham to begin rehabilitation. hard and play well for Boyd Rankin Despite not claiming a wicket, he still felt that he Scaling New performed reasonably well and insists that he has Warwickshire learnt a lot from being within a new international “ team environment. “I learnt a lot about playing in the sub-continent - “It was an experience out there,” he added. “I any chance you can get to play in those conditions have been working hard over the winter with my is a great opportunity and will make you a better variations and trying to get more consistency. I player. I still think I did reasonably well in terms of only played that one game but I felt that I bowled that game and the game against england in Dubai. I well seeing that it was my first one day game I had showed them what I can do and hopefully I can get played for five months. a few more games with them in the summer.” “Overall it was a great experience to play with Rankin competed in the first ever ICC Combined the lions – it was hard being away from home, it is Associate and Affiliate XI game against england in

BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 26 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 27 Boyd Rankin - Scaling New Heights BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER MIDDLE ORDER Dubai, and he certainly did not look “But at the minute I want to try and out of place scoring 43 in the first push myself into the Test team and innings and claiming three wickets the only way I can do that is continu - in the match, that of Kevin ing to work hard and play well for Pietersen, Ian Bell and fellow Irish - I now know my Warwickshire in the Championship man Morgan. own body and I and hopefully I can get into the team.” Boys on Tour However turning his attention to He gained a place on the england THe eNGlAND lIONS have become famous for their england can be harder than it know what I am lion’s tour after claiming 55 first-class off-the-filed antics, and with so much free time on tour, seems, especially when he plays wickets in 2011, his best haul as a they tend to play a prank or two. luckily for us, it is all alongside childhood friend and cur - “capable off - I am professional, and he was thrilled with played out on our new best friend, Twitter - and we rent Ireland captain Will Porterfield. his first full-season with the Bears even have an inside man in the large capable hands of “We have been living together for the fittest I have without an injury. Boyd Rankin as he revealed all about his first tour the last year or so and it is quite dif - ever been “Any year you get over 50 wickets away in Bangladesh. ficult as he is always pushing me to is a good year for a bowler, so it was “It has to be quite serious at times,” Rankin play for Ireland,” Rankin added. nice to get a full season under my explained. “But the lads do like a bit of banter. I belt. think overall all the lads have played against “I now know my own body and I Rankin bowls each other and they all know how good each other know what I am capable off, I am a lot are, we respect each other – but then everyone Nottinghamshire fitter and stronger and all that hard Ali Brown while tends to like to have a bit of fun. work I have put in over the last few “It is a strange environment to be in if you have in action for months I can put towards bowling well Warwickshire in never been on it before so you just have to try and for Warwickshire. Rankin was given the the lV= County feel your way into it, so it is quite laid back that way, the “I feel that it has took me a few opportunity to hold a lion in Championship lads get on well with each other and that helps years to get used to my body, like be - performances on the field. Bangladesh and he grabbed fore the World Cup I did a bit of gym “Obviously we are away a long time with each other, it with both hands work, but pretty much a couple of so we have to have a good time with the lads and keep years before that I didn’t even know people going. There will be tough times out there but I what a gym was. We have great facili - feel the lads kept together well. ties here, we have got great coaching “Jack Brooks and are notorious Jack Brooks and Boyd Rankin staff and it is just nice to work hard pranksters, both try to play the funny man and most and hopefully and I can keep that up.” Alex Hales are Life Beyond The of the time they do make all the lads laugh – but Rankin is now preparing for the sometimes we are laughing at them. notorious Rope start of the season when the Bears “But on match days the lads are turned on and welcome Somerset to edgbaston in “I eNJOy going to the focused on what they have to do, they know when pranksters, both the lV= County Championship. Now they have to switch on and switch off, so it is a great cinema, or I stay at home the opening bowler believes he is fit - “ environment to be in. try to play the on the sofa watching ter than ever and can’t wait to hit the sports, is “There are no stones unturned with training and ground running. tactics, it is a good experience to see a different light. I funny man and always on. “I am now fully fit again, the fittest I “I like to watch my have played for Ireland quite a bit and with the lions have ever been, I did a lot of fitness the preparation is quite different, they have got a lot most of the time football, I am a keen work before Christmas at loughbor - fan, which has of of back room staff, and if there is anything you want they do make all ough and then out in South Africa with to do there is always someone there to help you its own ups and downs. the fast bowlers. I came back after the “Whenever I get a out. “It was a great experience and I hope to re- the lads laugh winter break feeling pretty strong, and peat it next winter.” week off I like to fly home hopefully I can be fit and ready for the and go back on the farm. start of the season. “I like to be outdoors “We have got a good young squad so anything outside I am and a solid number of strong young Boyd Rankin pretty keen on.” bowlers who can perform well, and Rankin , Brooks and hopefully we will be pushing for the Jonathan Bairstow Championship with this team.” FIFA is usually always met the smallest man “We got pretty close last year, so on! especially when Alex in Bangladesh - barely we really want to go that one step fur - Hales’ projector is set-up up to Boyd’s waist! ther this year. I hope to take as many wickets as I can, that’s all I am trying Jack Brooks living to focus on. I am not looking too far up to his reputation by into the future, I am just going to take posing with his head in each game as it comes.” the security Alex Hales’ Twitter page: Rankin is hoping that another good Great to see @jbairstow21 season with the Bears will secure his While Nathan Buck joining us for dinner! Maybe place on next winter’s lion’s tour – tries out the team’s new he can talk us through all his and make his dream of Test cricket dartboard first class runs? just that little bit closer. BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 28 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 29 Graeme Hick - Living in a Land Down Under BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER MIDDLE ORDER Despite now being a resident of He had one of the greatest first-class careers ever, the old enemy, Hick still keeps a A QUICK LOOK AT ... spending 24 long years at Worcestershire scoring keen eye on Worcestershire and england, but despite them being over 41,000 runs at an average of over 50, but now number one in the world, he doesn’t Graeme Hick and his family have up-sticks and believe they are the best england HICK described his international career as ‘inconsistent’, which unfortu - started a new life abroad in a land down under. side he has ever seen. nately no one can really argue with. From 65 Tests, he averaged a re - spectable 31.32, but compare this to his first-class average of 52.23 and you may understand why Hick may be disappointed I don't believe they with his performances while on england duty. Hick with bat in hand received a hero’s are as good as the reception when he made his Test debut on June 6 1991, but a tortured 51 minutes later he famous 2005 Ashes was back in the pavilion having made only six. winning team It took him over a year to score his first Test “ half-century against Pakistan and after he se - “I think england are a very good cured a place on the 1992-93 tour of India, he team and well organised under achieved his long-awaited maiden Test hun - Flower. I don't believe they are as dred, 178 in the third Test good as the famous 2005 Ashes win - at Bombay – but his first three figure score ning team, and I think other nations would be his highest in Tests. aren't as strong as they were back then. But that takes nothing away from Strauss’ men who have done a tremendous job. I would have liked to “I think it will be an interesting se - ries next summer against South have played bigger Africa. I would back england at home Graeme Hick against them with the bowling attack innings for England Living in a Land Down Under we have got. I'm not sure on the at Test level depth of quality in the South African “ attack. Watch out for Kallis, De Vil - liers, Steyn who I think will be grate - Hick never seemed to get to grips with Test match cricket - but why? ORMeR Worcestershire The Hick family moved ful for his time in the County system He himself has put it down to a ‘lack of confidence’ and ‘self-belief’ which and england Test star to Queensland in Novem - last year. has now left him wondering about what could have been. Graeme Hick, veteran of 24 ber 2011 and have spent “I continue to follow Worcester - “If I could some up my international career in one word it would be in - seasons at New Road, has switched three months, sometimes shire closely still however unfortu - consistent. I feel sometimes I just lacked confidence, self-belief and I tFhe quiet surroundings of his coun - in some ironically english nately I have not watched them play didn’t believe people really believed in me. tryside home for a new life on the weather, getting used to much. They are a very young team “But I'm reasonably happy with my one day performance but would Gold Coast, 10,000 miles away in their new surroundings. and they did well to stay up, but need have liked to have played bigger innings for england at Test level.” Australia. But it was initially their to perform well as a team as there you can see why Hick would be disappointed as we look at his sea - Retiring from all-forms of cricket two teenage children who are missing star quality and I hope son-by-season first-class average. The graph below shows that his best in 2008, Hick took over a coaching convinced them that a they can do the same this season. I county season average peaked at 90 in 1990 and remained over 40 for role at , but now move abroad was the am happy that they have signed his entire career - only in 1991, 2000, 2003 and 2005 did it verge below alongside his wife Jackie and their right thing to do. Phillip Hughes and he should bring this. While in his Test career his average even dropped below 20 and fin - two children, lauren and Jordan, “We are generally en - some class to the side.” ished at just above 30 - way below his first-class performances. they embark on a new life down joying our time here so under, but Hick insists that he won’t far, I say that as at the drift too far away from what was his moment we are in the first love. middle of a few days of heavy rain, “I'm sure I will do some coach - didn’t expect that too much when we ing,” Hick replied when questioned if decided to move to Australia,” he he will stay involved in the sport in In the kids simple added. Australia. language they “My wife and I had spent time here “I'm not sure at this moment I before and enjoyed the lifestyle. We wouldn’t be keen on a coaching job asked us why we then travelled here one winter with our that took me away from home for children when they were in their early long periods, but you never know in lived in England and teens for a month. They loved it and in the future. After being on the road “ kids simple language they asked us for 25 years I'm enjoying being at that got the balls why we lived in england. That got the home on a regular basis and spend - balls in motion and now we are ing time with my family.” in motion delighted to be out here.”

BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 30 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 31 Life Beyond The Rope - With Ian Bell BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER MIDDLE ORDER

THE WIFE Bell married beautiful bride Chantal Bastock in April you may think you know everything about the england batsman, but 2011. The born international cricket star beyond the rope there is a lot that you don’t know about Ian Bell , tied the knot during an as we give you the facts about his off-the-field life. intimate ceremony The Times described attended by close family Bell as an and friends at Mallory "exquisite rapier" Court country house hotel THE BLADE near leamington. 5The0 num6ber3 of Ian Bell in December runs Bell has signed a deal with The elegant england scored in his Kookaburra to use batsman whisked his new Test career their new Recoil bat - wife off to the five star ending his association luxury island resort of with Adidas, despite Velassaru, Maldives to him hitting his Test celebrate the start of Th1e 0num8 ber of best score of 235 with married life in style. balls Bell has their sponsored bat. bowled in Tests, claiming one wicket THE EX-WIFE Ian Bell proposed With... to model lucy Gilman at 's THE VILLA FAN Royal Albert Hall in He attended Coventry 2006, but it wouldn’t City's football school of last as the pair filed excellence,despite being for divorce at the a supporter of Aston Villa end of 2010. - he even has a signed Villa shirt hanging up in the Warwickshire IAN BELL dressing room. DRESS SENSE When not in his cricket whites, you would FAVOURITE DVD normally see Bell in jeans, trainers, shirt The number of Bell’s highest Bell and wife Chantal have admitted and a blazer jacket - but according to staff wickets Bell has First-class score that they like a good DVD box set at edgbaston, you will always find him in claimed in ODI achieved in 2004 with CSI their current favourite. They jeans and trainers. 6 matches 262* against Sussex have got all the different series - New THE NIGHTLIFE york, Miami and las Vegas - which you will most likely find Bell out enjoying they like to watch on the sofa with a THE EDUCATION Nuvo and Bank Restaurant in Birmingham, pizza. Bell also likes to take box sets Bell attended the they are both in close proximity to where he on tour with him when away with prestigious Princethorpe lives. But don’t expect to see him on the england. College and made the dance floor as he is not a keen dancer - school’s first XI in year except for the sprinkler. FAVOURITE DRINK seven. Bell received an If he isn’t in the middle of a game, Bell honorary degree from enjoys a cheeky drink, with his choice Coventry University in usually being a pint of lager . But if he 2011 which was in is in the middle of a Test, then he recognition of his Dayle Hadlee called Bell "the would have to opt for sparkling water. contribution to sport and best 16-year-old I've ever of his charity work with seen", and he was compared children. The number of runs The number of tons Bell with former england captain Bell has scored in his has scored throughout 13,458 First-class career 62 his professional career

BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 www.boundarymagazine.com 32 BOUNDARY 33 David Saker - Moving England Forward BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER MIDDLE ORDER new ball and get early wickets, we have England’s Seam Attack some tall guys who get the ball to bounce sharply and can cause batsmen James Anderson trouble, and we have Graeme Swann Born: who is the best spinner in the world. 30th July 1982 “So we have great variety and all Height: bases covered as a bowling group – I 6 ft 2 ins am indeed a very lucky coach.” Test Debut: With the low attendances at Test se - May 2003 vs Zim ries in South Africa, India, Dubai and Tests: the postponement of the inaugural 63 World Test Championship until at least Wickets: 2017, there has been increasing con - 240 cern that the future of the longest format Test Best: is under threat. 7-43 vs NZ (2008) But Saker believes there will always be a place for Test cricket and expects the upcoming series between england and South Africa this summer to be a Born: fantastic advert for the game. 2nd Sept 1981 “I think Test matches in england are Height: always even as far as bat versus ball; 6 ft 8 ins bat doesn’t always dominate and the Test Debut: ball doesn’t always dominate and I think July 2007 vs Ind those sort of Test matches are always Tests: the most entertaining,” said Saker. 10 “I watched the two Tests in South Wickets: england’s fast bowling coach Africa last October very closely and with 49 David Saker insists his side’s great interest. The home side looked Test Best: bowling attack is the best in very good, with certain players such as 6-48 vs Sl (2011) the world, as Saker and the and standing out and it is going to be a great battle Stuart Broad entire coaching staff continue here in england this summer. to move england forward - Born: “They have got a very good bowling 24th June 1986 and they believe this attack as well but I think with home Height: summers series with South knowledge and conditions, our attack 6 ft 6 ins Africa will be the real test. can come out on top. Test Debut: “The batsmen will have to work very Dec 2007 vs Sl hard for their runs, on both sides, the Tests: ball will almost certainly be doing some - 41 thing, either seaming or swinging, and Wickets: we hope, from a bowling coach per - 132 David Saker spective, that it will when we bowl. Test Best: “It will be interesting to see how 6-46 vs Ind (2011) Moving England Forward those Test matches go and we hope that we can win the series - it will make NGlAND’S fast bowling Ashes victory and 12 months on he fast bowlers, and we have for a very good Test series.” coach David Saker has only believes his stable of pacemen are who hardly The england coach now been in the job for two We have more the best in the world, with plenty of ever gets mentioned looks ahead to his own years, but in that time he strength in depth should injury strike. who is another than just a quartet - it fantastic fast bowler future, but Saker insists he has played a key role in their “We have a group of about six or Born: E who I think will is here for the long- astronomical rise up the ICC Test seven fantastic fast bowlers and I am 28th Feb 1985 is the best attack in return and play haul. rankings as england continue to very fortunate to be working with Height: a key role in “I hope to stay move forward. the world for sure those guys,” said Saker. 6 ft 0 ins the side. in the job for It has seen Andrew Strauss’ side “Chris Tremlett is coming back Test Debut: “ “I think it is some time to break their Ashes hoodoo down prise pick Chris Tremlett – the and looking like getting back to May 2009 vs WI the best come – I love under before sending India packing Victorian’s local nous proved vital, his best, Steve Finn was outstanding Tests: attack in the it. It has been in comprehensive fashion to claim as he nurtured a highly skilled and in India before Christmas and has 10 world, for great to work the title of the world’s best Test side. relentlessly efficient bowling unit that made a real claim for a Test spot, Wickets: sure. We with such a Saker’s influence was felt particu - the Aussies simply never came to Jimmy Anderson and Tim Bresnan, 41 have got a great group of larly keenly during the historic victory terms with. when he is fit, continue to perform Test Best: guy who can guys.” in Australia, where – having report - The 45-year-old earned a three- well and we have Stuart Broad. 5-48 vs Ind (2011) edly championed the cause of sur - year contract on the back of the “So we’ve got a great group of swing the BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 34 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 35 BOUNDARY RIDERS - Keith Barker and Ross Whiteley BOUNDARY MIDDLE ORDER MIIDDDDLEL OER ODERR DER

FTeR a watershed season, in which I want to play he scored his maiden first cAlass ton against Northants at the highest BOUNDARY RIDERS before notching another We travel around the boundary to find the against Kent, Derbyshire’s level brightest young talents from across the Ross Whiteley is hoping to “ Country - we travel to edgbaston to talk to catch the attention of the Keith Barker and to Derbyshire’s County england selectors. Ground to talk to Ross Whiteley about The talented left-hander their hopes of breaking into the set tongues wagging with an impressive return of 644 england side. Championship runs at 40.25, as well as some hard-hitting Twenty20 cameos, and further developed his game at the Darren lehmann Derbyshire Academy in Australia during the Winter. “I’m sure every player’s aim is to play international I would love cricket,” said the 23-year- 50 wickets this old. “Hopefully I can get a go with the england lions in the nRext ogreat steam spsirit and itW gave me thhe inig detalinge with thle weather, ywhich couple of years. I think I can play confidence to go out and play my was a lot hotter. It was 35 degrees season international cricket. There is no natural game.” each weekend. To run in and bowl in “ point playing the game if you don’t Whiteley hopes that the experience that heat and on a wicket that isn’t of - want to play at the highest level, so gained in Adelaide will stand him in fering too much movement is difficult that’s definitely my aim. I thought last good stead when the 2012 campaign but it’s a great experience. season went really well and I was gets underway. “Hopefully, when the english sea - very happy with my batting. “It was hard work out there, includ - son returns it will all pay off.” Warwickshire “The only down point was my bowling, as I would have liked to have been more of a threat and to become a genuine all-rounder. Stats Game by Numbers

S Hopefully I can get Keith Barker a

ORMeR professional foot - england side in the near future. into the England k baller Keith Barker has always “I would love 50 wickets this sea - Lions in the next had dreams of playing for son, but first it is just about playing e england - but he probably imagined it and doing well in each game and if couple of years F r being at Wembley, rather than lords. the wickets come and I can come The 25-year-old all-rounder burst close to that then great, but if I don’t I “But overall, I was over the moon S “ Y onto the County scene with Warwick - will just look at how close I have with my year. My highlight was the ER ELE shire in 2009 and has claimed 28 come and see how I can get there a hundred at Northants and also the RK IT wickets and scored 558 runs in only 17 next year.” Friends life T20 competition. I really A H 21st OctoBber 1986 13th September 1988

i W first-class matches. Barker, who’s godfather is former enjoyed playing in that competition Born: Born:

d April 2009 Sept 2008 Now he is hoping to stake a claim for West Indies captain Clive lloyd, has and batting alongside Warwickshire Debut: Derbyshire Debut: a regular County Championship place the luxury of not only playing under a was a great experience.” left-Hand Bat left-Hand Bat and hopes to even progress enough to former england international in Whiteley believes he has bene - All-Rounder: All-Rounder: left-Arm Medium left-Arm Medium grab the attention of the england Ashley Giles, but also plays along two fited from being allowed to go out “He is a big strapping lad, good selectors. of the Country’s best batsmen. and play his natural game, without fast bowler with a lot of potential. 17 12 “I want to establish myself into the “you do learn a lot playing and fear of recrimination. First-Class Matches: First-Class Matches: He is one to watch for the future. 558 689 four-day squad, I think I have already training with the likes of Jonathan “I think I have found a new confi - Runs: High Score: 118 Runs: High Score: 130* 28 6 done that in one dayers, I now have to Trott and Ian Bell,” he added. “Trott dence,” he added. “I had a really Wickets: Best Haul: 5-31 Wickets: Best Haul: 2-82 “Hopefully he can have a good keep on top of that and keep pushing has his own ways and Bell is a great good winter with the lads and I was season with Warwickshire and 74 23 for the four day squad,” he said. person to have around on and off the around the set-up when I came back One-Day Matches: One-Day Matches: maybe he can break into the 830 362 “Hopefully then I can go on and field, you can learn a lot just watching from university and had a whole year Runs: High Score: 56 Runs: High Score: 40* england lions side in 2013.” 87 3 possibly get an opportunity in the them.” with the first team. We have such a Wickets: Best Haul: 4-19 Wickets: Best Haul: 1-12 BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 36 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 37 County Ins and Outs 2012 BOUNDARY CLOSE OF PLAY CLOSE OF PLAY

Headline Signings Jon Lewis to Surrey James Taylor to Middlesex to Nottinghamshire to Somerset (T20) Chris Gayle to Durham (T20) to Gloucestershire (T20) ICns OandU OuNts T20Y 12 It has been a busy winter in the english County scene with notable headline signings including James Taylor from leicestershire to Nottinghamshire and Joe Denly from Kent to essex. Leicestershire Middlesex But who else has been swapping counties in the off-season, and which overseas players have In Robbie Joseph (Kent) In Joe Denly (Kent), Ollie Rayner been signed for the 2012 campaign. (Sussex), Gurjit Sandhu (second XI), Ollie Wilkin (youth) (retired), Harry Derbyshire Durham Out Gurney (Nottinghamshire), Tom Ben Scott (Worcestershire), Matt Lineker (second XI); David New (released) , James Taylor Out Dan Housego (released), In Wainwright (yorkshire), (youth), (Nottinghamshire) (released) Peter Burgoyne (youth), Martin In Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa) - Guptill (New Zealand), Usman T20 Khawaja (Australia), Rana Naved Northants Nottinghamshire (Pakistan) - T20 Kyle Coetzer (Northamptonshire), Kyle Coetzer (Durham), Out (released) Michael Lumb (Hampshire) Harry (retired), Ben Harmison In (second XI) Out Steffan Jones Greg Sam Sweeney In Gurney (leicestershire), Karl Turner Smith (essex), Luke Sutton (trial), Sam Kelsall (youth), Sam (retired) David Lucas (Worcestershire), Wood (youth), Brett Hutton (youth), Essex Out Mal Loye (released), Tom Brett James Taylor (leicestershire) Glamorgan (released), Gavin Baker (released) Tom Craddock (trial), Greg Smith (retired), Simon Jones (Hampshire) Mark Wagh Ali Brown In (Derbyshire), Ben Foakes (youth), Out (retired), (Kent), In (Australia) Charlie Shreck Charl Willoughby (Somerset) Akhil Patel (released) (South Africa) Somerset Surrey David Harrison (retired), Michael (Warwickshire), , (South Africa), Out Powell (released), David Brown Jon Lewis (Gloucestershire), Out (released) In Albie Morkel, (South Africa) - T20 Max Osborne (retired), Adam Shantry (retired) In (India), Chris Gayle (West Indies) - T20 Murali Kartik Dirk Nannes (Australia) - T20

Charl Willoughby (released) Michael Brown (retired), Chris Hampshire Out Out Schofield (released), Simon King Gloucestershire (Australia), Sean (released) In (Australia), Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri lanka) Terry Neil McKenzie In - T20 (South Africa), (Pakistan) - T20 Sussex Warwickshire Matt Machan (youth) Scott Jon Lewis (Surrey), Vikram Michael Lumb (Nottinghamshire), Chris Wright (essex), Recordo In Styris (New Zealand) - T20 Out Banerjee (released), Out Dominic Cork (retired), Nic In Gordon (youth), Chris Taylor (released) Pothas (released), Johann Lou Vincent (released), (New Zealand) Myburgh (released), Friedel de Out Ollie Rayner (Middlesex) Wet (released), Jamie Miller Ant Botha (retired), (released), Simon Jones Out Naqaash Tahir (released) Kent (Glamorgan), Charlie Shreck (Nottinghamshire), (released), Tim Ravenscroft In (released) (youth), Benedict Worcestershire Yorkshire Kemp (youth), Fabian Cowdrey (Middlesex), Lancashire Ben Scott David Alex Lees (youth), James Wainman (youth), Michael Powell In (Northamptonshire), Lucas In (youth), Callum Geldart (youth), (Glamorgan), Ben Harmison (second XI), (youth) Brett D'Oliveira Alex Lilley (youth), Dan Hodgson (Durham) In (second XI), Nick Harrison (youth), (Australia) Phil Hughes (Australia), Saeed (Middlesex), Joe Denly Mark Chilton (retired), Steven Ajmal (Pakistan) - T20 Out Martin van Jaarsveld Out Cheetham (released) Ben Sanderson (released), Lee (retired from county cricket) Matt Mason (retired), Out Hodgson (released), David James Goodman (retired), Out Chris Whelan (released), Wainwright (Derbyshire) Robbie Joseph (released) David Wheeldon (released)

BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 38 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 39 Niall O’Brien - Ireland’s Uncertain Future BOUNDARY CLOSE OF PLAY CLOSE OF PLAY Right: Niall O’Brien’s frustration was clear to see during their World Cup game against eventual champions India as he was for 46 as they failed to qualify for the last eight NiaIlrella Ond’s’ BUncreritaein nFutu re We keep losing eVIN O’BRIeN stole all the headlines at last players every two or year’s World Cup in KIndia, as his 50-ball century secured three years - we need a famous victory against cricket gi - ants, and near-neighbours england. to keep hold of them But just 12 months on, older “Warwickshire paceman Boyd brother Niall is concerned over the Rankin has been tipped for an eng - the ICC have given us some backing future of Irish cricket as england con - land call-up, leaving Ireland without so we need to keep getting in to the tinue to harbour Ireland’s greatest tal - one of their best bowlers with the major world tournaments and keep Deadly ents – and he believes they have to World Cup just round the corner - winning matches and show the world do something about it, and fast. and Niall believes this could scupper what we can do.” Kevin’s century was the fastest any chances they have of causing Niall still believes his side will qual - Attack ever in World Cups and secured one another upset. ify for the 2015 World Cup as he of the biggest upsets in cricketing “I don’t mind them playing for insists they are the team to beat as What would Niall O’Brien’s most history. england, I am delighted for eoin Mor - they boast a plethora of young feared bowling attack be? gan, he is a fantastic batter and in my talented county players. “I am always confident, I’m sure I eyes he was always going to play for “We have got a good cricket team, could score at least 12 or 13 england. but we need to keep progressing and We have to reward those against them” “But it is important that Irish cricket keep on bringing up good young who are playing well so they continues to grow. We keep losing players. players every two or three years it “We got some good young don’t look further afield seems and for the future of Irish talent coming through with Dockrell cricket we need to keep hold of these and Stirling and I am very confident fine young players and let them take of qualifying for the next World Cup - ““It was great - for an Irishman to beat us to major tournaments. we are the team to beat. With that an english team in any sport is very “I don’t hold a grudge; if someone comes a little bit of pressure, but we enjoyable,” said brother Niall. “It is has an aspiration to play for england have shown over the last five or six definitely up there as one of my we can’t hold them back. years that we are more than able to greatest moments in cricket.” “But we need the lads playing for deal with the pressure. Malcolm Glenn But Niall himself is no stranger to Ireland and that’s something Irish “We look forward to those tourna - Marshall McGrath World Cup upsets as in 2007 the left- ments, everyone wants to see Ireland cricket has to look at, making sure “Great fast “Unbelievable handed batsman led his team with 72 there and we think we can beat any - we reward those who are playing well swing bowler, consistency to claim a famous three-wicket vic - one on the day.” correctly so they don’t look further very difficult to doesn’t give tory against Pakistan, which elimi - afield. With previous success in the one you too many nated them from that year’s score off” Below: Niall is dismissed during their “Boyd Rankin is bowling well and day game, questions will rise in Ire - balls to hit” tournament. Greatest World Cup Upsets famous three wicket win over england he is tipped for england honours in land about their credentials as a Test The Irish wicketkeeper is currently the not too distant future, which could nation, but Niall believes it will be un - 2/3/11 - Ireland beat england by training hard for spring tours to scupper our plans a little but we have likely to happen during his playing three wickets - Kevin O’Brien 113 , Zimbabwe and Dubai as the got some good young players and days. side begins their preparation for the “It is very unrealistic in my time - I 17/3/07 - Ireland beat Pakistan by 2015 World Cup in Australia and New don’t think that I will be playing Test three wickets - Niall O’Brien 72 Zealand. Left: Rankin in cricket. But Niall is beginning to have the colours of “Simply at this moment there isn’t 17/3/07 - Bangladesh beat India by concerns about the current state of the england the infrastructure in Ireland for play - five wickets - Mortaza 4-38 Irish cricket, as he believes they do lions - but ers to play first-class cricket and Shane Wasim have a strong team, but they have to Niall wants progress into the Test arena. 24/2/03 - Kenya beat Sri lanka by keep hold of their young talent. the opening “But I hope one day to watch Ire - Warne Akram 53 runs - Collins Obuya 5-24 bowler to stay land in a Test match and I can sit “Tormented “Brilliant fast Did You Know with Ireland down and cheer the lads on.” many batsman, left arm bowler, 19/5/99 - Zimbabwe beat India by Niall O’Brien is a household name in India, and not because of and compete Niall’s first aim is to get his Coun - including his ability to three runs - 68* his cricketing ability - he has starred in a Bollywood Film with his in the 2015 try to the 2015 World Cup, but will we myself, for a reverse swing brother Kevin and was shooting a new movie last November World Cup ever see another Irish upset? We long time” was lethal” have to wait and see. BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 ? BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 40 41 Club Life - Shrewsbury Cricket Club BOUNDARY CLOSE OF PLAY CLOSE OF PLAY are never going to get your best performance in a final, but I was pleased Left: Captain’s knock! Shrewsbury Cricket Club ed Foster leads the with the way we stuck at it and we managed to get way with an unbeaten the win at the end. 98 against Cambridge “Particularly with in the National Final Shrewsbury being from a particularly small part of Below : Shrewsbury fans the Country, it is some - make the most of their thing that doesn’t happen day out by taking over the too often. We had great Racecourse end at the support on the day and County Ground - even if it everybody will remember is only the two of them this for a long time. it ourselves and thankfully we did, “Absolutely one of my greatest and now we will try and do it again. moments in , it is up “It’s just the question whether we there with winning the Birmingham can win it again really, that is the league the year before which was aim to just keep trying to win, if great, giving the national scale of you’re turning up week and week this competition says a lot really out, then we have realistic chance about the achievement. of winning each game. Sometimes “A lot of hard work goes into it, we haven’t made the most of this most of it comes from the players but hopefully in the future we hope themselves and their desires and to.” what motivates them, and we are Shrewsbury’s success grows quite lucky to have a young ambi - from within its own foundations and tious team. We are keen to win and the club is now preparing for the we just try and win every game. 2012 Birmingham league season, “everything from the training we and Foster believes his side is ca - do before games to the training we pable of challenging for the league do in the week, it all builds up to the title once again. performance on the day.” “you couldn’t really put a name But what makes this achievement on who will win, but I am sure there even more remarkable, is that Fos - will be four or five teams in the hat, CLUB LIFE ter’s father John was a member of but it is always difficult to predict the the famous 1983 team – and then winner. As one generation ends, another is born - but at one Andy Barnard, father of Mike, “I think we will be title chal - Stephen and ed was also a key fea - lengers; we missed out on second small Shropshire club family tradition remains at large ture of that side. last year by four or five points and it History had indeed repeated itself, is a shame that we didn’t perform as and families were able to enjoy it ACK IN 1983, Shrewsbury morning of the game,” he said. “It fully the clouds stayed away and well as we could, and it would have together, like father like son - and 30 been interesting to see where we Cricket Club defied all the was a bit of the unknown really, we gave a local lad, with his father years on, Foster believes their suc - odds and achieved nation - hadn’t been to that stage of the com - watching on, a chance to repeat would have finished if we played to cess is what inspired him to repeat our full capability.” recognition winning the Na - petition before, we certainly didn’t something his proud old man the famous feat. tBional Club Knockout competition for know a lot about their team, but we achieved all those years ago. “I think from our point of view hav - Right: From left: Steve Gale, Andy the first time in their history. were confident that with the guys we But it was a slow start for the Salop ing seen a lot of that growing up and Barnard and John Foster - members Almost 30 years on, the small had we could do a good job.” side. “We didn’t bowl or field as well hearing about that team, it was al - of the famous 1983 Shrewsbury team Shropshire club had a chance to re - as we could have, they got 220 and ways something we looked towards peat history, but as generations It was always we would have liked to have re - achieving. We wanted to try and win move on, and new stars are cre - stricted them to less,” Foster added. ated, one anomaly is ripe through - something we looked At the break the match was finely out the club – family tradition. balanced, Cambridge were probably The 2010 Birmingham league towards achieving - the happier of the two sides as champions, led by former Worces - Shrewsbury required over four an tershire and leicestershire batsman we wanted to try and over to be crowned national champi - ed Foster, entered their first national win it ourselves ons. But cometh the hour cometh the cup final in 28 years at Derbyshire’s “ man, and who else but the skipper County Ground full of confidence Foster’s men were facing the east himself would become the day’s despite having a young and inexpe - Anglian Premier league champions somewhat likely hero. rienced side. Cambridge Granta on a day that “We batted well, it wasn’t our best “I was fairly confident on the was threatened by rain – but thank - performance of the season but you BOUNDARY MARCH 2012 42 BOUNDARY www.boundarymagazine.com 43 Matt Walker - The Only Way Is Essex BOUNDARY CLOSE OF PLAY CLOSE OF PLAY VeR THe last few years around the renowned family club, there has been a constant sense that things just hOaven’t been good enough. With a plethora of talent and a smattering of experienced heads, essex have al - We asked newly appointed assistant coach Matt Walker if ways been under-pressure to per - THE ONLY WAY IS ESSEX 2012 will be the year the youngsters emerge and the club form - but over recent years they finally fulfils its rich potential. always seem to struggle to live up to their hype. After promising so much, not even David Masters’ miraculous 93 first- class wickets was enough, as the county’s wait for top flight cricket con - tinues, despite experiencing a brief spell in division one in 2010 – where they finished rock bottom. But with the 2012 season around the corner there is rejuvenated hope that this could be their year, as not only do the eagles boast one of the best squads in county cricket, they have also produced some of the When I faced him most exciting young prospects the country has seen for many years, as in the nets you their conveyor belt of fledgling talent seems to continuously throw out the feared for your life best of British. as everything was Now it is just a matter of whether “ or not they can perform on the field coming towards and return to the Gooch glory days that dominated the 1990s - and with your head the crowd seemingly rowdier than ever, selling out every twenty20 game at the ground, the division one cricket, and I genuinely passion around this tight-knit, inclu - think we have the squad to do that. If sive club remains very much intact. it doesn’t come this year I certainly expect it to happen over the next few How well do you think the club did years as the young players gain last season? more experience at this level. ers struggled, like the Ramprakash’s Which youngsters do you think bowler who can get some bounce. areas and he has got his rhythm, he It was a little disappointing, we have of this world. But we never seemed will stand out in 2012? Along with Tymal Mills, the two are can swing the ball as well at pace. had our moments though, there were And is there high expectations in to get going, the top three or four Jaik Mickleburgh and Billy Godleman extremely young individuals willing to He is set to be a great bowler and a some great team performances, but the one-day competitions? never seemed to lay foundations. are both young players we think can learn. They seem to be improving all handful and being a left we didn’t really put the runs on the Of course, essex have been one of come in and perform straight away. the time. armer, he can be very diffi- board in the first innings of games, the best one-day sides in the country What will change in 2012? Those guys try and make sure they cult for people to face. and we struggled. I guess it could for a while now, the T20 has eluded With a new look essex, with a new don’t think too much about their tech - Tymal Mills has have been a lack of experience, us a bit now so it is just the case that coaching staff, we have got a good niques and just watch the ball and appeared from nowhere, Is promotion the there is a lot of potential and ability this could be the year, and we gen - opportunity to really step up the en - play. It is about letting them go out is he now one to watch? number one aim? for sure. As a player going into the uinely believe that, if you look at it on ergy around the place. We want to and play. They will get their opportu - Tymal Mills is one of the best It is overdue as a club. dressing room as a coach, you will paper there aren’t many other sides set the tone early on and make a nities, so despite them being young bowlers to burst on the scene. He last year we never really be excited about what you can see, that can match our side, last year we good connection with the guys. they would have played enough didn’t start playing cricket until his got going in any form and there is a young side that can be just got caught out a little. Hopefully Hopefully as an ex-player hopefully I games to feel confident and hopefully late teens and he has obviously selectively as a group moulded. I think there is serious abil - we will be quick out of the blocks and can help in that department, as a throughout the season will iron out got that God-given talent of we must strive for pro- ity, mind blowing stuff and we hope to bring some silverware back to player I didn’t want anything too any technical issues they may have, being able to bowl the speed motion. Our number transfer that ability into making runs. Chelmsford. complex, just simple words that make so it just comes down to them versus of light - going back to last one ambition is to get you feel good about yourself when the ball and they can go out and play. season when I faced him in back playing Matt Walker in action for essex, but in Why wasn’t there more success? you go out to bat. Hopefully I can get the nets you feared for your I’m not making excuses but batting 2012 he will be taking a back seat role that across to the players and help is another player life as everything was coming was tough and that was reflected at the club after he became the side’s them to become young good players expected to have a good year ... towards your head, now he is right across the league. Serious play - new assistant coach and allow them to make their mark. He’s a tall, lean genuine swing much more focused on his

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His four wickets have come through bowling very quickly and that opening spell was just “quality bowling at 90mph and landing it on a sixpence

england captain Alastair Cook Abu Dhabi, UAE February 15, 2012 believes Finn is getting the success he deserves after his good performances Pakistan vs. England in India and now in the UAe made his claim for a Test spot in Sri lanka after claiming 4 for 34 in the second ODI against Pak - istan in Abu Dhabi. The Middlesex paceman powered his way to 13 wickets in the four game limited over series, bowling with pace and accuracy in which the Pakistan batsman simply couldn’t handle. He set a record for the most wickets secured by an englishman in a four- game ODI series and has given Andy Flower a real headache as they plan ahead towards the two Test matches in Sri lanka. england would run away as convinc - ing four-nil winners in the series, which brought some pride back to what was a demoralised team after suffering a three-nil Test whitewash to the hands of the same opponents.

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