Trent Bridge Annual Report 2018

53 SECOND XI REPORT Matt Carter impressed in both First XI and Second XI cricket in 2018 “OVERALL, THE CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT WE ARE CONTINUOUSLY BUILDING ENSURED THAT ANY NEWCOMERS TO THE DRESSING ROOM COULD BLEND IN NICELY AND PUT IN SOLID PERFORMANCES.” Ant Botha We’re constantly pushing our players, but they also have to manage their own expectations and understand that the odd half-century doesn’t warrant a place in the first team. Individually, seam bowling all- rounder Lyndon James is someone who progressed very quickly after a challenging start. By the back end of the summer, he had taken his game to a level where he was able to make his first-class debut and make an impact, which was brilliant for his development. Chris Gibson’s performances at the top of the order during the first half of the summer were also very impressive. He was constantly putting his name in the hat for first team selection. Matt Carter, meanwhile, produced consistently high-level performances in Second XI cricket – as well as going on to translate them into the first team. And Liam Patterson-White’s batting against the red ball also came on in leaps and bounds during the course of the summer. Overall, the culture and environment we are continuously building ensured that any newcomers to the dressing room could blend in nicely and put in solid performances.That’s something we will continue to focus on in 2019 – and it is testament to the support staff that worked with the Second XI that we were able to create it. My thanks, therefore, go to PhilTranter, HenryWoodward, Liam Price and Jamie Hart – as well as to all the players, for always approaching their cricket with such a positive mindset. We’re looking forward to taking things on and improving again in 2019.