All-rounder Fynn Hudson-Prentice is focused on team goals and what he hopes will be a first full List A campaign as Derbyshire’s bowlers complete their first training sessions since lockdown began.
After breaking into the Derbyshire side midway through the 2019 season, the 24-year-old quickly cemented a place in the first team and went on to play a prominent role in the Falcons’ run to Vitality Blast Finals Day.
Prevented from hitting the ground running again in April, he’s now grateful for the opportunity to return to training with the prospect of competitive cricket taking place later this summer.
“It was very hectic at the start (of lockdown) and I was trying to get some experience in media alongside fitness work,” said Hudson-Prentice.
“It’s hard to keep that going without an end date, but when I found out there was potential for the season to start and then when we found out we were returning to training, it’s all been much easier recently.
“I never really liked going back to school! But I’ve not had that feeling of going to bed looking forward to training in a while and that’s been a real positive.
“It’s a case of blowing off the cobwebs a bit and trying to build up. I was with Kirbs [Steve Kirby] this morning and it’s a beautiful ground and facility at Repton.
“I started with a simple four or five over spell working on some technical specifics. He’s very energetic and gives a lot. He’s going to be wanting to spend as much time as possible with the bowlers.
“It was great to walk in and see all the coaches and there’s Kirbs ready to go. An hour went by so quickly and I’m looking forward to this training programme over the next four or so weeks.”
Although the domestic schedule is yet to be confirmed, it is likely that Hudson-Prentice will have the opportunity to challenge for a place in the 50-over side, something he is looking forward to having played little List A cricket to date.
“My first goal has got to be to cement down a first-team spot for this season and progress towards next year,” he said.
“But those goals will become more team orientated once we have a confirmation of what we’re playing.
“At that point I’m sure we’ll have a sit down with each coach and discuss what roles we can play throughout the season.
“I’ve only played three one-day games and Matt Wade hit a century off 40 balls in one of them, so I couldn’t learn a lot about my game in that one!
“We’ve got quite a lot of all-rounders, so it’ll be interesting to find out more about my game. I’ve never had 50-over cricket in a block, so I’m looking forward to that.”
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