Ben Green - working on his fitness ready to start bowling again

By RICHARD WALSH

YOUNG all-rounder Ben Green is enjoying his winter in Western Australia, where he is playing Grade cricket for Gosnells and has a century under his belt.

Green, who is 20 and grew up playing through the Devon age groups, went through the Somerset Academy after which he signed a three-year contract.

A winter in Australia is seen as a way of sharpening skills – just ask Somerset’s Dom Bess what a difference it can make – and Green has enjoyed working with promising group of young players.

“I have been working hard on my game with my main focuses being batting long periods, improving my defence and patience to be able to make big scores,” said Green, who plays Devon League cricket for Exeter.

“On that front I have been doing relatively well averaging 42 into the New Year with two 50s and one 100.

“I’ve been giving myself good opportunities and getting to 30 a lot but haven’t been able to convert as often as I would have liked, but I hope there will be more runs to come the second half of the season.”

Green has slipped into a daily routine of fitness, relaxation then either practicing or coaching at the club.

“My day normally starts with fitness work throughout the week at around 9.00 am,” said Green.

“The late morning and early afternoon is normally my own to go to the beach, see a bit more of Perth or relax.

“On Tuesday and Thursdays we have training from around four until seven and the other days of the week I help out around the club with coaching juniors.”  

Green has been able to get out and about a little further afield, something he has enjoyed.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have a few days off from training here and there, enabling me to travel around Western Australia a little bit,” he said.

“This has included three days in Kalgoorlie, an old mining town six hours inland from Perth.

“Another highlight was obviously making my debut hundred.

“I also loved watching my first Ashes Test live at the WACA and watching Craig Overton play in his first Ashes series.”

Green is a long way from his home near Exeter in Devon, but homesickness hasn’t been a big problem.

 “I’ve been lucky enough to be placed with the kindest and most welcoming family, who have really made me feel at home,” he said.

“The club has also been amazing in getting me involved at every opportunity.

Obviously there are times where I miss my parents and sister alongside my friends. Everyone has those home comforts that they miss.

 “Christmas in the 30 degree heat away from my family was obviously a massive change.

“Pool volleyball is not an activity I associate with Christmas however it’s a staple over here.”

Green has always been a genuine all-rounder, not just a batter who bowled a bit, but a back injury curtained his bowling activities last season.

Getting fit to bowl again is all part of Green’s programme while he is out in Pert.

 “ My rehab plan has been going well and I’ve been communicating with Jamie Thorpe (physio) and Joel Tratt (strength and conditioning coach) regularly to continue updating and changing my programme to ensure I’m consistently moving towards full fitness,” he said.

“I have had a CT scan while out here that I have sent back to the club, which is an update scan and should show us when I can start my back to bowling programme.”

Looking ahead Green said: “Of course I am looking forward to getting back to England and getting stuck into the season back home.

“However I’m getting used to the hard bouncy wickets of Perth so the adjustment back to green seamers will be fun.

“I am feeling more and more confident in my game and hoping that 2018 will be a big season for me..”