My memorable Indian summer rolls on… into an English one.

In a summer with many highlights, the last few weeks have been just as busy, with end of season reviews, prize givings, friends’ weddings and plane tickets to organize, before heading north for the winter.

Like many New Zealand First Class players, I had planned to return to England this winter to play cricket during our off-season. One of the perks of being a professional cricketer is that, if you want, you can enjoy an endless summer applying your trade across the globe, following the sun.

Northern Districts have had a successful 2008/09 season winning the State Shield, the domestic one-day competition, and adding some silverware to our trophy cabinet, at Seddon Park.

2009 is also a big year for Bath Cricket Club with it being their 150th jubilee. I’ve had two seasons playing for them already in England and am looking forward to returning for such an important year. There are many big events planned throughout the English ‘summer’ including grand balls, after dinner speakers and mid week tour matches. Part of my role at the club was to assist in the marketing and promotion of events as the season progressed. I must admit a little sadness at having to miss six weeks of my season with them, but that disappointment is quickly forgotten when the excitement of where I will be, dawns on me.

The ICC Twenty20 World Cup is not something I was expecting to be involved with but something I have dreamt of competing in since its inception. What a wonderful chance to express your skills on the world stage against the worlds best.

One young player already expressing his skills at first class level was starring at the Northern Districts Cricket Awards this week. Last year Kane Williamson received the ND Young cricketer of the year and this year went one better taking out the overall Player of the Year award. He is an exciting talent and the sort of kid who is always learning and expanding his game.

He is another who will benefit from winter tours abroad.

So as cooler winds start to build across NZ it is time to head north. By next weekend I will be ‘sunning’ myself in beautiful Bath getting ready for both the West of England Premier League and the Twenty20 World Cup.

Both the two teams I will represent this year will be striving to win their respective titles.

To each it will be a great challenge.

For one, I will enjoy 6 months of matches at small country grounds, in front of a few dozen people, across the west of England.

For the other, I will enjoy 6 weeks of games at some of the most prestigious grounds the game can offer, in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans, between London and Nottingham.

For both, I will be at the perils of the English weather.

It will be my fourth summer in a row and who knows when this endless summer will end, or where it will lead.

One thing is for sure though, there will be rain, some suitcases, and a few ducks, but hopefully, for both teams, there will be silverware.

KudoSurf Me!