Wood Targeting Four-Day Spot in 2016

All-rounder Chris Wood believes the 2016 season is make or break for him as he looks to cement a place in Hampshire’s four-day side.

The 25-year old departed for South Africa this week alongside team mates Tom Alsop and Lewis McManus ahead of a three-month stint of club cricket and the left-armer believes the experience will put him in good stead ahead of the new season:

“I’ve been the one stuck in England for the last five winters, so it’s something I’m really looking forward to. As this season has gone reasonably well injury wise, it’s now time for me to really push on and improve my game so I can compete for a place in all formats for Hampshire.”

Wood’s recurring knee injury had previously prevented a long run in the Hampshire four-day side and despite enjoying a relatively injury-free 2015, the all-rounder believes this winter will be crucial for him to prove his fitness:

“I’m feeling good - I haven’t had any bad reactions to the bowling I’ve been doing this winter so I just need to push it that bit further now and I’m confident I’ll be ok. Hopefully if it all goes to plan, I will be in a position to prove that I’m fit enough and bowling well enough come this April."

Despite making just two first-class appearances for Hampshire in 2015, Wood enjoyed another impressive campaign in one-day cricket and the seamer particularly impressed in the NatWest T20 Blast, picking up 18 wickets at an average of 26. And Wood admitted he’s been happy with his one-day performances but he has certainly earmarked a four-day spot in 2016:

“I’m really pleased with how I’ve performed in one-day cricket and long may that continue but I don’t just want to settle for one-day cricket – I feel I’ve got plenty to offer in Championship cricket but I need to prove that I can do it.”

With the strength in depth of seamers at the club, Wood believes there is a lot for Hampshire to be confident about heading into the new season:

 “I’m really excited about the four-day cricket this year; we’ve got six to eight seamers who are all fighting for a place which is the sign of a strong bowling unit and it’s perhaps something that we were a bit light of at the start of last season.

“Whether it is one-day or four-day cricket we do have a knack of winning matches from losing positions and it’s a great habit to have. Staying up for us was huge and I really think we can push for a much higher position in the table this year.”