Conners says intense pre-season will benefit Derbyshire

Sam Conners says Derbyshire’s intense training schedule throughout pre-season will give the squad the best possible chance of success in 2022.

While new Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, has faced delays in his arrival linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, his influence on training from afar is already evident, with intense fitness work helping the team to prepare for the new campaign, alongside time in the nets and fielding practice.

As well as daily training at The Incora County Ground, the squad will also have a weekly session at Loughborough University throughout February, which will allow bowlers to replicate their matchday run-ups and give batters even more preparation.

Conners, who is part of a promising group of Derbyshire seamers, says the squad are enjoying the challenge of this winter’s training and believes Arthur’s approach to work off the field will put the team in a good place by April.

“We’ve had a few conversations with Mickey already and he’s outlined how intense training will be up to the start of the season,” Conners said.

“We try to get to that match intensity as quickly as possible, so when we start the season, we don’t feel as under the pump, so it’s been brilliant to come to Loughborough and be able to get off your long run as a bowler.

“The first session coming off your long run makes you realise how close the season is, it’s really exciting for myself and all the lads. We’re all raring to go and we want to get our names on that team sheet.”

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