During February half term and the recent Easter holidays, “Test Match Tom” returned to the WCB. This would not have been the nickname I would have chosen for myself, but back last summer, thanks to Andy “Turners” Turnbull, so it was to be. As the old saying goes: “no publicity is bad publicity”.
I enjoyed seven 1-2-1 coaching sessions with Charlie Greening, one of the WCB cricket development coaches. As an off spinner, he introduced me to the differences between a pace bowler and a spinner’s approach to the crease; and as an opening batsman for Moseley Ashfield, he was able to assist me with many aspects of my nemesis: batting. After the sessions I had with him, I was able to conquer the short ball, find a glorious straight drive, flick through the leg side, and perfect my three bowling variations. I now feel ready for the upcoming cricket season, hoping to emulate a fraction of my idol, Shane Warne’s skill into my play.
The British weather luckily only failed us for mere minutes in one April showers session, and after a safety check to make sure I wouldn’t pull any muscles in the Astro-turf nets, Charlie and I resumed our educational sessions. As well as this, the Easter tuition took place at the scenic Wellesbourne CC and Hunningham CC grounds, somewhere I would love to revisit.
I will admit, I did experiment with some “wild” shots in these 1-2-1 sessions, but don’t worry, “Test Match Tom” hasn’t gone, and the leave is still very much in my repertoire.
At the beginning of each of our sessions, Charlie would ask me if there was any specific element of the game that I wanted to focus upon, and whatever that was, we would then embark on a variety of skills and drills, all in an hour that flew by and always in good humour.
In summary, I would thoroughly recommend these sessions to any level of junior player, as preparation for a County trial, regaining confidence after a knock or simply seeing what the fuss around this “hard ball” stuff is all about. All I ask is… let me get my bookings for the next available sessions in first!
Thomas Russell (Test Match Tom) Age 14
