Dearden feels at home with Foxes

Harry Dearden may be some distance away from his native Bury but feels right at home with Leicestershire CCC.

The 20-year-old is playing alongside some former teammates at his former club Lancashire including Callum Parkinson, a left arm spinner who grew up just down the road in Bolton.

Ormskirk-born Gavin Griffiths and Paul Horton, who grew up in Liverpool, are another two members of the Foxes staff that Dearden knew before making the move to the Fischer County Ground.

It is fair to say that those familiar faces have helped him to settle in quickly.

"Parky (Callum Parkinson) and I played all the way from the age at 10 with Lancashire age groups and not only are we both now here, and I'm also living with him too,” said Dearden. “We get on well and it’s great to be playing alongside him again.

"Our career paths have been interesting because after playing for Lancashire together, Parky made his first-class debut here for Derbyshire and I made my first-class debut at Derbyshire - a game he also played in.

“I remember Parky said congratulations to me on the first morning but also said to me that he wanted to get me out and would try his hardest to do it. He gave me loads of stick on the field, and that shows his competitive personality!

"Parky got bragging rights in getting me out and I have to admit that I was gutted to get out to him. I don’t bowl much so I knew I wouldn’t get my chance to get revenge. But in all seriousness he's a skilful bowler, and to make a transition from a seamer to a quality spinner in the last four years is testament to how good a bowler he is.

“I've known Gav (Griffiths) since around the age of 16 in Lancashire Second XI and he is someone I’ve enjoyed spending time with. Horts (Paul Horton) is someone I always looked up to as an Academy player at Lancashire, with him being an opening batsman.

“Being around the first team training with the Academy, it was always good to see Horts and I had some interaction with him even before I came here. Working with him will generate more ideas for myself, given he is such a good opening batsman.”

Dearden now knows that he is competition with some of his former friends, as well as the rest of the squad, but has a strong team ethic.

"It's funny how things work; I want to do as well as I can for myself but it's a team game and it's vital that you look after your teammates too,” he said. “If I get the chance I want to score runs, take my opportunity and help to win games for the team.

"There's a lot of experience but also plenty of youth, and I think although the younger guys can bring the energy, the experienced players will also do that. Shrecky has been steaming in and joining in with everything in terms of fielding and has set a really good example.

“And the senior players will naturally bring experience as they have played a lot of cricket but some of our younger players also have good experience too. It’s a good mix.

“I think we have a really strong squad, everyone is looking forward to it and we just need to click quickly. I look up to Horts, as an example, and Cozzie (Mark Cosgrove) too being left-handed. The seamers will looks up to Clint (McKay) and Shrecky (Charlie Shreck), and there is a mutual respect there.”

Dearden is certainly in a positive frame of mind and having worked tirelessly to secure a professional contract, is determined to have a successful time at Leicestershire.

"Hopefully I'm embarking on something that I want to do for quite a while, being a professional cricketer,” said Dearden.

“I want to put any nerves to one side and am going to think positively. I'm trying to take everything in my stride and do everything I can to make an impression and take my chance. I'm going to be ready for whenever I get the call.

"Everyone is in good shape, everyone is fit and healthy and is feeling positive about the season. Our new Head Coach Pierre (de Bruyn) and his coaching staff will bring new ideas and everyone is raring to go.

“It's exciting as my first full season on the staff. We all have the talent but we now need to bring it together as a team and win some silverware.”

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