Six months ago Luke Fletcher was working to prove himself worthy for selection in Nottinghamshire’s limited-overs sides.
However, after a season which saw him impress through both the NatWest T20 Blast and Royal London One-Day Cup, Fletcher is en route to New Zealand to take part in their domestic T20 Tournament.
Overseas player James Franklin, the captain of Wellington Firebirds in New Zealand, spotted Fletcher, and the Kiwi expressed his desire to have the Nottinghamshire bowler with an uncanny ability to deliver Yorkers bowl at the death for his side.
“It was a shock to me, I’ve only just got back in the Notts T20 side and for someone like James Franklin to come over here and pick me out as the guy he wants in his team… it was the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make, apart from signing my new deal with Notts,” he said.
“It’s been a carrot rather than a stick, this is an excellent opportunity to go out there and impress.
“I’ve had a look into the competitions and the players there, and it’ll be a huge challenge for me. I’m looking forward to testing myself against the best and it could be a great platform to go further in my career.”
After a much-earned break following a season which saw Fletcher excel across all formats for Nottinghamshire, he has been involved in training programmes organised by two members of the Pick family – bowling coach Andy and his personal-training son, Greg.
“As soon as I signed for Wellington I thought that I should sit down with Picky and sort out a bowling programme to carry me through October. It was important that I stay in good touch and be threatening with the ball,” he said.
“I’ve had a good three weeks with both picks. I’m feeling good and ready to get cracking.
“I had two weeks rest which was enough to recover from the season, and then it was straight in to five sessions a week with Greg in the gym and ideally three sessions in the nets bowing, weather permitting of course.
“It’s been pretty tough, pretty intense but I’ve had rest periods in between sessions and my body is feeling good.”
Nottinghamshire’s players are already close to a return to pre-season training after having the month of October to recover from the rigours of the summer. While a few have begun their work ahead of their return, Fletcher’s programme has kept him in good touch and ready to compete on his arrival in New Zealand.
“I had a net yesterday and it was probably the best I’ve bowled for a long time,” he said.
“I was hitting Yorkers nicely, and had the new ball moving, it felt really good and I want to take that on and contribute on my trip.
“I’ve had some very busy off seasons where I’ve gone away a lot, and enjoyed myself but this is the hardest I’ve worked.
“Normally in October I haven’t bowled a ball but I’ve needed to stay in good shape and prepare for New Zealand, and I’ve given myself the best possible chance to impress.”