Gareth- A very warm welcome to Middlesex CCC from all at MTWD. Thank you for taking the time for this interview to enable us to get to know our new recruit better.

Q) When you were growing up in South Africa Did you follow test, & county cricket in England?  Had you even heard of Middlesex CCC?

A) I wouldn’t say that I followed too much county cricket although Middlesex CCC was a county that I was very familiar with , meaning that Lords was the home ground for MCCC. Test cricket , yes , I have always liked watching the test team play , even when at times they lacked that punch in their game , not saying South Africa aren’t the same , but yes , I liked the likes of Thorpe and Stewart , even the effort that Gus used to give time in and time out.

Q) Did you have any aspirations for playing cricket here or South Africa?

A) I have since 2002 decided that my next option in my cricketing career would be to play some county cricket , thus coming over as an overseas player since 2003 to get one foot in the door. Cricket in South Africa was becoming somewhat of a struggle for some people to be recognised.

Q) On arriving in England did you have to approach local league sides or were you approached?

A) I was first approached in 2001 by a certain MR BROWN from Southgate CC , thereafter I was approached by every club I have played for since , but note , I only play for clubs I think have all their chickens in a line …….. organised and well run!

Q) How did you find the standard in Middlesex league cricket?

A) I only played one season in Middlesex league , was second div.

Q) How did you end up playing for our 2^nd s last year?

A) With Middlesex CCC playing a couple of second team fixtures at Radlett CC I was in contact with John , even a few of the HIGHER people in my club were talking me up , and that’s how I was given a lifeline by the county to try a game or two.

Q) Any players from our 2nds you saw as having great promise?

A) When I played my games for the 2s I only came across a few younger players , I suppose one players attitude that stood out was Adam London.

Q) Were you surprised to have been offered a contract by Middlesex CCC?

A) Yes and NO , Yes , because of my age and not having played first class cricket , and no , because I know I am a good cricket player , every year turning out good performances. Just hoping for a breakthrough.

Q) What are your expectations this season?

A) Play as much first team cricket and helping the club get some silverware. Being consistent.

Q) Do you expect to be considered for 1st team straight away or a case of biding your time?

A) That’s one thing I have been racking my brain around the past few months , I really don’t know , most probably the latter.

Q) Have you made any friends within our team?

A) All the guys are great , and are all welcoming .

Q) I see from your Radlett form you have made many notable achievements with bat and ball.

Do you consider yourself more of a bowler/ batsman?

A) In club cricket I am an attacking bowler who bats middle order .

Q) What is your preferred batting position?

A) 5,6,7

Q) How would you describe your bowling?

A) Relatively quick , I am a rhythm bowler.

Q) So would you call yourself an all rounder?

A) yes

Q)Who is the most famous player you have played with and against?

A) I scored a double hundred partnership with Herschelle Gibbs , against must be Andy Caddick.

Q) Do you read MTWD?

A) yes

Q)What do you enjoy most about it?

A) all the latest info

Q) Anything you don’t like?

A) no

Q)Finally have you a message for our dedicated Middlesex fans who read MTWD?

A) keep up all the great conversations and family-like hospitality .  Hope all of you look forward to the upcoming season , its going to be a good one, see you on the boundary ropes………

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS

• Think you know your sport? Click here to try the Sportnetwork Prize Quizzes