October 3, 2010 Ready to Play

After a few hiccups to begin the season, some invaluable time at the crease in a recent grade match has got me feeling confident heading into this year’s Australian domestic season. Although rain unfortunately robbed my Sydney grade club Easts Dolphins from victory, I managed to score 95 in what was probably my longest bat in … gee I don’t even know how long. Due to the volume of twenty20 cricket I have played over the past year, being able to actually play myself in and build an innings is something I am not all that used to. Hopefully it is something I can make more common. I must say well done to my Blues teammate Peter Nevill for scoring a hundred in that match and also Brad Haddin in making his comeback from an elbow injury and finishing with 50 not out before the rain came.

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Prior to my innings with Easts things weren’t looking so rosy when I managed to achieve the rare feat of scoring three ducks in a row in a pre-season camp with New South Wales in Maroochydore. Sometimes when you have a bad little trot like that you just have to laugh at yourself a little bit before getting back on the horse to try again. On our training camp we also had the opportunity of trying out the new split innings format that will be played in this year’s national one-day cup. It certainly does change the flow of the game pausing midway through, and it will be very interesting to see how all the players adapt. But whether it be 50 overs or split innings format, all that matters is that we try and make it as appealing to the fans as possible. So hopefully it works out.

Off the field I have been busy promoting the release of the KABOOM range of cricket bats. It feels a little bit weird having a bat range named after me and it is in fact quite humbling, so I must give a big thanks to Gray-Nicols for their support. To help launch the bat I recently went out to the opening of Greg Chapell Sports’ new Roseberry store where I did some bat signings. It looks like a great store and I would like to thank everyone who came along.

As I write this blog it is with much anticipation that I await to see my beloved Sydney Roosters play in the NRL grand final against the Dragons. I am heading out to the game at ANZ Stadium and can’t wait to see the Chookies hopefully take out the flag. Its going to be tough but I think we can do it. Good luck boys!

Up next its just plenty of net sessions and pushing my claims for selection in the first Sheffield-Shield game for New South Wales. The season is just around the corner now. I can’t wait. Bring it on!

Also best of luck to the Aussie boys over in India. Should be a great series and I’ll be tuning in all the way!

Feel free to post any comments or questions on my blog on my Facebook fan and Twitter pages. I always try and get to respond when I can.

Until next time ...

Dave

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