Wright 'Raring To Go' Ahead of One Day Cup Opener

10 months since his last competitive Leicestershire appearance, Chris Wright says he’s ‘raring to go’ ahead of Wednesday’s One Day Cup opener.

The veteran seamer, who is approaching 800 career wickets, will make his return to the Foxes side in tomorrow’s home clash against Notts Outlaws, as Leicestershire begin the defence of their 50-over crown.

The leading wicket-taker in both the County Championship and One Day Cup for the Club last summer, Wright’s return is a timely one. Returning figures of 10-0-47-1 against Buckinghamshire on Monday, Leicestershire’s talisman was delighted to dust off the cobwebs.

“I felt pretty good,” he smiles. “My feet were hurting in my first spell, but I got ten overs in ready for Notts on Wednesday, so it’s gone really well. I’ve had a lot of support from our sports science team on progressing my workload and yesterday was a great test of those efforts.”

It’s a return that has been two months in the making, ever since Wright was given the green light to return training in mid-May. The buzz of being back on the field is one he’s been yearning for.

“You can do all the training in the gym and nets you like, but nothing compares to the extra bit of adrenalin of being out in the middle. It was great to be back amongst the group and competing again, I’ve missed that feeling.”

It follows the completion of a nine-month suspension imposed by the National Anti-Doping Panel after the consumption of a contaminated supplement returned a surprising Adverse Analytical Finding for Ostarine.

A hearing in May, taking account of scientific evidence, saw a panel accept Wright had no intention of breaching Anti-Doping rules. His return to action ends a tormenting time for him and his family, with his career hanging in the balance throughout the process.

“It was very hard to be honest,” Wright admits. “First and foremost, I love playing here and I love the lads. I really enjoy the day in, day out life of being a cricketer and I missed helping the team win matches.

“All of that was threatened, and ultimately in an innocent way. Now, I’ve come out the other side and I want to keep offering value to the Club on and off the pitch.” The 39-year-old is now focussed on rewarding those who backed him throughout the troubling period with game-defining displays on the pitch.

“The lads have been great, and the Club have been incredibly supportive. I’ve seen on social media some of the stuff that was reported and some of the frustration from supporters, but the Club’s position was always with me in mind because there were elements of it which couldn’t be public knowledge at the time.”

An integral component of Leicestershire’s One Day Cup winning unit last summer, taking 18 wickets at 23.33, Wright is intent on replicating that level of success again this year. With a beaming grin, he recalls September’s final at Trent Bridge, where his two wickets and crucial final over catch helped guide the Foxes to a first List A trophy in 38 years.

“It was such a good day. It was probably one of, if not my favourite day of my career. When you get a bit older, you get a bit more philosophical in your reflections. We realised how big a day it was for the Club, and how much it meant to the fans.

“We had a young side, and after the testing points we faced last year, it was amazing to see how we pulled together to achieve something so monumental. Year-on-year, we’re making great progress and trending upwards which is very encouraging.”

With The Hundred swallowing up five Foxes stars, and Wiaan Mulder set to be on international duty, Leicestershire will have a new look in 50-over cricket this time around. Such absentees have been offset by the exciting arrivals of Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Cox, Liam Trevaskis, and Ben Mike, however.

“Last year, we had real role clarity as a bowling unit. We were an exceptionally well-oiled machine, executed our skills and kept things simple. We’re going to have to be a bit cannier but it presents opportunities for someone like Benny or Trev to come in, step up and take wickets in the middle overs.

“We might have to go about our plans slightly differently because the skillsets are different, but it’s the sign of champions if you can adapt to the options you have in your ranks. The depth is certainly there, and we’ve recruited extremely well. We have an exciting squad again.”

One of the most exciting additions in Leicestershire’s history, Ajinkya Rahane is one name Wright immediately draws attention to. The former India captain is set to make his debut in Wednesday’s opener against Nottinghamshire at Uptonsteel County Ground.

“Ajinkya is one of the best batters India have produced in the modern era,” Wright says. “He’s achieved so much all around the world and will bring a wealth of knowledge to our changing room. He’s an amazing signing for us.”

Rahane will add runs to a batting lineup which fired freely last term, as Leicestershire broke a host of batting records, including the Club’s highest List A score, posting 411 at Old Trafford. Such copious runs ease the pressure on Wright and the rest of the attack.

“We know we’re capable of making big scores. Ajinkya will fuel that drive, as will Pete (Handscomb) - he’s Mr Reliable. Having those two alongside Hilly (Lewis Hill) and Coxy (Ben Cox) in our middle order fills me with confidence that we can put match-winning scores on the board. As a bowling unit, we know we can defend those totals, or equally if we bowl well we know those guys will knock them off.”

After winning the opening two games of the group last summer, as part of nine wins from ten en route to the title, Wright is keen for Leicestershire to hit top gear early again.

“You hear lots of talk about momentum in sport not being a thing. I disagree. I think getting into a winning habit is important, particularly early doors. If you get a couple of wins under your belt you relax and the pressure goes slightly, which allows players to express themselves.

“That’s what happened last year and if we can replicate that level of momentum, we can go deep in the competition again. We’re ambitious and there’s genuine belief that we can achieve something special again.”

To watch Chris in action for Leicestershire Foxes in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, click HERE.