All-rounder Matt Critchley is targeting a big 2018 and is hoping to use his experience with England Lions as a springboard towards a strong season with Derbyshire.
The powerful hitter and leg-spin bowler is currently in Antigua as part of the England Lions squad set to face West Indies A in a three-match one-day series, from 6 to 11 March.
Young, ambitious and willing to learn, the 21-year-old wants to carry momentum picked up over the winter into the English summer and contribute to winning performances for Derbyshire with bat and ball.
Speaking to BBC Radio Derby, he said: “We’ve got talented lads in the squad and thankfully I’ve been rewarded. I can’t wait to get out there and get going.
“I’m proud of everything Derbyshire have done for me and I want to kick on with the Club next season, but firstly with the England Lions.
“I probably didn’t bowl as much as I wanted last year, but it’s an exciting time with the signings of Olivier, Rampaul, Hardus [Viljoen], then we’ve also got Tony [Palladino] and Will [Davis]. With that attack you can blow any side away and you take the 20 wickets you need to win.
“I still want to be a genuine all-rounder. Batting is ahead of my bowling at the moment, but that doesn’t mean I’m not working to try and get them both level. If I can contribute with both, then I can get in the team as both.
“It gives you more opportunities and means you’re always in the game and for me I like that.”
The first Derbyshire player to be selected for England Lions, and the first to be called up to an England squad since Mark Footitt in 2015, Critchley is targeting further development and hopes to put in performances to remain on the radar at international level.
He added: “I’ve got to do well for Derbyshire, but you see lads impressing in the Lions so that would give me confidence going into the summer.
“But it’s good to be around the system, get to know people and understand how it works. It’s recognition for being on the ECB Scholarship programme and it shows you’re on their radar, and I see it as a step in the right direction.”
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