Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Latest
    • England has gained 900 fitness centres since 2010
    • Birmingham podcaster interviews future stars 
    • Over 90% of sexual assault cases reported from nightclubs and pubs closed without charge
    • Drag show stars bringing arena tour to Birmingham
    • Charity changes name to become Birmingham Hospice
    • Passengers facing platform changes when £7.5million repair project begins at Birmingham New Street Station
    • Tributes pour in following death of commentator John Motson
    • Birmingham date confirmed for S Club 7 reunion tour
    Birmingham Eastside
    • News
      • COVID-19
    • Sport
    • Culture
    • Politics
    • Contact us
    • Data
    Birmingham Eastside
    You are at:Home»News»Wessels looking to bring in new ideas for Staffordshire

    Wessels looking to bring in new ideas for Staffordshire

    0
    By Joseph Glayshier on March 21, 2022 News, Sport

    Staffordshire new signing Riki Wessels believes he can bring in new ideas to help make positive changes at the county for the 2022 season. 

    The 36-year-old has signed a white-ball deal with Staffordshire, and will play both 20 & 50 over cricket for the county. Wessels, who has played over 200 First-Class games, left Worcestershire last season and linked up with NSSCL Premier Division outfit Longton. 

    His arrival at Longton was a successful one, with an outstanding 126 on debut against Bagnall Norton. He finished the season with 568 runs at an average of 63.11 in all competitions. 

    Now he is looking to bring that experience to both Staffordshire and Longton, where he has agreed to play for the 2022 season. Wessels said: “Being available to talk to the guys on and off the field about cricket and plans around how to do things will help. 

    “I’m more than happy to share what I’ve learnt during my professional career to hopefully help others reach their goals. It helps to get someone from the outside in with new ideas or taking on what they see and hopefully make positive changes.”

    Staffordshire have struggled in T20 cricket of late, and the Australian-Englishman is looking to keep things simple in the format. 

    He said: “Plans don’t always work in T20 cricket. The game is quick, and there isn’t always time to go to plan b or c. The ability to stay calm when you are under pressure allows you to make the best decisions.

    “Equally, when batting or bowling, the longer you stick to your basic skills the better. There is not much point outthinking yourself before each ball.”

    The 36-year-old is also aiming to pass on his knowledge to the players at Longton. “I’d be happy to pass on as much knowledge as possible to the guys so that they can carry on getting better over the next few seasons,” he added. I’m not going to play forever, so It’s important that when I am playing I set an example.”

    Wessels has played all around the world since his professional debut in 2004. As he approaches the end of his cricketing career, he started his own fitness company during lockdown. 

    “The season was delayed during the pandemic and I’m getting older so I needed to do something with myself. I am pretty familiar with gyms having spent a good few winters getting ready for upcoming seasons and tournaments,” he commented.

    “I like the idea of helping others succeed. Working closely with all sorts of goals and getting stronger, fitter and healthier is really fun to do. It is always easier when someone is helping you, so that is online or in person.”

    After a 17 year professional career, Wessels is looking forward to spending more time with his family. 

    He says he will miss professional cricket in the future: “I’m sure at some point I will. I still feel as though I could play but that’s out of my hands. The travelling all over the world was amazing at times but it did have it’s downsides. Missing the kids birthdays and milestones are things I can never get back. 

    “I equally don’t want to sound ungrateful for the opportunities I’ve had and I appreciate many would have died for them. It comes down to what you value most in life and I’m sure if I had my wife and kids with me for some of the trips, it would have been even better.

    “I’ve enjoyed where I’ve gone and what I’ve done and now I get to make up for lost family time now.”

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Joseph Glayshier

    Related Posts

    England has gained 900 fitness centres since 2010

    Birmingham podcaster interviews future stars 

    Over 90% of sexual assault cases reported from nightclubs and pubs closed without charge

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Listen
    bhameastside · LISTEN: How Covid-19 has impacted outpatient appointments across England and Wales
    Recent Posts
    • England has gained 900 fitness centres since 2010
    • Birmingham podcaster interviews future stars 
    • Over 90% of sexual assault cases reported from nightclubs and pubs closed without charge
    • Drag show stars bringing arena tour to Birmingham
    • Charity changes name to become Birmingham Hospice
    • Passengers facing platform changes when £7.5million repair project begins at Birmingham New Street Station
    • Tributes pour in following death of commentator John Motson
    • Birmingham date confirmed for S Club 7 reunion tour
    Latest video stories
    April 5, 2022

    UK visas for Ukrainian refugees: long delays and an insecure scheme

    January 22, 2021

    WATCH: DAME and Shai Brides on live music in lockdown

    January 13, 2021

    WATCH: BE Talks – Black Country Blokes chat about mental health podcast

    Birmingham Eastside Talks
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qjjNdGmoqk
    About

    Birmingham Eastside covers news and events across Birmingham and the Midlands region in the UK.

    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.