Cricket is in my blood.
Back in 1991, I was sacked as a professional cricket player. What was once a boyhood dream became a reality, and almost as soon as it started, it was taken away from me.
It's a pretty disorienting feeling because parts of you think you still have more to give to the game, which I did.
After being released from Gloucestershire, I ended up going on trial with Glamorgan County Cricket Club because it was the closest option.
I remember borrowing my dad's car and driving over the Severn bridge on a Tuesday evening. When I arrived at the indoor centre, I immediately recognised most of the players, having played against them before.
That's the beauty of cricket: it takes you to places you never would have imagined and introduces you to people from every corner of the country.
While I got on well with most of the guys, I was shy and kept to myself. I couldn't shake the feeling that they didn't see me as a solid player, especially since I'd flopped against them in the summer previous, and the sting of being cut from Gloucestershire was still raw.
During the trial, my only plan was to get the ball swinging quickly and showcase what I could do. I knew I needed to adapt to the new surroundings, which is how I'd usually prepare for a game.
But here's where it went wrong: During the indoor trial, I didn't seek feedback, and looking back, I should have spoken to the coaches beforehand to understand their expectations and how I could fit into their plans.
I needed to get something from it.
Looking back, I realise I blew that opportunity—a mistake so many ambitious cricketers make when trying to climb the ladder.
Now, as a coach, I spot it more clearly in others.
What I Look for Now.
If you're a bowler on trial this winter season, tap into my insights as a coach to give yourself the best possible chance of success.
When I'm assessing bowlers on trial day, I typically keep my distance. I know they'll be nervous, and as a coach, I'm in full observation mode.
I prefer to let them interpret the trial in their own way unless there's a specific theme or scenario I want them to focus on.
Here are five core things I look for:
1. Arrive on Time: Have a clear plan for your warm-up. It doesn't take talent to show up on time or arrive early. I pay attention to bowlers who prepare without being asked or wait for instruction and have some routine before they bowl. This ensures they're ready to hit the ground running from ball one. I want to see bowlers put batters under pressure right away, so top prep, I repeat, without being asked and no looseners.
2. Intent to Bowl Fast: Spotting a bowler's intent is easy. Remember, the person assessing you is often an ex-pro, so they can tell if you're holding back or just gliding into your run-up. I want to see bowlers who mean business as they enter the performance phase, running in at speed and maintaining it.
3. Running Technique: Do you run well? I need to see you maintaining good speed and efficiency. Bowlers who struggle with their running technique or change direction poorly are unlikely to sustain long spells and bowl consistently.
4. Seam Position: I look for an upright seam and good lateral movement. These are essential to effectively swing the ball in the air or nip it off the pitch.
5. Have a Plan: After my observations, I ask bowlers about their strategy. It also gives me a little insight into their knowledge of the game, so I want to hear a clear plan. They should have a solid answer if I ask how they intend to get a batter out in within 24 balls.
Managing Nerves.
We all have them.
I manage to hide mine incredibly well.
Nerves can be a good thing if you can control them. Those butterflies and churning stomach feelings can either help or hinder you. To keep your nerves in check, focus on simple thoughts.
Feeling nervous at the top of your run-up is normal, especially with people watching.
Your simple thought should be to get the batter to play a defensive shot or to bowl straight. It doesn't get more straightforward than that.
This singular focus will stop you from becoming docile.
Also, realise you're not alone. World-class athletes have this just like everyone else.
The man known as a stone cold goal scoring robot, Erling Haaland, said recently:
"Yeah, I'm nervous, just like everybody else in this world. I don't have to hide that I'm nervous. I'm sometimes anxious or whatever. But I think that's a part of life. It's about still being focused while you're nervous, you know?"
If you lack a plan or haven't considered your strengths, nerves can derail you. You won't channel that energy into executing simple skills effectively.
Self-belief is crucial in a trial situation.
Think about what you want to show the coaches or those watching you.
Make sure it's your highest-priority skill—whether it's hitting length, swinging the ball, or keeping your energy moving down the wicket.
Stick to your plan, and you'll build massive confidence.
Final Thoughts.
Remember, you're exactly where you need to be with your skills, so there's no point in beating yourself up on trial day or playing the comparison game.
Instead, focus on amplifying the one thing you want to impress the coaches with—make sure it's your best skill, the one you've rehearsed and practised.
It may sound cliché, but all you can do is give your best, and that's always enough.
I recently chatted with a young cricketer who was thinking about skipping their winter county trial because they believed they had no shot at making the team. This kind of mindset holds a lot of players back. They get so caught up in the outcome that they miss out on the valuable growth these experiences can offer in their development as cricketers.
Trials encourage introspection, allowing you to dissect your game and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. That's why the process is valuable, regardless of the outcome.
You'll notice that what I've discussed is more about your mindset and how to approach a trial than the technical aspects of your game.
Because at the end of the day, the real game is all in your head.
It's where most bowlers fail to perform come trial day.