Diary of a Vegan Cricketer (Week Sixteen)

Two thirds of the season gone and I suspect that if I were to write my end of season report it wouldn’t be far off: a very mixed season, but generally poor. Have more clarity as to aspiration and ability and body in far better shape. Main concern remains neck/shoulder which is far from ideal for bowling and to an extent fielding. My bowling has been good, but shoulder limits rotation and is sore during and after. Batting has been awful! Opportunities have been limited due to weather and teams played for. My main issue is my body(which is much better) and confidence at the crease: which requires time – the Catch 22.

2024 Season Week Sixteen: July 15th – July 21st

Fitness remains the big issue. My lower body has improved far more than I ever imagined and now needs strength and conditioning which is an off season task.

My upper body is a pretty big issue still. Again progress has been good, and prognosis is fair. Again I need a couple of months rehab and then make a decision if I will play as an all rounder or batter next year. I hope it is as an all rounder batting 6/7, but I will be sensible and if the only option is to play as a batter batting 4/5 then so be it.

For now I have decided that I will just play on Saturday for Church Eaton 2s as a batter, and Staffs 1s (when required) as an all rounder.

I need to start doing some light running, play more golf (is really good for my shoulder) and have more rest time before games.

Clarity is very much the theme of this year for me, both on and off the field. I suspect a combination of my age and the amount of change required within cricket means I will achieve more off the field through No Boundaries Cricket Club.

See how many times you can count the word clarity:

• clarity of team ovjectives and roles within a club
• clarity of two specific roles: chair of selectors and director of cricket
• clarity of communication by captains on and off the field
• clarity of role of a senior player and mentors
• clarity, consistency and conformity of selection criteria
• clarity, consistency and conformity of nets and training
• clarity of role within and with the community.

Why is clarity so key (for me)? Because to have clarity you have to have good, honest debate and decision making.

In other news ….. there is very little:

• Vegan: nothing to report
• Playing: bowling good, battting poor, fielding mixed (good for Staffs, variable for Church Eaton, maybe a concentration thing!?)
• Golf: had one lesson and what a difference! Working on a slight restructure of swing which is starting to feel more natural and most importantly is an option with my shoulder and will probably be good for it
• Watching: had a great day at Lords with Out4Cricket and an enjoyable couple of T20 Blasts with friends at Edgbaston.