Dexter: "We can get things moving here"

Leicestershire batsman Neil Dexter can see lots of similarities between his new and former county as he embarks on a new challenge.

The 31-year-old batsman, who spent seven years at Middlesex after previously playing for Kent, was captain of the side when they clinched promotion to Division One after a couple of tough seasons.

The trophy was secured on the final day of the 2011 season following a win at Grace Road and although Dexter missed the game through injury, he was an instrumental part of the title success.

Dexter helped the transformation of a side that had finished second from bottom in 2009 and 2010 and Middlesex has since gone on to spend four successive seasons in Division One.

He said: “When I joined Middlesex they were towards the bottom of the second division and got up to the first division, which was personally very rewarding to be a part of. Then when promotion was achieved, the club was always tipped to go straight back down but the team played consistent cricket.

“The main thing in building a successful club is the type of people and players that you have around, and Middlesex had to make sure they got the right people in to start with.

“I'm not saying that I was definitely the right person but my mind was set in the right way along with Angus Fraser, who is a great man and had his heart set on making sure Middlesex did well.

“We made sure we got the right people in and after having a chat with (Chief Executive) Wasim Khan and (Head Coach) Andrew McDonald, I could tell that they are looking to do the same. Once the club is successful, it can be so for a number of years because the club is building from the bottom up.

“It seems exciting where this club is looking to go under Wasim and Andrew, and you can see in the last few weeks of the season that the club has made a big change already.

"It is a cricket-based decision and I was looking for a club that is moving in the right direction, so Leicestershire is a good fit.”

Dexter feels it is the right time for a move for both himself and his family and can’t wait to get stuck into life at Grace Road. A cricketer who offers a lot as a batsman, bowler and fielder, Dexter is looking to making his mark in all forms of cricket at Leicestershire.

He said: "It's an exciting time, I struggled a little bit with the living side in London with a young family and that was a big part of the decision. There are some nice villages around here which are ideal for family life and I am really looking forward to being at Leicestershire.

"The season has been a generally frustrating one. I came into the team because of injuries as Middlesex were looking to play some younger guys, which was totally understandable.

“I didn't set the world on fire with the bat but my bowling kept me in the side and then when I played for the Second XI, I found my touch again. I was looking to get my chance and enjoy it, and I found some form at a good time to show Leicestershire what they were signing.

“Batting in this country is not always easy, as we saw with Australia’s batsmen during the Ashes series. You have to find a way to be consistent and score runs, and certain techniques can create problems. If your technique is suited to the English game it helps and I have spoken a lot to Nick Compton, who has scored runs consistently, to find out what works for him.

“Four-day cricket is my favourite form of the game as it tests you as a player and a person but I'll be fighting for my place in all formats. I must admit I see myself as a batsman who can bowl but I have figured out a way to bowl over the last few years through experience.

“When you’re younger you try to bowl as fast as you can but when you get older, the experience helps. I do enjoy my bowling and I am fortunate to have that because if my batting doesn't come off, it gives me another chance to have an effect on the game.”

Dexter said that he will miss playing at the Home of Cricket but feels that every county ground has a unique charm. With plans to develop the surroundings at Grace Road as well as have success on the ground, Dexter is excited at what the future holds.

He said: "I love Lord's but I also enjoyed playing at Canterbury and Grace Road is a pretty ground too. It is a huge ground but has a lot of character and I'll be playing with a good bunch of guys, which always helps.

“Wasim outlined the plans for the ground as well as the playing side and the club is definitely moving in the right direction. We have good people working behind the scenes and are developing a good playing squad.

"The first steps have been taken at Leicestershire and having the right mix of youngsters with experienced players gives us something to build on. It's a work in progress but hopefully with myself and a few others, we can get things moving here.”