Corbett enjoys Grace Road experience

Leicestershire CCC Academy all-rounder George Corbett put aside the pain of 2014 in a memorable opening game of the 2015 season.

The teenager missed the majority of last summer through injury but was named on the same side as Club Captain Mark Cosgrove in his first Leicestershire appearance.

After battling through 15 deliveries to ensure his team were not bowled out, Corbett then took the wickets of Aadil Ali and Tom Wells as part of a good display of left arm seam bowling.

A number of Academy players made appearances in the fixture alongside Corbett, including Alex Kent, Joe Kendall, Joe Clarke  and David Sayer, and they will all have taken plenty from the experience.

Corbett said: “It was a little bit different to what I’m used to, a new environment with people who have done a lot in the game. It’s nice to be around players like Mark Cosgrove to see what they say and how they go about their game.

“There are always chats going on in the dressing room so it’s about picking up as much as you can and learning about the game, your teammates and the opposition. I learnt a lot during the two days.

“It was my first game since June, and I’d only bowled on the square here in the past in net situations, so it was exciting to get out in the middle and play at Grace Road.

“Those sort of games give us a real feel for the environment and when I bowl at the pros again, it will make me feel more comfortable. They are all friendly and approachable and make you feel part of the dressing room.”

The game marked the end of a journey of rehabilitation for Corbett, who has put in a lot of hard work to ensure he was ready to play again. Corbett thanked Leicestershire CCC staff for their help along the way and is full of praise for the Academy set-up at Grace Road, which is now headed up by Senior Coach Lloyd Tennant.

The Leicester-born teenager has captained Leicestershire Young Cricketers at every age level from under 9s to under 17s and is looking forward to the rest of the summer, where he will play club cricket at Syston Town while continuing to look to make an impression at Grace Road.

“I’ve done a lot of work with (Head Physiotherapist) Rob Leather on my rehab so hopefully it all goes well this summer,” he said. “Christina (Carr, Strength and Conditioning intern in 2014) was really helpful last year; she would free up time to allow me to get my rehab work done.

“I trained with the Academy all winter and have also been netting with the pros whenever I can, bowling at them and being part of the environment.

“We’ve had a great winter working with (Senior Coach) Lloyd Tennant, who has been top-class with us. It definitely puts you in good stead for the season. I’ve wanted to get back playing and I’ll be giving it everything I can.

“We don’t have many games with the Academy because of our school and club commitments but it’s good to play games with the lads. We train together all winter but don’t play together in club cricket. We’re all good mates so it’s enjoyable playing some games together.

“As well as the cricket itself, we also do psychology, gym, personal development and welfare and other stuff, and Lloyd (Tennant) tries to make it a progression. That way, if we do step up, then nothing is a big change. It prepares us well for that next step on the ladder.”