Dragons T20 captain shares his top fitness tips

When it comes to being a domestic T20 Challenge cricketer, fitness is a daily task and considered one of the main priorities, not only on the field but off the field as well.

Pushing one’s body to its maximum requires professional cricketers to not only exceed personal limits but also challenge themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.

When it comes to the fitness regime of a professional cricketer, one might be surprised to learn the ins and outs of the dynamic approach taken by different athletes to meet personal goals as well as playing needs such as perfecting their bowling swing or becoming faster in their run-up.

• How often do you train?

I try to get to the gym or train every day, just to keep fit and get better every day.

• What does your typical gym routine consist of?

Typically stretching depending on how I feel as well as strength training or cardio.

• Do you follow a specific diet or nutrition plan to support your cricket performance?

During the season I don’t necessarily follow a specific diet or nutrition, I have been around long enough to know my body and know what foods to eat and avoid.  Closer to match days I try to be as consistent as possible with my eating.

• Do you engage in any other fitness activities outside of cricket training?

Other than normal gym work, I also do Yoga, Hot Yoga, a few HITT classes, indoor soccer, and padel.

• What role does fitness play in your life as a professional cricketer?

It helps to keep my base level high enough to avoid or reduce the risk of injury.  It also makes for speedy recovery when injured and to stay fitter and make sure I am available for selection.

• What advice would you give to someone looking to make fitness more enjoyable?

To play a sport outside of cricket that you enjoy that is high intensity.  A sport that is not too difficult to do, for example squash or indoor soccer.

• What is your number one fitness tip/trick?

To be consistent with it.

• What’s your number one fitness must-have accessory?

My watch as it helps me track and monitor data and my workload.

• What motivates you when training to always give 100% to the task at hand?

I guess we all have our Why and I guess that motivates me to stay consistent and to get the work done and at the best of my ability.  Enjoyment has also played a major role in in motivating me.  I love cricket and it is something I have always wanted to do professionally, and I am thankful to have been able to achieve a few things in the game but there is still more that I look forward to achieving and to do my best daily.

• Who has played an important role in your sporting journey?

My mom has always been a constant and is always there to support me and see me through and I appreciate that very much.