by Harry Brook
As a young lad growing up, trying to be a pro cricketer, cricket in the family and always on my doorstep, making my England debut in the West Indies a couple of weeks ago was a massive honour and a dream come true.
The whole tour was a phenomenal experience – really good fun – and to be able to get my cap out there was a really proud moment for me and my family.
It was posted on Twitter or something like that a few days after my debut, and it is true that either my grandad, who has passed away in 2012, or my gran – I’m not sure which – had a bet a good few years ago on me to one day play for England.
I don’t know the details or what the odds were or anything like that. I think my gran’s a bit too tight to tell me!
I went straight from the West Indies to Pakistan, where I am now playing for the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL.
I haven’t been here long, playing only a couple of games so far. I had to do three days of isolation as soon as I arrived and then played the same day I got out.
I didn’t have the practice and preparation I would have liked ahead of my first game, but thankfully it was a decent wicket and I was able to hit the ball cleanly for 37 in a win.
It has been a very hectic winter, I must admit. And I’m not the best flyer either.
To be flying all over the world has been long. But I wouldn’t change it for a second.
Like I said, it’s been a dream come true – playing the franchise cricket as well as making my England debut. I’ve loved every minute.
The Qalandars have been brilliant to me so far, and they are a fantastic club. For Yorkshire to have agreed a link-up with them, I can only see it being a success.
To have three clubs as part of the agreement, with the Titans from South Africa coming on board as well, is brilliant in terms of growing the game and also giving better opportunities for training and playing for the current players.
To hear the news that Matthew Fisher has been called up to England’s Test squad for the West Indies next month was amazing.
I’ve been playing with Fish since I was 14 or 15, so to see one of my mates go on and get an England call and the recognition for his work over the last few years, I couldn’t be happier for him.
He certainly deserves it. He works so hard, and it couldn’t have happened to a better bloke.
He bowled really well for the Lions in Australia before Christmas. Standing at slip to him, he was in good rhythm. That experience should stand him in good stead.
Hopefully he gets in the team, and if he does I’m sure he will boss it.
