A- If this was a job interview, I would probably say ‘to create a seamless pathway for young cricketers from the age of 5 (All-Stars) to 17 to play and enjoy as much cricket as possible’. The reality is a bit more haphazard!! Trying to juggle lots of kids, and lots of teams, making sure we have the volunteers to run teams and take training sessions. But end aim is the same, kids playing and enjoying as much cricket as possible.

2. How do you manage different roles and responsibilities at KCC alongside 4th team captaincy?

A- Some people would say badly!! On serious note, it is a big commitment and one that takes up a lot of my time, but I am lucky to be involved with such a great club, and have great people around supporting me and all the Juniors. On the 20th April I give Kate (my wife) a kiss and tell her I’ll see her again in September. I think after putting up with me for 6 months over winter she is happy to see me disappear again!

3. What are the biggest challenges you face in these roles?

A- The biggest challenge of the Juniors, is convincing everyone we are purely run by volunteers! Because the club has such a professional look and the coaches do such a great job, I think there is an assumption people are getting paid and I think this sometimes make people hesitate when the call for volunteers come out.
Regards being 4th team captain, you just have to be pragmatic and accept everything that happens in the 3 sides above will have a knock-on effect for the Fours. On the odd occasion this can lead to us to having too many players to select from, and having to tell someone they haven’t got a game that week, even though they’ve played the previous weeks, is never nice. However, it is more common, that we will lose players to the sides above and this is where my role as Head of Juniors and 4th Team Captain plays a big part. I will have a very good idea what youngsters are ready to be exposed to senior cricket. A few years back losing two or three players to the teams above would have proved a real problem but has now become an excellent opportunity for the youngsters to get their chance at senior cricket.

4. What is your approach to captaincy?

A- Know your limitations! On most given Saturday’s there are players in my team with far better cricket brains than me, so I always make sure I tap in to their knowledge! Overall, I think I’ve got a pretty relaxed captaincy style, but do get a bit frustrated when players turn up late!!!

5. Which player has the potential to break into the 3rd XI this season?

A- From a Junior players perspective, there is no clear candidate to be making the breakthrough this year. It almost feels like we are at the start of a new cycle. The likes of Albert, Stoney, Steedy, Ayaan and Jake have all done their time in the 4s over the last few years and are now pushing on into the 3s & 2s. The new crop of youngster including Prakash, Aryan, Sam, Ranjodh & Dishen (to mention just a few) are all looking to establish themselves in the 4s before pushing on into the sides above.

6. What are your personal goals this season?

A- A thousands runs and 40 wickets!!! In reality stay fit and enthusiastic and look to keep the side in the same division by creating an amazing environment for cricketers of all ages and backgrounds to come and enjoy their cricket.

7. What is your favorite club ground away from KCC?

A- Dunton Bassett. They have always looked after us when we’ve been there with the Juniors and Seniors and I know people are going to struggle to believe this, but I once scored a 50 there!! (There is video evidence for any doubters!!)

8. Best match played in?

A- Summer 2022. We were playing top of the table Uni Staff 2’s. On that day we were lucky enough to have Sutty playing for us, which gave us a bit of hope. First ball of the match he gets bowled!!! However, big hundred from Fido and vintage Faz 50 saw us post 265. And then with a bowling attack made up almost exclusively of Juniors we restricted them to 260 (proud dad moment) with a 14 year old Jake bowling the final over when they only needed 8 to win, and only going for 2 runs and grabbing a wicket. A great victory and a fantastic game of cricket.

9. What's on your plate for cricket teas?

A- Not many teas kicking about these days, but Fleckney away is always a bit special when Pawendeep unleashes his famous chicken curry!! Always best to get your fielding done first, as trying to run around after that feast is not much fun!!

10. Outside of cricket, how do you keep yourself entertained?

A- With three boys I’ve spent the last 10 years going from sporting event to sporting event, nearly all year round, which has kept me pretty busy!! I also fell for the classic, let’s get a family dog and we’ll all take turns walking it. I think the Dads out there know how that story ends….. hours and hours of dog walking!!!!