Targeting a big finish

Wednesday 20 January 2010 | Alex Wakely

Having been out here for nearly four months now I can say that I am learning a hell of a lot about my game and cricket in general.

It has not been easy, I have thrown a few scores together but my scores in general have been poor and I have found the cricket very challenging.

Obviously being an Englishman out here, the Aussies are always at you wanting to knock you over.

Sometimes the conditions and pitches are not always as you would like and it has taken me longer to adapt than I would have liked.

Having said this it has made me realise what areas of my game I am strong and what I am poor at. It has made me aware of the importance of mental toughness in cricket.

I am currently trying to find what works for me to make me a more consistent player and to find the right combination of practice, rest and working on my mental game that will allow me to do this.

I know my scores have not been what I wanted but I know that with what I have learnt, the physical training I have done and the practice I am doing it is only a matter of time before it all comes together.

In terms of my Australia experience, Adelaide it is a lovely place. The weather has been generally hot with a few exceptions, the people are friendly and most importantly the guy I am staying with and the club I am at, Prospect, have looked after me brilliantly and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with them.

We still have a shot of making the semi-finals in the one-day competition if we can win this Sunday and a few results go our way.

So hopefully next time I update you, I can tell you about more successful results from both a personal point of view and the team.

This blog was originally published on the South Australian Cricket Association website. Alex Wakely is among nine scholars from England attending the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy through the Australian summer. You can read more from them at www.saca.com.au