American Journey into Cricket

Monday, November 14th 2005
I continued watching the Ashes DVD when I woke up at my usual 4:00am. It was the last DVD and it is the final tests match of the series. Obviously, I know England ends up winning but it is still great stuff. Shane Warne of Australia is the real deal. He comes off as cocky and maybe a little arrogant but he backs it up with his play. Not only is this guy a tremendous bowler but he is also one hell of a batsmen. Before I saw this DVD, I was impressed with Matthew Hoggard from his lessons on the BBC Sport website. I am still very impressed by this guy. As far as batsman go, I have to go with Kevin Pieterson from England. This guy can crush the ball. If I had to pick a cricketer who I think my style is similar to it is him. Most of the other batsman had the same mechanical technique in their swing but Pieterson had a touch of a baseball swing and it was a powerful stroke. He reminded me of Jose Canseco in his prime. When I saw him bat, his style immediately reminded me of how I have approached my batting in the fact that I have a lot of muscle and power and am very quick with the bat. This DVD was beneficial because I was able to see the fastest style of bowling (90 plus MPH most times) and I was constantly saying to my self “I would stand in against it and not be intimidated.” As I have said earlier, I have been hit many times as a tight end in football, hit many times with the lacrosse ball and many times with a baseball and lived to see another day. With Cricket, I will be wearing a helmet and pads. Now that I seen the best, top level bowlers, I can confidently say that when I play in the Massachusetts State Cricket League (MSCL) in the Spring, I will have no problem batting against the bowlers who I will play against. I will study this DVD over and over again until the season starts. I will continue practicing, training, and eating right as always. My motivation and confidence are at an all time high now. If I had one wish, it would be to have someone to bowl to me all the time either in the gym or outside thru ought the long winter months. Hopefully I can find someone but until then, I am still on my own.