Brad Taylor: An Insight To Winter Preparations

Words: Brad Taylor

Having suffered with a number of injuries and after a significant ankle operation last winter, I wanted to stay home this off-season and continue to make sure that I am strong and ready for the start of the 2020 season.

I have been doing some work experience at the The Ageas Bowl in various departments, and given journalism is a passion of mine, I have written about myself and some of my teammates as part of a mini-content series being released. The series will discuss the benefits of playing overseas during the English winter or taking a break from playing duties after a long domestic season.

Having been involved in many overseas tours with England U19s and after two winters away on my own I can honestly say that it is a major part of developing as a cricketer and as a person.

When I first travelled to Australia, I had only played a handful of 2nd XI matches by then. I still remember the first game vividly as it was a real eye-opener for me in regards to the intensity and aggression present within grade cricket.

Even though my performances were not outstanding I saw a massive difference when I came back to England, I became incredibly resilient and had certainly grown up - I came back a much better player.

Many would argue that it can be gained in UK club cricket but there is something about being in a new environment on your own where nobody knows your ability, coaches and family can’t be there to hold your hand - that matures you as a player massively.

This winter I opted to have some time off as it was a long season and probably the first time in a few years that this time of year I wouldn’t be in intensive rehab for my ankles. I wanted to broaden my horizon and concentrate on some avenues outside of cricket before getting back into it fully over the next couple of months.

There are some really specific areas within my game that I want to work on this winter, I feel the best way to achieve them is by having access to the coaches back home so I will be staying at the The Ageas Bowl until our pre-season tour and hoping for a successful and exciting 2020.

The best way to see Brad and the Hampshire squad in action all-year long next season is with a 2020 Hampshire Cricket Membership, and there's never been a better time to join or renew with Early Bird and Direct Debit discounts available, but for a limited time.