Chappell: "We're raring to go"

* An audio interview with Zak Chappell speaking to BBC Radio Leicester's Richard Rae is available on SoundCloud HERE

All-rounder Zak Chappell is ready for the 2018 campaign after spending the winter working on his game around the world.

The 21-year-old Chappell, who has spent time working with the ECB Pace Programme group, believes the Foxes squad is equipped to be fully competitive in both red and white ball cricket.

“We have a strong squad with a lot of experience in the right areas, and if everyone plays to their capabilities we know we have a real chance of winning trophies,” said Chappell.

“There's been an intensity about the preparation and from what I've seen since coming back, everyone looks in pretty good shape, they've clearly been working very hard. Staying fit throughout the season will obviously be key, particularly for the bowlers, but basically we're raring to go now.”

Chappell himself was one of several Leicestershire bowlers who missed large parts of the 2017 season through injury, but is optimistic work done over recent months will stand him in good stead as the new season gets underway.

“I feel I've made a lot of progress over the winter, both physically and technically,” said Chappell.

“Being part of the ECB pace programme kept me pretty busy, working in Loughborough, Spain and South Africa, and then going to Barbados to play in the 'North v South' series means I've had a really focused few months.

“I've worked hard on a number of points in my bowling action, because the more efficient it is, hopefully the less I'll get injured. It was great to have input from [new Leicestershire Head Bowling Coach] Matt Mason, who also works with the Pace Programme, and really helpful to watch and learn from other guys in the group, and then in the North South games.”

The young paceman bowled an impressive new-ball spell in the first match of the series, then returned to break an opening stand of 134 when he had Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond caught behind. He made a positive impression on North coach Paul Collingwood, the watching England selectors Mick Newell and Angus Fraser, and Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss.

Chappell is one of several seam options available to Head Coach Paul Nixon with international duo Mohammad Abbas and Varun Aaron sharing overseas duties in 2018. It was confirmed earlier this week that Aaron, who has taken 18 wickets in nine Tests for India, will be available for Specsavers County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup games when Abbas is away with Pakistan.

Tom Taylor is another new recruit while Ben Raine, Richard Jones, Gavin Griffiths, Neil Dexter and Tom Wells all offer different attributes and Dieter Klein provides variety with his left arm pace deliveries.

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