Pettini retains positive approach

Mark Pettini's bold approach to captaincy paid off last season as Essex were promoted in the LV= County Championship

Mark Pettini is one county captain who needs no extra incentive to push for possible victory over a safe draw when a chance is in the offing.

Two more points are available for each LV= County Championship win this season, in an apparent attempt to encourage Pettini’s counterparts around the country to take the bait.

For the Essex captain, though, the new system will make little difference - because he has always known the value of victory.

Team morale and crowd involvement are the spin-offs Pettini prizes most, and that will not be changing this summer.

Promotion to the top flight, as Division Two runners-up, is unlikely to force a constraining conservatism on him either.

But no one should conclude Pettini is a naive soft touch when it comes to declarations and negotiations. As he approaches his third full season in charge, the 26-year-old is happy to confirm his reputation but warns too that he is no “kamikaze” captain.

“I’ve always taken a positive approach but only if there is a viable chance (of winning), rather than just trying to get a result in every game,” he explains.

“We get big crowds (at Essex) for one-day cricket, and they like it to be exciting.

“That is one of the reasons I like to play and captain the way I do. That is the sort of cricket I like and I want.

“I’m not saying I’m a kamikaze captain. But I do encourage the team to play positive, exciting cricket whenever possible.”

For Pettini’s teams, the rewards of pulling off any victory are far-reaching - all the more so if it occasionally has to be achieved from an unlikely or unpromising position.

“If you can win a four-day game, there is a real satisfaction about it - so if you can get the guys to play in a positive way it really does a lot for the team.”

Pettini expects to be without devestating leg-spinner Danish Kaneria for much of a summer when Pakistan play in England

Just as important for building confidence, according to Pettini, is to bide your time and wait for as well as engineer the opportunity.

“One of our biggest strengths last year was we were able to hang in games a lot better than sometimes in the past. I would like to think we can carry on with that brand of cricket.”

Pettini knows, of course, he may have to do all of that - at a higher level too - for much of this season without his most potent match-winning weapon.

Pakistan’s summer tour of England, when they also face Australia, means leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who took 75 wickets in 11 matches in 2009, is unlikely to be on hand to play such a prominent role in Pettini’s plans.

“Danish has been our match-winner every year he has played,” Pettini acknowledges.

The wrist-spinner is one of a clutch of internationals - including England batsmen Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara - who have limited availability at Chelmsford but are always welcomed back with open arms by Pettini and the rank and file.

“We are mindful we are very likely to lose Danish for those two series, and to replace the number of wickets he takes will be hard work.

“It will be frustrating. But that is what happens when you sign world-class players. We love to have the likes of Cookie and Ravi playing for us.

“You understand those guys have international aspirations. But they love playing for Essex. It is never a chore for them to come back for us.

“This is a very close-knit squad, and a young squad. A lot of the guys, even if they are a couple of age groups apart, have come through the ranks together - because so many of our guys are Essex boys.

“Cookie, Ravi and I have played a lot of cricket together ever since we started. It is a big advantage.”

Another advantage for Pettini is the experience he has gained since being thrown into the captaincy role at just 23.

England batsmen Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara will also be missing at times. “It will be frustrating," acknowledged Pettini

It is one of the great cricketing cliches to question whether the responsibility might have arrested Pettini’s development as a batsman pushing himself for higher honours.

He is, of course, well used to that particular line of inquiry - and has some convincing answers.

“The advantage is that now I’m 26, going into my third full year as captain. There aren’t many guys who are 26 with that behind them.

“At 23, of course, it was a big ‘ask’. But now I think I am reaping the benefits and rewards of taking it on early.

“I couldn’t have done any of it without the great support I’ve had, from (coach) Paul Grayson. He makes my job so much easier by sorting so many things so that I don’t have to.”

As for the twin tasks of making big runs and big decisions, Pettini admits: “That was my biggest learning curve.

“It took a while. But I think in the last couple of years, and last year in particular, I have started to get it right.

“I averaged 50 or just over in the last 10 games last year, and it was no surprise to me - because I thought I was getting it right.”

Continuing to do so against better teams is the new ambition, and a prospect Pettini relishes.

“The bottom line is the guys are just really looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s been a goal of ours for several seasons, to test ourselves against the teams considered the best in the country.

“One of the things that got us up last year was our planning, not looking too far ahead - and we’ll do that again this year.”