James Fuller: My First Year At The Ageas Bowl

James Fuller has taken to life at the The Ageas Bowl during his first season in Hampshire colours.

The South-African born all-rounder has excelled both on and off the pitch, is settled and looking ahead to an exciting future.

“There’s a lot of good people here, in and out of the changing room.

“It’s a good club, the players are good people and it’s a pleasure to work hard with them. I’ve made some good friends, got to know the area quite well so I’m settling down with my family now and it’s a good feeling.”

Fuller is no stranger to excelling at the The Ageas Bowl, having taken T20 figures of 6-28 during his time at Middlesex and after making the switch in the winter of 2018, it’s no surprise to see he picked up where he left off now Hampshire is his home.

There were many wonderful moments from the last campaign but Fuller found it easy to whittle it down to his top three.

“I enjoyed that knock at Lord’s in the final, Dad was there and he doesn’t come often so that was special to me.

“The T20 win at Taunton was amazing, we were out of the game the whole way but I hit a quick 30 or 40 and we managed to get over the line.

“But I’d say the One-Day Cup semi-final here against Lancashire was the best feeling. Pressure was building and I managed to get one down the ground for four, that was probably my favourite moment.”

Fuller has taken part in multiple events off the pitch during the 2019 season and these appearances saw him shortlisted for the ‘Clubman of the Year’ award at September’s end of season dinner.

“I just like giving back to the club, trying to create the best environment and offer as much time as a I can. It’s been really nice to be called upon and I always try to put 100% into everything I do because I know everyone works so hard.”

Now approaching his tenth season as a cricketer in England, the hard work hasn’t stopped and Fuller is still pushing himself to be the best he can be.

“The winter has been really helpful for increasing my skills, if you’re doing the same thing over and over it can get a bit boring.

“Fons (Alfonso Thomas), Jimmy Adams and Tone (Tony Middleton) have been really good at mixing things up.

“I’ve been working really hard with the ball this winter because I know there’s so much more to come from me in that department, I didn’t have the best of years with it but I’m looking to put that right this year”.

Recent signings along with a positive campaign in the County Championship has left Fuller full of excitement when looking ahead to Hampshire’s first game against Kent in April.

 “If you look at our red ball line-up for next year, not only is it strong but it’s almost a once in a decade team.

“Kyle Abbott, Fidel Edwards, Keith Barker, Nathan Lyon and then you’ve got Sam Northeast, James Vince and Liam Dawson, this is a really special moment and it’s important we make the most of that.”