With so much action taking place on the pitch it’s easy to forget about everything happening behind the scenes and within the corridors of Trent Bridge.
Assistant Physio Gary Keedy is a perfect example of the link between players and performance which drives the cricketing cogs of Nottinghamshire Cricket Club. In playing for the Second Eleven and working with head physiotherapist Jon Alty he has a wide overview of everything taking place.
“All the staff here are and the lads have got a great attitude towards their routine so I’m really pleased to be on board.”
This season, ‘Keeds’ is pleased to announce, is just starting to pick up pace.
“The Seconds got off to a slow start but now in the middle of June we’re starting to win games by dominating throughout and there ‘s been a few five wicket hauls and a few hundreds so it’s coming together,” he said.
Life for Nottinghamshire’s second string is every bit as demanding as the first team. Fighting for selection and constantly seeking to improve is what keeps the quality of the game here so high.
“We’re testing them in all kinds of different situations and they’re responding well,” he said.
“It’s our job to get them ready for a place in the first team when it comes and make sure we support the first team by having players ready for selection if called on.”
Fortunately, Keedy’s role as a physio is currently concerned with the ‘day to day stuff’ because, with the exception of Jake Ball, Trent Bridge is in good health at the moment.
“A couple of the lads have a few niggles and knocks but it’s good that there’s nothing too serious at this stage in the season,” he said.
Under the tutorage of Alty, Keedy has been able to support the medical team with on-the-job learning and is pleased that he’s working in an environment where the attitude to fitness is not only promoted but respected.
“Every day is a new experience for me and Jon is a brilliant teacher,” said Keedy.
“All the staff here are and the lads have got a great attitude towards their routine so I’m really pleased to be on board.”
Keedy concedes that injuries are part and parcel of professional sport but he feels that Nottingham’s players are catered for when it comes to prevention and recovery.
“As a medical department we look to minimise impact injuries,” he said.
“We can manage workloads or monitoring their routines to keep them in top physical condition. But if injuries happen it becomes our job to create paths to recovery and give them the best chance of being able to play as soon as they can.”
Still expected to offer a spin option on end-of-season pitches, Keedy knows the strain a life in professional cricket can have on players physically.
“Cricket can be a tough sport,” he said.
“I had my fair share of injuries and I was a spin bowler, so seeing what the fast bowlers go through is amazing.”
With such a busy fixture list and a long season ahead, fitness is a paramount focus for everyone involved with the team but Keedy is particularly impressed with the second team’s attitude towards their game.
“They’ve been really receptive to the guidance their given and it shows in the lack of injuries and levels of fitness we’ve got on offer,” he said.
“They are looking after themselves and that shows they’re serious about their careers.”
With such good all round care, it’s obvious the past, present and future of Nottingham’s cricket are in very good, and experienced hands.