Players well into winter programme

Leicestershire County Cricket Club are now well into their stride on the winter training programme at the Fischer County Ground.

The players are into the third week of phase one, a period which concentrates on building strong foundations, both physically and for batting and bowling. There is also a focus on the technical side of the game.

Head Coach Pierre de Bruyn has been putting the batsmen through their paces, including a session involving a tennis racket and ball, with batsmen having to be quick on their feet.

Assistant Coach Graeme Welch has been working closely with the bowlers, with one particular drill testing their footwork on the approach and alignment through the crease.

The sessions have been very specific and focused and Foxes players have had the opportunity to discuss their games with each other and the coaches.

Lewis Hill has linked back up with his teammates after a spell of cricket in the USA, so he is training alongside Richard Jones, Gavin Griffiths, Ben Raine, Zak Chappell, Will Fazakerley, Charlie Shreck, Tom Wells and Neil Dexter.

de Bruyn is also enjoying a unique coaching experience this week. A big fan of rugby union, de Bruyn is shadowing Leicester Tigers coach Aaron Mauger to learn about methods in another sport.

The first phase finishes this Friday and phase two begins on Monday, December 5.

Foxes around the world

* All-rounders Cameron Delport and Colin Ackermann have been in terrific form in the CSA T20 Challenge.         

Delport had one stunning game recently where he recorded a career-best with the ball and went close to bettering his batting record too.

The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 93 off just 62 deliveries as an opener, including half-a-dozen maximums and five fours, before claiming 4-17 from 3.3 overs as Dolphins beat Lions by 49 runs. That has been the Dolphins only win in their four games to date.

Ackermann struck a calm unbeaten 41 to guide his side to victory in their opening game against Delport’s Dolphins. He then took 2-21 from three overs before scoring 60 off 41 balls but Warriors lost by 12 runs in their next game against Cape Cobras. Warriors went on to win their third game against Knights.

Sharjeel Khan is part of Pakistan’s test match squad that is currently touring New Zealand and Clint McKay is preparing for the KFC Big Bash with Sydney Thunder.

* Angus Robson is playing club cricket for Melville CC in Perth where he is combining playing games, training and coaching. Paul Horton is playing for Blacktown Warriors in the Sydney grade competition and Ned Eckersley is also in Sydney.

Harry Dearden, Callum Parkinson, Aadil Ali and Mark Pettini are in Melbourne, James Sykes and Mark Cosgrove are in Adelaide.

Off-spinner Rob Sayer is in Wellington, New Zealand as part of the ECB’s Overseas Programme while Dieter Klein is playing in his native South Africa.

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