Ben Cotton believes the experiences of 2015 will help his game and the squad as they look forward to next summer.
The Cricket Derbyshire Academy in partnership with the University of Derby graduate was a fixture for the first-team during the two limited overs competitions this season, while he also forced his way into the red-ball side and featured in eight LV= County Championship matches.
Cotton admitted the team were frustrated to not progress in at least one of the white-ball competitions but feels the experienced gained from that can only help them in the future.
“I believe I and the team have learnt a lot this season,” Cotton said. “I think personally I have done well in white-ball cricket, especially in the four NatWest T20 Blast matches I played until I got injured.
“In in the 50-over matches I thought I bowled really well in partnership with Mark [Footitt] and Shiv [Thakor].
“I am a little disappointed with my red-ball form, though. I didn’t quite bowl as well as I feel I can do but hopefully with a good winter of training I will improve that.
“Once you get more comfortable being in and around the first-team, you feel you can express yourself a little bit more. I have definitely gained a lot of confidence from that this summer.”
The squad now have some time off before they report back for the start of pre-season at the beginning of November at The 3aaa County Ground.
Cotton added: “This winter we will all be working on our skills and I will be learning the game even more. It’s all about trying to gain new skills and always improve.
“The outcome this season, in terms of not qualifying in the one-day competitions, was obviously disappointing. Although, we were very close to qualifying in the 50-over competition and if certain thing had have just gone our way, it would have been a good season.
“The young players here are always learning so we haven’t quite got that consistency yet. Another year under everyone’s belt can only help and we will certainly be looking for one-day success next year.
“Players like Hamish Rutherford and Neil Broom have played in situations that the young lads haven’t and they will be able to help us through the tough times. Hopefully we will all learn of them as much as possible.
“We have a few weeks away from cricket and training now. I am looking forward to beginning again in early November and hitting the ground running come April.
“The first month of pre-season will be mainly fitness but then we will start to work on our skills again in December and through to January when it’s time to really work hard.”
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