Seamer Ball eyeing place in Nottinghamshire four-day side

While the summer of 2013 was undoubtedly a breakthrough season for Jake Ball, the Nottinghamshire seamer is very much hoping the best is yet to come.
Nottinghamshire's Jake Ball is out to follow up an excellent 2013 with an even better 2014.Nottinghamshire's Jake Ball is out to follow up an excellent 2013 with an even better 2014.
Nottinghamshire's Jake Ball is out to follow up an excellent 2013 with an even better 2014.

The 22-year-old, who grew up in Warsop and attended Meden School, announced himself on the county circuit with 19 wickets at 22.63 in 12 matches as his team went on to win the YB40 competition at Lord’s.

Those figures included a match-winning haul of 4-25 in the semi-final against Somerset at Trent Bridge where his bowling was exemplary and demonstrated an ever-increasing maturity.

And while there was disappointment on the big day against Glamorgan as he missed out on a final spot due to the return of England players Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, Ball remains phlegmatic and focused.

Jake Ball learns his trade as he bowls to Mansfield and Pleasley batsman Steve Jenkins.Jake Ball learns his trade as he bowls to Mansfield and Pleasley batsman Steve Jenkins.
Jake Ball learns his trade as he bowls to Mansfield and Pleasley batsman Steve Jenkins.

Recognising you are only as good as your last game, he is determined to build on his success with more progress in the coming county season, which starts in April.

I think there will be more opportunities for younger lads in the next few years, but the club won’t just hand them out - they will still have to be earned and then taken to keep your place,” said the right-armer.

Yes, I had a good year last year, but it’s a fresh start this year and I have to focus on pushing my place in the four-day comp, as well as doing what I did last year in the one-day comps.

“Of course, I was gutted to miss out on playing in the YB40 final at Lord’s, but the boys played fantastic in the final and we won, which was the main thing for me!

A young Jake Ball bowling for Welbeck Colliery against West Indian Cavaliers.A young Jake Ball bowling for Welbeck Colliery against West Indian Cavaliers.
A young Jake Ball bowling for Welbeck Colliery against West Indian Cavaliers.

“I’ve not really spoken to Mick Newell (director of cricket) too much about this year, but I think it is clear that I need to push my red ball cricket and my personal goal is to establish myself in the four-day team.”

In March, Ball will be making the trip to Barbados with his county team-mates for a pre-season tour where they will take on the likes of Derbyshire, Warwickshire and Hampshire in friendly competition.

First, though, the man who came through the ranks at Welbeck Colliery and is nephew of former England wicket-keeper Bruce French, has flown out to Australia’s New South Wales to hone his skills after the winter break.

He said: “I’m out in a place called Toronto, which is half an hour from Newcastle. I’m out here with (fellow Nottinghamshire player) Sam Wood to just do some out door training and get some match practice before Barbados.

Jake Ball (far left) celebrates YB40 final victory over Glamrogan at Lord's.Jake Ball (far left) celebrates YB40 final victory over Glamrogan at Lord's.
Jake Ball (far left) celebrates YB40 final victory over Glamrogan at Lord's.

“We landed on the 9th January and leave on the 9th March, so two months in the sun should see us right for the season ahead.

“I have played in Australia before, but that was for a team in Adelaide. Playing here is going to improve my all-round game, getting me playing in conditions I’m not used to and against players that have seen me play before.”

Ball is looking forward to linking up with overseas signing Peter Siddle after the Australian paceman helped lead his country to a 5-0 Ashes series whiewash over England.

The Victoria player is expected to be available for the whole of the summer as Nottinghamshire will look to improve on a disappointing seventh place finish last time out in County Championship Division One.

“Siddle will be a great signing for the club, on and off the field,” he said. “He has experience of international cricket and, as a young play aspiring to play at that level, it will be good to pick his brain for tips and his knowledge of the game.

“Of course we can win another trophy this year. Our squad is one of the strongest, full of international experience.

“We clearly have big chances in the one-day comps, but I feel we could be dark horses for the four-day comp this year as well.”

Back home in his native Warsop, Welbeck continue to take strides towards their eventual aim of hosting a first-class county match, with a competitive first team game last played away from the county’s Trent Bridge base in 2004 at Cleethorpes.

The club hosted several second XI fixtures last season, as well as a PCA Masters event, and are bidding to further improve ground facilities in 2014.

Ball said: “It would be great for my home club Welbeck to be able to host a first-class game and after playing there the last few years, I think the ground and wicket are more than up to it.

“It’s a great facility and I hope to see a game there in the near future.”