Ambitious Michael Eccles has a club and county double mission. The 26-year-old pace bowler aims to help Swardeston keep the pressure on Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League pacemakers Bury St Edmunds. And he hopes that his wickets will earn him a regular place in Norfolk’s side for this summer’s Minor Counties Championship. Eccles was recalled for the game against Suffolk at Mildenhall, which started today, after skipper and strike bowler Paul Bradshaw pulled out through injury.
“It’s obviously a shame for him, because you always want your captain to play, especially when he also opens the bowling, but I’m always very pleased to play for the county,” said Eccles.
“He will be missed, but I hope I don’t let anyone down and do a good enough job to maybe get picked on merit for the rest of the season.
“I injured myself kicking a football around and haven’t played for Norfolk since the first game of last year.
“I’m delighted to be back in the frame because I missed it, especially having watched the Manor Park festival from the sidelines and knowing what it’s like being a part of it.
“I’ve been pleased with my bowling for Swardeston this season and didn’t really take the number of wickets I thought I deserved in a couple of the games.
“I’m sure that my luck will change as the season goes on, though, because I always believe that, if you bowl well often enough, then you will get what you deserve in the end.”
He added: “My aim has always been to try to get back into the Norfolk side, which isn’t easy, because this county has a lot of players who are good enough to play Minor Counties cricket.
“Norfolk has great strength in depth compared to a lot of the other counties, so, once you miss out due to an injury, it’s often hard to get back in.
“That kind of competition for places can only be good for Norfolk county cricket.”
Article courtesy of the Eastern Daily Press
