Blakey’s Oz Blog

Into my final week here in what is now a ludicrously hot Perth; one can only imagine what it feels like to pile on the coats, scarfs and woolly hats once again! Well, that’s until 6 days time when the dream becomes reality and the cold shiver returns to my spine! Some may not believe me, but I do actually look forward to a bit of ‘pommie’ weather after such time in the constant sweltering heat. Being able to bat for longer than a minute without being submerged in sweat, and the need for a constant glove change is quite appealing to me! There’s no place like home as they say; although not for long as Antigua beckons, a trip that holds much excitement for all. The beginning of a new season for Kent County Cricket Club, and one that I’m really looking forward to being a part of.

As I stated in my previous blog, I’ve been training twice a week with highly regarded coach Noddy Holder. That has been the case throughout the whole 5 months and I’ve been very pleased with my progress indeed. It would sound unfair of me to highlight the simplicity of his work, but that really is what makes his coaching method so effective. Noddy himself calls it ‘un-coaching players’, taking them back to a simple hitting game. It’s something I’ve really bought into and believe that’s the way for me to utilise my ability. As well as his coaching style, I’ve really enjoyed Noddy’s outlook on life. He’s a deep thinker, not only on cricket, but life itself – and a lot of his philosophies make a huge amount of sense. To find myself engrossed in one of his many stories or analogies during a net session was no rarity I can assure you. It’s been an invaluable experience if I’m being honest and I’ve really enjoyed my time at Revolution Sports. Lets hope it shows this summer!

In terms of contact back home over the winter, I’ve kept in touch with Simon Willis on a regular basis, keeping him informed of progress and so forth. He actually got in touch with Graham Ford (now the Sri Lanka Head Coach) about us net bowling at the Sri Lankans during their tri series here; another valuable experience that I’m grateful for. I’ve been on Skype a few times to catch up with left arm pace/swing/seam bowler and fellow housemate Ashley Shaw. Always a well-anticipated moment of mine as the camera loads up, to see what his latest hairstyle or hair colour is, not to mention the shade of fake tan he’s chosen! There’s also been brief contact with the one and only Matt Coles. Would like to take this time just to congratulate him on his England Lions call-up, credit to his ability and I’m sure he’ll have learnt a lot from that trip which is not only great for him, but for Kent Cricket also. It looks as though Azhar and Darren have been going well themselves out in the Bangladesh Premier League which is good to see, Azhar rewarded with selection in the IPL. Geraint is going back to his roots for Papua New Guinea too so there’s plenty of representing going on. I wish him good luck with that.

Really looking forward to seeing all the boys again now after such a long time away, as well as meeting the new chaps amongst the ranks. Very eager to meet new Head Coach, Jimmy Adams too as he starts a new era for the Club. A new environment and a new challenge is one that sounds very appealing to me, and I can’t wait to get home and get stuck in.

I must shoot off, there’s packing to be done! See you soon for a great 2012….

Blakey