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The up-and-coming seamer reflects on his first off-season as a full time cricketer
Ajeet Dale impressed the Hampshire coaching staff enough to warrant being awarded a rookie contract in December.
The 19-year-old is currently experiencing his first winter as a full-time cricketer and hasn’t had any issues settling in the dressing room.
“Everyone’s been really good already and I definitely feel like I’m part of the team.
“The senior lads have really taken me under their wing, the likes of Barks (Keith Barker), Foz (James Fuller) and Stevo (Ryan Stevenson) have really helped me mature so far.”
Dale played an important role in helping the Hampshire Second XI to County Championship glory in September, playing in nine Championship games across the campaign.
As well as playing a part in that victorious red ball team, Dale also featured in five white ball trophy matches, and a number of T20 fixtures where the Second XI narrowly lost out to Glamorgan in the final.
The winter of 2019 has been about learning from the first-team squad’s experienced professionals, but Dale has found it easier than expected to pick their brains and delve deeper into improving his game.
“It’s been nice being around the lads and asking for advice, I’m mixing in with the seamer’s unit and it feels great. Last year they were very welcoming of course but I have definitely had more confidence to go and ask those questions this season.”
Last summer’s exploits put Dale in the perfect position to get a professional contract and since being awarded a rookie deal, he feels he’s in the perfect position to progress as a cricketer.
“Before I was awarded the contract, you always feel like you have something to prove, whereas this year I can just work on improving my own skills.
“I’m doing my own warm-ups and I haven’t been scared to express myself so it’s going really well.”
His development over the winter has been closely examined by the Hampshire coaching staff and the man from Berkshire believes that it’s doing nothing but aiding his development.
“I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress over the past year, Fons (Alfonso Thomas) has been really good at keeping on top of my progress and it’s helping me a lot.”
Dale believes his main opportunities in 2020 will arrive in white ball cricket, but knows only hard work will get him there.
“I feel like I can really push for a 50-over place and play in the One-Day Cup this season, my white ball skills are probably stronger than my red ball ones.
“I also want to start strong red ball wise and we’ll see what happens. If the opportunities present themselves, maybe I can even push for a red ball place.”
