Academy batsman Sam Wood is only too aware that this season will be pivotal if he is to establish his credentials as a potential professional cricketer.
A consistent performer since his initial selection for representative cricket as a ten year old, Wood is amongst a group of players identified has possessing genuine first class potential.
A successful tour of Sri Lanka with England Under 19s has strengthened his case and positive performances throughout 2011 could see him secure an extended stay at Trent Bridge.
“Sri Lanka was a brilliant experience and it felt good to be involved in an England team,” said Wood, a left-handed batsman who has just turned 18.
“Spending a month away from home and being able to focus purely on cricket was something that I really enjoyed.”
Heavy rain throughout the first week of the tour meant that a two day practice match was cancelled and Tests scheduled for Dambulla and Kandy were moved to Colombo and Galle.
“The one day series was unaffected but there was a lot of rain around and that got in the way of our Test series,” said Wood.
“We only had one outdoor net before the first match and I was caught in the slips for 25 but I felt better prepared for the second match.”
Determined to demonstrate his talent, Wood dug in following a big first innings total from the hosts.
“They put 500 runs on the board and made us follow on so it was important to ensure at least a draw and I’m glad that I played my part in that by scoring heavily in both innings,” he said.
“I got a 130 in the first innings and 95 in the second. I didn’t have a grand plan about the game situation but I went out and tried to bat for as long as I could. We had to bat for a long time and I focussed on doing that. The standard was very high and I was pleased to make a contribution.”
Wood had been part of the Under 19s England Development Programme from which the Under 19s Test squad was selected and has benefitted from a tailored programme that includes academic, physical and cricket-specific training at Loughborough and Trent Bridge.
“I’m doing a college course but I’ve given no thought to what I might do if it doesn’t work out in cricket because that’s what I’ve been working towards for so long,” he said.
“I’m hoping to be selected for a second year on the England Development Programme because it has definitely helped my game. We get good coaching at Loughborough and we’re challenged with bowling scenarios like facing 90 mile per hour short pitched deliveries on a bowling machine.”
“The ECB coaches are very positive and have made me feel good about my performances. There is still a big emphasis on technique but we’re at an age now where we have to become match ready cricketers and score a high volume of runs.
Encouraged into cricket by his father who was a good club cricketer, Wood first appeared on the radar when he was selected for the Nottinghamshire Cricket Board Under 11s squad a year early.
He has played club cricket at Mansfield Colliery, Blidworth, Mansfield & Pleasley and Farnsfield where he has spent the last five years.
“My ultimate ambition is to play for England but that is such a long away and I need to do well at all sorts of levels before that becomes realistic,” he said.
“This is a very important year for me and I know that I have to do well to get noticed. No one has had to take me to one side to tell me what’s at stake because we all know that we’re playing to try and earn a professional contract.
“I need to do well in the second team and to make the most of every innings that I get. I see my role as an opener in three and four day cricket and I think I could bat anywhere in the order in limited overs.
“I prefer to play four day cricket because it suits my game and I feel very comfortable. I’m a calm and quiet person and that’s reflected in my style of play. I’m very focussed on what I need to do and I want to let my cricket do the talking.”
Nottinghamshire have placed renewed emphasis on player development in light of the strength of the current academy crop. Members were told at the Annual General Meeting that the decision not to replace Bilal Shafayat and Matt Wood was taken with a view to providing an opportunity for the likes of Sam Wood to stake a claim.
“I’m surrounded by players at Notts who are aiming for the same thing,” said Wood.
“The club can be proud of the group of players we’ve got in the academy and we’re all pushing ourselves to the limit. Players like Jake Ball and Scott Elstone have showed that the reward is there if you put the work in.
“I’m in the academy because I want to be a pro and to play at the highest standard I can.”