Alexander enjoys Lions opportunity

* Thanks to the ECB for providing this article and photograph

Leicestershire CCC’s Head of Strength and Conditioning Crofton Alexander has relished what he admits was an unexpected opportunity with the England Lions programme this winter – and believes the county will benefit when he returns to his day job in the New Year.

Alexander, who had worked in rugby union with Wasps and Edinburgh before joining Leicestershire in January 2015, has spent four weeks with the Lions in the United Arab Emirates, where they have trained at the ICC Academy in Dubai and played a four-day match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

“I knew I would enjoy it and it would be an excellent camp, but it’s gone above and beyond, both from the coaching staff and the players,” Alexander reflected during the 90-minute commute from Dubai to the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

“I didn’t know any of them really so that was a challenge, having to get to know 18 players who are trying to forge a Test career in the space of a couple of hours. But it’s been thoroughly enjoyable. The players have really embraced it and thrown themselves in.

“I’m really grateful to Wasim Khan, Pierre de Bruyn, Rob Leather (Head Physio) and everyone else at Leicestershire for allowing me to take the opportunity.

“It cropped up at the last minute really, a vacancy to come out here came up near the end of the season and I was very keen to get involved.

“Pete Atkinson, the ECB’s lead for strength and conditioning, had been an influence on me coming to cricket. He also comes from a rugby background, we’ve known each other over 10 years now, and I trust his opinions.

“I had a conversation with him and the next minute I was having a chat with Andy Flower on the ‘phone. Andy had to talk to Wasim to make sure the ECB and the club were both happy, and it happened within a few days really.

“The club recognised the value of it from a personal development point of view and also how it can benefit the Foxes.

“You start to experience the same situations but at a different level. Leicestershire have been out here for a training camp but how different does it look when it’s an ECB training camp, and you’re trying to get players to play Test match cricket? Throughout your career all these experiences should help you - for me it’s taking it back to Leicester, what can I add to our environment?”

Alexander is now looking forward to getting stuck into Leicestershire’s pre-season plans in the New Year.

“Training is already well underway,” he explained. “Rob Leather has been doing a great job and also Roy Barber my part-time assistant. Part of you does feel a bit guilty, leaving a fairly full-on programme, but everyone recognises the opportunity.

“I’ll be back for phase three of our training in early January. There has been a bit of change at the club since the end of last season with Andrew McDonald leaving and being replaced as Head Coach by Pierre (de Bruyn). Macca (Andrew McDonald) had started at the same time as me and I enjoyed working with him, but the good thing is that Pierre was part of Macca’s team last season.

“Pierre’s been brilliant so far in terms of setting standards and driving culture – one that we hope will be fitting for a Division One club.

“Graeme Welch has come in as well, and he gave me some great advice about coming out here – he came to Dubai with the Lions last winter. It’s a really exciting coaching team to be around, guys with great knowledge of the game and the county game in particular.”

* Don’t miss a ball during the 2017 season! Leicestershire CCC’s Membership packages are now on sale through the club’s website HERE, or alternatively you can call 0116 283 2128.