by Harry Brook
I haven’t done as well as I would have liked during my time in Australia so far, but it’s all part of cricket and has definitely been a good learning curve.
It’s been tough, of course, but I’ve still found it enjoyable and a great experience spending time with the Lions and now the Hobart Hurricanes.
Trying to stay level when you’re going through a rough patch is all part of professional sport, and that is something I probably need to get better at.
Hopefully I can go well through until the back end of the Big Bash later this month.
I’m certainly not someone who will look to make excuses.
You can’t do it every game, but I came over here thinking I could score runs in the Big Bash no matter how good the standard is.
It hasn’t happened so far, but I’m still confident I can come good and contribute heavily to us winning games.
I felt a bit more comfortable out there in scoring 22 in our last game, against Brisbane. But I probably played a poor shot for my dismissal, lbw sweeping at Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
I played with Mujeeb in the Hundred during the summer, and I knew he was going to try and get me out by bowling stump to stump. Unfortunately, I just tried to hit it a little bit too square.
But, again, that’s another learning curve. As long as you take something out of every game, there’s only one way up.
Obviously Ben McDermott, or Reggie as he’s known, has done very well for us. And it’s been unbelievable to watch him play and score his back-to-back hundreds.
It’s his time at the minute. Hopefully that continues, but fingers crossed I can get in on the act with him as well.
This is the most important part of my time out here. It’s the money end of the competition if you will.
If I can contribute and get a few match-winning innings now, I will still be happy.
Even if we got to the final and I hadn’t scored a run but I had a blinder in the final, I would still be very happy.
Playing in these franchise competitions is something I’ve dreamt of for the last few years. I’ve been desperate to get involved, put my foot down and do well.
To be out here, like I say, is a bit of a dream come true.
Jordan Thompson is obviously out here with me in Hobart, and likewise he’s not quite happy with how he’s gone. But Tommo has put in some pivotal performances. He got a three-for a couple of games ago.
I actually think playing out here in Australia is good for him.
He’s got so many change-ups with the ball, and the boundaries are that much bigger. He can cut one side of the ground off and be harder to get away.
Ben McDermott put on a barbecue at his house for a number of the lads on Christmas Day.
The turkey was out, and I was certainly glad there was some gravy on offer. I’ve been missing the gravy during the last couple of months, that’s for sure!
We spent a bit of time with the lads, had a few beers and some nice food, so it was really good fun.
The Covid situation in Australia is having an impact on the Big Bash, though thankfully we haven’t had any problems as a team so far.
It’s been quite hard to keep on track with all the rules. It seems like they’re changing every week.
It’s going a bit berserk at the minute, although it doesn’t seem to be a patch on what’s happening in England. In that respect, it’s not too bad.
We’re staying in an Aparthotel and all have one bedroom apartments.
We’re allowed to go out, walk around town, eat out, that sort of thing. But we have to make sure we don’t go indoors where possible. And if we do, we have to wear masks.
After the Big Bash, I will be going straight to the Pakistan Super League with Lahore Qalandars, but my departure date is still a bit up in the air.
If Hobart get to the finals, I think I will be joining up with Lahore a bit late. We’ll cross that bridge when it comes.
The PSL is also one of the best competitions in the world, and it will be another good challenge for me.
You hear it so many times that the bowling is outstanding there. So, as a batter, it’s not a place where you want to be searching for form!
Some of the players I have as team-mates will be great.
Hopefully I can have a few nets against Rashid Khan and try to pick him.
Haris Rauf as well, he is going to be a great addition for us as an overseas player at Yorkshire in the summer.
To be able to go and experience different climates, different pitches, all sorts of stuff, is massive for your development as a young cricketer.
I’ve heard that the crowds in the PSL are unbelievable. They get packed out crowds every game. That brings a certain pressure, but it’s exciting.
Lahore seem like they are an amazing club who continue to produce some really good players.
With that in mind, to have a link up with Lahore and Yorkshire can only be a positive thing.
Hopefully some more of our lads can get out to Pakistan to play for, and train with, the Qalandars as well as their lads coming over to us.
I just want to finish by wishing everyone back home a Happy New Year. See you all soon.
