An interview with 4th XI Captain – Danny Rowan
Q: Danny, can you tell us a bit about the role the 4th XI plays within the wider club structure?
DR: The 4th XI has been brought in to help our junior players take their first steps into senior cricket and the 40 over game. We have in the past brought through some great youngsters and hopefully with the 4th XI now in the development league this will continue. We hope this will encourage our juniors to push on and then go forward into the 3rds, 2nds and ultimately the 1sts.
Q: What’s the overall approach or philosophy for your team this year?
DR: My aim this year is to bring those players on the verge of playing senior cricket up to a level that they could not only continue within the 4th XI, but with the guidance of myself and the other seniors; they would be able to push for more competitive games in the 3rds the following season.
Q: What are some of the biggest adjustments young players face when stepping up to adult cricket?
DR: There are a number of challenges when stepping up to the senior game, the first is the length of the game itself. The juniors have only ever played 20 overs in the past so they will need to adjust not only to the length of time, but also their concentration levels to match this. The second would be the pace of the game, senior players are naturally bigger so things will be quicker than what the youngsters have faced before; this can be quite intimidating for some of the players.
Q: What role do the senior players in the side play in guiding and supporting the juniors?
DR: I’m glad this question followed the last. It’s the senior players role to make sure that the juniors are getting good advice while either in the field or at the crease. We will look to support each junior player and make sure that they are not only developing but that they are enjoying the game as well. We are there to pass on our experience and knowledge of the game. I myself will also liaise with junior coaches asking what we can do to assist them with helping the player’s developments.
Q: What would a successful season look like for you as 4th XI captain?
DR: A successful season for the 4th XI would be to have a number of young players ready to step up into more competitive senior cricket. Hopefully, a few could be knocking on the door of the 3rds in a season’s time. We would also like to see the juniors enjoying senior cricket as well as developing their skills on the field.
Q: Are there any particular skills or values you’re hoping to instil in the team this year?
DR: This season I would like the juniors to know that it is just not playing cricket but the other things that are required so we can play. I’d like the juniors to learn that there are jobs to be done before and after the game and that if we all muck in together then we can enjoy the game that follows. Hopefully, this can follow them throughout their development.
Q: What are some of the challenges that come with captaining a team focused on development?
DR: I don’t see many challenges but it’s more of a privilege to be able to captain a young side who want to continue their journeys in the game. We have a good number of coaches this season so hopefully, with their help and the senior players on the field we can support the juniors throughout the season.
Q: How important is it that the 4th XI feels connected to the rest of the club?
DR: Good question, any team within Stretford CC should be connected to all other teams and the club. If apart from the other seniors teams, then we have no communication and are unable to advise of the talented youngsters that could possibly take further steps and play more competitive cricket. I see it that we should all be working together, captains, players and coaches, developing together to make a stronger Stretford CC rather than just each team individually.
Q: What would you say to parents and guardians about the value of this team for their children’s development?
DR: Firstly, I would like to reassure all parents that we would approach them before any decision is made on calling up their children to the 4th XI; and will only pick their child with their permission. I will explain that the coaches have seen skills and talents that are needed for the junior to step up and that we believe that they are more than capable to play at that level and how this can only support the juniors development.
Q: Finally, any message to the juniors players looking forward to their first tastes of senior cricket, what to expect from the season ahead?
DR: Very simple, enjoy the game. Listen to the seniors on the field and take our advice. If there is anything you are not enjoying then just speak to us and we’ll be happy to make changes, this is for your development and we as seniors want to help and support you with it.
stretfordcricketclub.co.uk 