Jigar's Australian Diary

Date: Friday 30 January 2009

County off-spinner Jigar Naik has been spending the off-season in Australia. Here is his tour diary of a thoroughly enjoyable trip:

“The season ending meant it was another opportunity for me to experience cricket abroad. After having spoken to Tim Boon about various options, we decided that going to the Darren Lehmann Academy in Adelaide, South Australia would be beneficial considering the expanded knowledge of the coaches available. It also gave me the chance to see what Australian Cricket was all about.

“Upon arrival I was taken to our ‘base’, The Adelaide Oval, where some of the finest cricketers have been produced, not to mention ‘The Don’ himself, Sir Donald Bradman. The facilities available were second to none, and being an international stadium that it is, everything I needed was at my feet.

“I was quickly put into the pace of things when I was given a heavily packed timetable of my weekly schedule. My typical week consisted of four fitness sessions, three gym sessions, two recovery sessions, three one to one sessions on skills including batting and bowling, two fielding sessions of which one was usually fitness orientated and at least two core strength and stability sessions.

“Each one-to-one session that was held was usually attended by three coaches, of which former Australian all-rounder Peter Sleep, worked very closely with me. Occasionally during the sessions, Darren Lehmann and Greg Blewett would also come in and offer various batting drills and tips on how each of them would play.

“I was told to represent the Adelaide University Blacks in grade cricket at the weekends, who also trained on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. This detailed how busy and enjoyable the coming weeks were going to be.

"My time playing for the University was not only enjoyable but very beneficial for me. Australian cricket at some clubs was played the hard way, and the university stuck to its principles in every individual having to prove themselves before playing 1st team cricket.

“After having played a few games for the 2nds and 3rds, I found myself at the top of the averages, averaging 99 with the bat (with a few not outs of course!), and taking 18 wickets at 10.18, and I was soon given the opportunity to play grade ‘A’ cricket.

“Having to prove myself to, who were then, complete strangers helped me focus harder and grow as a cricketer, which is something I will take into my game in the future. Playing for the university allowed me to make some great friendships, from team mates to team sponsors, and the coach who was particularly keen on how I was developing throughout my two month stay.

“The Academy was very beneficial for me as it improved my all round game, and gave me the chance to experience cricket in Australia. After my two month stay, I have been the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been, and so much more confident in my overall game.

“Having world-renowned faces there to help as and when it was required was a key component to the success I achieved in Australia. And yes, the weather wasn’t that bad too!!”

Jigar will now prepared for the new County season back in England.