Jake Ball: Test Cricket The Pinnacle
Jake Ball, the Nottinghamshire fast bowler who has made his England debut in red and white ball cricket in the last 12 months, says he loves playing all formats of the game – but Test cricket is the pinnacle.
Speaking as he represented Gunn & Moore at the draw of the National Village Cup, the 25-year-old says the five-day format is toughest on the body, but also carries the greatest rewards.
“I enjoy Test Cricket the most as it’s the pinnacle, but Tests are mostly over 5 days so it does get very tiring especially with the media scrutiny after each day’s play,” he said.
“My proudest career moment has to be making my Test debut – and, luckily, I made it at Lord’s. It’s something I could only dream about as a kid playing for Welbeck Cricket Club.
“What made it even more special was to walk down the steps with Stuart Broad. It’s a moment I will never forget.
“Growing up in the Notts setup and spending time with players like Stuart has been a massive influence on my career.”
Two further Test appearances have followed, both in India, raising hopes that the Welbeck Wizard might get the opportunity to stride out in Three Lions at Trent Bridge in July, as England face South Africa.
Should he do so, he will walk out behind Joe Root – the man he dismissed for a first ball duck at Trent Bridge when Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire did battle back in May.
“It’s a good time to change Test Captain as there’s a bit of time between now and the next Test.
“Joe has time to be around the lads and put his stamp on the team. It’s very exciting, especially with Ben Stokes as vice-captain as well.”
Ahead of that, however, there is much to achieve with white ball in hand, starting with a three-match series in the West Indies starting on Friday 3 March.
“I have played a lot of one-day cricket at Notts, and I certainly want to continue developing my game with the Champions Trophy coming up.
“After spending four months in India and Bangladesh, it was nice to have a bit of time off."
“But I managed to get down to Loughborough with Nottinghamshire and have my first proper bowl. It was nice to catch up with them after missing the winter pre-season.”
And it’s back on the domestic scene where Ball will need to perform if he is to achieve those ambitions on the international stage later in the summer.
A diet of Specsavers County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup cricket will provide the perfect chance to shine.
“The boys are looking fit, strong and full of energy. There’s a fresh look to the coaching team with Peter Moores and Paul Franks working together and the ideas they are working on are really helping us for the build-up to the season.”