Kent batsman Fabian Cowdrey has spoken to KSN about the experience he was able to gain during his winter spent playing in Australia.

Third-generation cricketer Fabian, son of Chris and grandson of Colin, was one of few highlights for Kent in their 2013 campaign, as he made his debut for the club in limited-overs cricket. Cowdrey featured in four YB40 games, where he averaged 55, and five T20 games, where he averaged 38.

And following a successful off-season spent Down Under, where he played for the Sunshine Coast Scorchers, 21-year-old Cowdrey is now keen to come back and put what he has learned into practice.

“It was a pretty successful four months on the whole”, Cowdrey said when KSN caught up with him at the annual Kent Cricket press day. Cowdrey’s time at the Brisbane-based side saw him break the club’s record for the highest score by an overseas player, when he made 188, replacing Kent teammate Sam Northeast at the top of the list.

“There were some tough moments, that’s for sure, and some learning curves – the Australian culture – especially when you’re batting – is a bit different to facing a side out in England, but it was a great experience.

“I learned a lot, not just about myself but about playing in different environments and getting accepted by a new side. It was great.”

Cowdrey is also confident that his experience will serve him well for the rest of his career.

“It’s certainly put me in good stead for the future, if I’m ever going to go out and play in Australia on quicker wickets”, he said.

“I took a while to get back into slow wickets – in my first net outdoors, I was playing every drive in front of me for a bit! The art of batmanship has to come down to adapting to different surfaces, but it was a great experience and I would definitely consider going back.”

The young batter is one of a number at the club who are coming to a stage in their career where they will be looking to make a regular spot in the first team their own.

“There’s still a lot to prove. There are a lot of talented young players and the pre-season fixtures will be crucial for when it comes to the first couple of games”, he said.

“I’m just trying to clear my head and do what I can.”

“The pressure is always going to be there. But that’s the same for every young player who is trying to make their way, I guess.

“For me, it’s just about clearing my head and doing what I love, which is to bat, and to play for my county. That’s mainly what I’m going to be concentrating on this year.”

 

Pictures supplied by www.sarahansellphotography.com.