Chappell enjoying time at LCCC

It appeared that Leicestershire CCC paceman Zak Chappell had Hollywood scriptwriters for his first-class debut at Derbyshire at the end of last season.

The teenager is highly thought of at the Fischer County Ground, Grace Road for his abilities with the ball but was soon playing the leading role with the willow at the 3aa County Ground.

Chappell came in at number ten in a tricky situation and after a slightly nervy start, was soon stealing the show on the county cricket stage.

Shots were reeled off to all parts of the ground as Chappell scored 96 and the reward for a highly encouraging start to his career is a contract extension at the club.

The 19-year-old was happy to commit his future to Leicestershire CCC after learning a lot from his first season on the county circuit.

“I’m very pleased to extend my contract at the club, it came as a nice surprise and I was only too happy to sign it," he said.

"The lads all welcomed me and I was happy to take part in some first team games last season. I had an injury early on but I came through that and was pleased with how the end of the season went.

"Now it's about looking ahead. Our Elite Performance Director Andrew McDonald has been excellent as usual, the new coaches have been really good and everybody is happy. We have a very good squad and its now up to us players to go out there and perform for Leicestershire.

“Everything is looking positive including all the development work going on around the ground. The floodlights look really good, bringing the ground a little more up to date, and there is more work to come. It’s a really good place to be and the future is bright here.”

Chappell said there was some friendly banter as he made his way out to the middle at Derbyshire but that added to the occasion.

He said: “I was very nervous when I went out to bat, it sounds daft but I was nervous about things like falling down the steps in front of the supporters! Once I had faced a couple of balls it felt like any other game to me. The bowling was obviously better but I really enjoyed the little situations I found myself in last season.

“It sounds clichéd but I took it ball by ball. I didn’t think it was that big a deal but when I came off all of the lads congratulated me and said it was a pretty amazing achievement. I didn’t see it like that, I just saw it as good fun while I was out there and it was great to get praise from the lads when I came off.

“It was like when I’d joined a new club in the past, you almost feel like the opposition are judging your every move and are gauging your reactions. If you get a good positive start it helps and I did that.

“I got a bit of stick from a couple of people and that carried on throughout the innings, but to be honest I’d have probably given myself stick in that situation because I’m not really a batsman! I don’t blame them for it, it’s to be expected and is all good fun and part of the game. It actually added to my enjoyment and I give as much stick as I take, so it’s all good."

Chappell's contribution came as part of a thrilling game and all four results were possible going into the final stages of the match. A young seam bowling attack of Chappell, Ben Raine, Ollie Freckingham and Rob Taylor stood up to the challenge and ensured the team secured a battling draw.

“A lot of the players who played told me that that’s as exciting as a four-day game has ever been for them, so it was special to play in such a good game," said Chappell. "I really enjoyed the whole game and nobody knew how they were going to play it until the last couple of balls, so it really did go to the wire.

“The bowlers did really well last year, to have three people with 50 wickets was excellent and Ben Raine did especially well with both bat and ball. Rob Sayer and Aadil Ali also did very well, so the young players gave the coaches lots to think about, which was good.

“Bowlers such as Clint McKay and Charlie Shreck helped us an awful lot in our preparation, such as where to bowl to certain people on certain pitches. They have an awful lot of knowledge and they bring something new out of you which is a really big help."

Chappell is pleased to be on his first pre-season tour in Dubai to continue preparations that started back in much colder climates in November. The all-rounder has been in good form on the trip, including a score of 49* and taking three wickets in a recent T20 game against MCC Universities.

He said: “The boys hadn’t been on tour for a few years and it’s my first pre-season tour with the club so it’s been something I had been looking forward to. It has been good fun but the emphasis has been on performing and winning games of cricket.

“When you bowl indoors you tend to bowl a little bit shorter if people are driving you, so it’s a little bit artificial. It’s about thinking of outdoor pitches, working out plans and adapting accordingly. The new season will soon be here, and the boys are fit and strong and ready to go.

"We are a very good all-round unit, we know our roles in the team and Andrew McDonald has done a great job preparing us. We played some good cricket at times last year and we're looking to go on to win a lot more games this year."

* The best way to watch Leicestershire CCC throughout the 2016 season is through our Membership packages. Prices start from just £10 for under 16s in our Charlie Fox Club, £60 for students and under 22s, £115 for seniors and £140 for adults. For more information, please follow the link HERE or call 0116 245 2401.