Durham’s Academy team have been hard at work taking final preparations ahead of the 2019 season this week after their final pre-season friendly.
Skipper Faizan Hussain, a 20-year-old spinner, says that despite the loss the friendly benefited everyone involved.
“It was a good test. It’s obviously a big difference from being inside so a lot of the lads had to adapt quite quickly.
“But that will come with time. Having the friendlies now is a very good time to have them, we can brush off the cobwebs, crack on and see where we are at.”
‘Fez’, who has been at Durham since he was was 16 has also expressed confidence in his own ability and the dedication of his team mates.
“A lot of the boys feel quite confident ahead of the new season, so I think a lot of them just want to get out there, back outside and get the new season going.
“Everyone’s working hard in the gym, myself included. I’m feeling better than ever.”
Batsman Stanley McAlindon, who recently joined Durham in September of last year has also praised his academy team-mates claiming they are helping him become a better player.
“It’s going very good at the minute, it’s different because I’m coming into a new environment where I’m playing against really good players, so I’ve enjoyed the experience.
“I think playing against better players has helped me become a better.”
Academy veteran Jonny Bushnell, who has been in Durham’s academy since he was 7, is recovering from a broken wrist and can’t wait to get back at the crease.
“Recovery is going well, I started last Thursday and I’m going in twice a week to do rehab.
“I’m just slowly working my way back into it at the minute, me and John [Windows, Academy manager] don’t want to rush anything.
“It’s been a long frustrating winter, I’ve been in a cast for 12 weeks so I’m just looking forward to it.”
The Academy’s first game is against North Yorkshire and South Durham CC at Marton CC on April 28th under a T20 format before going to Queen Ethelburga’s for a friendly on Sunday May 5.