2024 ANNUAL REPORT

19 CRICKET REPORT At the end of any season, it is crucial that we reflect candidly on our performances and results to facilitate meaningful growth moving forwards. M I C K N EWE L L CR ICKET REPORT With that in mind, our first-team results were, bluntly, disappointing. We underperformed across formats, and we have had to analyse the reasons for that so we can produce better performances in the future. Whilst there were glimmers of light – not least in the emergence of our young players and representation from the club on the international stage – we simply did not meet the standards we set ourselves, or the expectations members and supporters rightly have of us. A frank assessment of the areas in which we must improve is ongoing. A club of our stature should be capable of competing across formats – and that is our ambition. There are individuals, though, who do deserve credit for their contribu- tions across the season and achieve- ments worthy of recognition. My particular congratulations go to our Second XI who won the Cham- pionship title. Steven Mullaney took on the leadership of that side early in the summer, and showed his ability to manage individuals at different stages of their cricketing journey. His emphasis is on creating an environment as similar as possible to first-team cricket, so that players are ready when they make the step. The likes of Freddie McCann and Farhan Ahmed – two success stories from the year – have benefited from their experience within that team. The approach will bode well as we seek to bring more local, young players through in the coming years. Haseeb Hameed also merits praise having reached the milestone of 1,000 County Championship runs in a season in his first year of club captaincy. He led the side admirably in chal- lenging circumstances, learning more about the role – both in terms of tactics and wider responsibilities – as the year progressed, without allowing the pressure of the job to