Hill relishes Lehmann Academy challenge

Leicestershire CCC Academy player Lewis Hill has enjoyed a winter in Australia as he prepares for the 2010 season.

Hill, who was a key member of the Lutterworth side that won the Premier League and County Cup double in 2009 has been training hard and relishing the challenges that a new cricketing environment has thrown at him.

Like Academy teammate Liam Kinch, Hill was based in Adelaide throughout the trip, which included spending time at Darren Lehmann’s Academy in South Australia.

It was certainly a change of culture from playing for Lutterworth or Leicestershire 2nds as he did last year, but he has loved every moment of it.

He said: “It has all gone great. There was great weather as most days it was over 25 degrees, and training has gone well. There was loads of centre wicket practice which meant I was always batting like I would be out in the middle.

“Training in Australia is a lot different to training in England. Whereas in England you are playing most days so there’s less training, in Australia it is more focused on training as you don’t play as much.

“Fitness was tough but good. We ran up sand hills, done hill sprints and it has been based on speed, agility and weights. It was hard work but I enjoyed it.”

Hill, who took part in first team pre-season preparations in 2009, has also been playing grade cricket for Southern District CC.

His performances in grade cricket have certainly been good - including an eye-catching opener.

“I enjoyed playing grade cricket and that also went well,” he said. “I got 97 on debut for my club side and am averaging 30 plus.

“The experience has just been great. I have played against players like (2005 Ashes squad member and Glamorgan’s new t20 signing) Shaun Tait in the grade competition, which was a tough challenge but an enjoyable one.

“I am always looking to improve as a player in anything I do – whether it be games, weights, or training. That was one of the objectives of coming out here and I feel that I have achieved that.”

Hill will be returning to England soon to get ready for Leicestershire’s pre-season.

He played some matches during pre-season in 2009 and showed promise, so Hill will now hope to progress further and kick on.