Jonny Tattersall has had a pretty memorable winter and is hoping his summer follows suit.

The former England Under 19 is starting 2024 as the man in possession of the wicketkeeping gloves in Yorkshire’s Vitality County Championship team.

Rewind 12 months and Tattersall was due to start the summer, only for a finger injury to strike at the last minute. He was even due to captain in Shan Masood’s absence. But Shai Hope was signed on a short-term overseas deal and took the gloves. When Tattersall was fit again, Jonny Bairstow was ready to play after his own injury troubles.

“That was then the end of that first Championship block and straight into the Blast when your batting opportunities can be limited,” recalled Tattersall.

“It was tough to get into any rhythm.

“It was frustrating because I felt like I was in a good place with my cricket coming into last year. I found it tough, but I’m better for the experience.

Jonny Tattersall

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Jonny Tattersall poses for the cameras at Yorkshire’s 2024 media day.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about my career and how it’s gone, and no two seasons have been the same. I’m sure it will be different again this year, but hopefully one of the best I’ve produced.”

Looking ahead to 2024, the 29-year-old Knaresborough product says “I feel in a good place”.

And that is not just on the field, it’s off it as well.

“I got married in January (to his fiancee, Emma), so there’s been a bit going on this winter,” he continued.

“It was a fantastic day. The weather was surprisingly brilliant for January 13 as well.

“I’ve been with my wife for 12 years. We met at school, so it’s been great to spend all that time with her. She’s been really supportive to me on the pitch as well.”

Jonny Tattersall.

Picture by Ian Roman/Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports hub. Jonny Tattersall in action during Yorkshire’s pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi last month.

Tattersall has now turned his attentions to on-field matters.

“I’m looking forward to it and am ready to go,” he said. “All the lads have been looking brilliant in pre-season, and I think it’s going to be a great season.

“We’ve got a really good squad, and there’s a real belief that we can go on and achieve what we want to.

“We could pick pretty much anyone in our squad and be comfortable that they would do a good job for the team.

“There are going to be some disappointed people, but it’s a long season and things can change.

“I think everyone’s got a really good attitude at the minute, and hopefully that can continue because it’s going to be a squad effort if we’re going to achieve the goals we want to.”

Jonny Tattersall

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Jonny Tattersall returns the off-stump which Matt Milnes cartwheeled yesterday in removing Rishi Patel. 

Duke is amongst that disappointed group who have missed out on selection for the ongoing summer opener against Leicestershire at Headingley.

But Tattersall said: “Harry has looked good and is chomping at the bit to get going.

“We’ll keep working together and pushing each other to improve. That’s all we can do. If it’s not me and it’s him, I’ll wish him well. I’m sure he will think the same because we want Yorkshire to be back in that first division.

“We’ve got strength in depth in all areas – we’ve got it all covered this year, which is great.”

Tattersall says his winter work with the gloves and bat has been out refining rather than revamping.

“It’s not always easy to work on your keeping indoors, but I have been doing a couple of things stood up to the stumps,” he said. “Hopefully that will pay off this year. The signs were good when we were out in Abu Dhabi.

Jonny Tattersall

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Jonny Tattersall bats against Gloucestershire at Headingley last summer. 

“I’m always trying to practice my white ball and get better.

“I’ve not been the biggest of hitters, but I’m always trying to improve that because you never know when you will be called upon.

“Whenever and wherever I’m batting, I’ll always try and do my best for the team and try to put in some match-winning performances and get us off to a good start and set it up for later in the year.”

He added: “I probably feel better this year than I did at the start of last – actually, one of the best I’ve felt through a pre-season.

“I’ve never really come into a season feeling average. I’ve always felt pretty good. But this time, this is best I’ve hit them with the bat and I feel great with the gloves.

“Hopefully it will be my best season.

“Let’s just hope the weather picks up!”

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