Generated with Avocode. Generated with Avocode.
10th November 2010

I can not wait for EPP tour says Stokes

The EPP depart for Australia later this week so how does the Durham Academy product feel about the trip ahead?

“I can’t wait. It was a proud moment when I was told I was going. I can’t wait to get over there and start training again.  I broke my foot towards the end of the season, which set me back a few weeks with physical training but as soon as the cast was off I was back in the gym so I’ve been back to full fitness for three or four weeks now which is all in good time now as we leave pretty soon.  

“I’ve been to Australia before on holiday but not for cricket so I’m looking forward to it.  We’re going to Brisbane and Perth and I’m sure both will be as hard as each other.  It’ll be a good, tough, challenging five weeks.  There are a few lads from the Academy and Chris Rushworth over in Perth so it would be nice to catch up with them when we get time off, if we get any.  

“Danny Briggs who went away with for England U19 to New Zealand and Bangladesh is going plus a few others so it’s good to know a few faces so you fit in straight away. And of course, Liam [Plunkett] is going too, I’ve been playing with him all season and I also know quite a few of them as I’ve played against them this season too so, it makes it easier going into a new environment.

“We spent a few days in Loughborough last week, doing some cricket and fitness tests so at least we got some type of cricket in before we leave.  We had one on one sessions with the coaches, bowling and batting,  while we were down there, and I’m going to be working on my bowling as much as my batting so hopefully I’ll come back a better player from it all.  And I’d hope that Durham would benefit from that.  

“I think England are looking for the next generation of players and I think they’re keen to get the youngsters that have played well in domestic cricket this year into the mix quite early.  When we had our discussions with the coaches they said they want someone in the middle order who can bowl and can bat so it’s good to know I’ll be working lots on my bowling in Australia because I know what they’re looking for and what I need to work on so I can be that person”.

After winning the Durham CCC Young Player of the Year, Ben was also awarded the Denis Compton Medal for the most promising young player at Durham and he’s delighted with the recognition.

“It’s nice to get rewards from outside the club so it’s been quite a good season for me.  Next season I just want to keep getting better and improve.  Scoring my first hundred was my personal highlight in 2010, Notts went on to win the Championship so it was a good team to get it against and to score it at Trent Bridge, a Test Ground, was definitely a great moment”.

So, if Ben had to describe his 2010 in one word, what would it be? “Overwhelming”

We’ll be getting updates from Ben during the trip so keep an eye out!

The EPP will be based in Brisbane from November 13, playing a four-day match against a Queensland XI (November 25-28) before relocating to Perth on November 29 to play a one-day game against Retravision Warriors on December 3 followed by a four-day match against a Western Australia XI (December 7-10).

The EPP will remain in Perth for the lead-up to the third Ashes Test before departing for the UK on December 17.