Ackermann relishing new opportunity

Colin Ackermann is one of those cricketers it's good to settle back and watch, knowing he's on your side.

That's Steve Ellwood's description of Leicestershire's new signing, and the chairman of Kibworth Cricket Club should know: the stylish batsman spent part of the summer with Ellwood's club back in 2012.

“We had him on board for a couple of months, and even though he was still very young, his professionalism stood out,” recalls Ellwood. “He was a very accomplished player and a really nice guy to boot, but he also worked very, very hard. He's a top cricketer.”

Now 26, Ackermann's fond memories of that short spell at Kibworth were among the reasons he was so pleased to be approached by the Foxes.

Having arrived at the start of this week, after appearing for Warriors against Multiply Titans in the Momentum 50 over Cup Final at SuperSport Park last weekend, Ackermann is relishing the prospect of putting his first-class average of 40 to the test in county cricket.

“I honestly believe every cricketer around the world dreams of playing for a county in England at some stage in their career, it's the country where the sport originated, and I'm really thankful to have the opportunity now,” he said.

“I really enjoyed being with Kibworth, so when Leicestershire approached me I wanted to make it happen. It also means I know a few of the guys here, such as Aadil Ali, who was playing for Kibworth at the same time, which makes things easier.

“But overall it's a move I see very much as a way of developing my career. The best players in the world are effective in all conditions, whether the ball is turning or seaming or swinging, they make a plan to score their runs, and that will be the challenge for me.”

Nottinghamshire are the first visitors to the Fischer County Ground, and in early season conditions, a bowling attack led by international pacemen Stuart Broad and James Pattinson will test the technique of the Foxes' batting line-up to the full.

But Ackermann, a former u19 international with seven first-class centuries to his name, is a classy addition with observers likening his very correct batting style to that of compatriot JP Duminy.

“We have a large squad, which gives us plenty of options, and means the competition is brutal, which is exactly how it should be,” said new Leicestershire Head Coach Pierre De Bruyn.

“Now it's business time and there's a sense of real excitement because Notts will bring a world-class side: that's fantastic, we need to show we can compete against the best.

“In red ball cricket progression this season will be being in the top four in early September, when you can really turn up the heat in the final few games. I believe we have the squad to achieve that.”

Ackermann is determined to play his part for the Foxes, and not just in the Specsavers County Championship.

“I see myself as a cricketer who can contribute in first class, 50 over or T20. I started in the long format, but I've developed my skills and I aim to put in match-winning performances in all formats.”

Ellwood can vouch for those all-round skills, recalling Ackermann taking 6 wickets for 7 runs in one key game for Kibworth. “He's the sort of player who finds a way of making a difference. I can see him having a real impact.”

Ackermann is part of a 13-man squad for the game alongside overseas star Clint McKay. The duo joined up for training with their teammates this week ahead of the East Midlands derby.

Nottinghamshire have England duo Alex Hales and Broad available while Pattinson will further bolster a seam department that also includes Harry Gurney, Luke Fletcher and Brett Hutton.

Leics (from): Cosgrove (capt), Ackermann, Ali, Chappell, Dearden, Eckersley, Griffiths, Hill, Horton, McKay, Pettini, Raine, Wells.

Notts (from): Read (capt), Broad, Fletcher, Gurney, Hales, Hutton, Libby, Lumb, Moores, Patel, Pattinson, Read, Smith, Wessels.