Shreck hopes for big things at Kent

Charlie Shreck is expecting the Club to have a successful season in his first year at the St Lawrence Ground.

The 34 year old former Nottinghamshire seamer signed for Kent at the end of last season after eight years at Trent Bridge.Standing at 6ft 7", Shreck cuts quite an imposing figure and it’s easy to seehow he took nearly 300 wickets for Nottinghamshire before agreeing to a two year deal at Canterbury.

Having now spent some time with his new teamates in the nets, under the watchful guidance of new Head Coach Jimmy Adams, Shreck says he is pleased to have finally got his new career underway; “I’ve been training on my own for a while and that can be pretty mind-numbing, so it’s nice to have finally got down here, see everyone running around and to have a bit of banter flying around.

“The club have landed on their feet getting Jimmy Adams and I think he’ll do an amazing job from what I have seen of him so far.”

Shreck had a brief loan spell with Kent last season, but is now set to be an established member of the side and is keen to get playing some games; “It’s always awkward when you come into a new team and you don’t know anyone, but everyone was so nice and hospitable to me. Now the instability has gone and you get to know people a lot better, it’s going to be good.

“When I left Notts, I’d had a bit of a lull having not played enough games and not having much of an impact on what was going on, so I made the decision that at my age and at my stage of my career I need to be having an impact.

“I’d like to be able to finish off a season knowing the blood and sweat I’ve put in, there’s a reason for it.”

Manymay be surprised thatthat English bowler has taken best part of 300 wickets and has not gained international recognition, but that doesn’t bother Shreck and he is just keen to concentrate on helping Kent achieve their goals; “There’s always an aspiration to play for England, but I think I have to be realistic. I’m 34 now and there are a lot of young fast bowlers coming through, so I don’t think they’re going to be looking and I’m sure they won’t be knocking on my door.

“I’ve got to focus on what I’m going to be doing here at Kent and if England comes about, then so be it, but I’m fairly realistic on that front.”

At 34, Shreck could well be described as a seasoned campaigner and like Simon Cook and Azhar Mahmood, could well be utilised by Adams to get the best out of the Club’s up and coming bowlerssuch asMatt Coles, Adam Ball and Ashley Shaw.

Being a coach isn’t quite on Shreck’s radar at the moment, but does admit it doesn’t hurt for senior pros to mentor others in the side; “We’re part of a team and being part of a team means you help out your teamates. People pick up on what other people do and if it makes sense, people copy it.

“I will be learning off people here now and I’m 34, so it is part of a team ethic that you pick up the good things and banish the bad habits.”

As for Kent’s chances this season, Shreckis optimistic as to where this season could take the side; “I think with the talent this squad has, and the senior players we’ve got, I think if we get a good run going, which you need in Championship cricket as it’s a long season, there are definite hopes we can get back into the First Division and compete with the best in the land.”

Having watched Shreck hoop the ball around corners in the indoor nets, it’s clear to see why Kent have brought him to the Club.

Charlie Shreck was speaking to Steve Wolfe of KSN

Photo, Sarah Ansell SarahCanterbury.com