Mikey Cohen is hungry to start contributing for Derbyshire again in 2022, after the promising fast bowler stepped up his recovery from a back stress fracture.
Cohen, 23, was one of three young fast bowlers to pick up their maiden five-wicket hauls for the Club in 2021, with the South African quick claiming 5-43 against eventual LV= County Championship winners Warwickshire at The Incora County Ground in June.
However, Cohen’s season was cut short by a stress fracture, which he picked up on the sole day of the scheduled four played against Essex in July, which was abandoned due to a Covid-19 outbreak.
After working through the recovery process with the Club Medical Team and Strength and Conditioning coaches, Cohen is now participating in the fitness training programme with his fellow first team players, as the squad prepare for next season.
The young paceman is excited to get back to bowling in the new year, and he is determined to play a greater role in picking up results for the Club.
“The diagnosis of a stress fracture was a truly gut-wrenching end to my season – especially as it came at a time where I felt to be making great strides in my development as a player,” He said.
“In spite of this, the recovery process has been smooth up to this point and I am grateful to the Science and Medical staff for their support and guidance throughout.
“I cannot wait to get the ball back in my hands to start bowling again, running in, bowling fast, swinging the ball, giving my all on every occasion and contributing to winning games for Derbyshire as well as continuing to develop as a player.
“There’s a huge amount of optimism within the squad at the moment – everyone is looking forward to a successful 2022 and have been hard at work with that vision in mind.”
Reflecting on that five-wicket haul against Warwickshire, Cohen’s third in first-class cricket but his first since moving to England, it’s the opportunity to celebrate with the squad and supporters that makes the memory even.
It was a huge personal achievement,” he added.
“Being able to share that moment with my teammates and members at the Incora County Group made my maiden five-wicket haul for Derbyshire even more special.
“To see the hard work done with Ajmal Shahzad throughout the pre-season to swing the ball back making a difference made it even more satisfying.”
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