With just two months to go until the 2019 season curtain raiser against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge, James Pipe’s admission that all players are looking ‘healthy, fit and strong’ will surely be music to Nottinghamshire supporters’ ears.
Paul Coughlin and Chris Nash suffered from shoulder issues throughout 2018 and Ball had a back problem over the winter, but are now all back in training.
Club Physio Pipe revealed on the Talk of Trent Bridge podcast, hosted by Ball, that it was like ‘all the stars lined up’ in the Science and Medicine department over the past week.
“Last week was really pivotal,” said Pipe.
“Paul Coughlin was running in and hitting the back net, Nashy was knocking them out the park and Jake, you were running in at full intensity, which was great to see for everybody.
“There was a real buzz around the department and the club in general, to see all our players looking fit, strong and healthy and preparing well for the season.”
Nash suffered a shoulder injury in the opening match of the 2018 Vitality Blast campaign against Birmingham Bears at Trent Bridge, after landing awkwardly attempting a catch.
Whilst he did manage one further game, a Specsavers County Championship outing against Hampshire in August, the decision was taken to have surgery in the off-season giving him more time to recover.
“An injury like Chris’ wasn’t as clear cut as it could have been and there was a lot of talk about the best way to manage it and I think we got things right,” said Pipe,
“He had the operation and a lot of credit must go to him for his hard work. The commitment he has shown to his rehab has been outstanding and he is reaping the rewards.
“Paul Coughlin was running in and hitting the back net, Nashy was knocking them out the park and Jake, you were running in at full intensity which was great to see for everybody." James Pipe
Nash added: “There’ve been some long days in the gym but we’re getting there.
“I’m throwing, diving and batting and everything seems to be on track. I’ve had some great assistance across the board throughout my rehab.”
The 35-year-old will head to Cape Town shortly to join up with former South Africa cricketer and India coach Gary Kirsten, a couple of weeks before joining up with the rest of the Nottinghamshire squad for the pre-season tour in Potchefstroom.
After an injury hit 2018, and in the second summer of the three-year deal he signed with the Club at the end of 2017, Nash is hoping some warm weather practice will act as a springboard to a successful 2019.
“As you get a bit older the joints begin to ache in the cold so of course it’s nice to get a bit of sun,” Nash joked.
“I’ve been working with Gary Kirsten out there for about six or seven years now and I have always found it to be good preparation leading in to pre-season.
“I do a lot of fitness work, play some matches and get plenty of practice in.
“They have great facilities and it’s great to go to there after a really good winter with all the guys, and put the finishing touches on my preparation.”
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