SPIN chat to Surrey’s Matthew Spriegel about the 2011 season and the future

Surrey’s 2011 Season

 “Obviously 2011 was a very successful season for us.  I think momentum is really important in cricket. The way we finished the year with those championship wins just kept increasing our belief and confidence. As a squad we really believed we could win promotion even though the start of the season wasn’t completely consistent.   Our main aim from the start of the season was to get promoted to division 1 and started solidly but we couldn’t find a way to win at first.  But we dug in and started finding ways to take 20 wickets and the momentum built.  Different people were stepping up in different games which is a massive part of being a successful squad. Not relying on one person game after game.

 Having Pragyan Ohja was obviously a massive bonus for us at the back end of the season.  Someone who can bowl with that consistency and skill from one end is really going to boost your chances especially as he could come on after 30 overs when the tiflex ball had gone a bit softer and still take wickets. 

 2010 was a disappointing season, it’s hard to say what has brought the turnaround but we made some very good signings.  Such as Zander De Bruyn and Tom Maynard.  And Ohja at the end of the season.  This helps boost the rest of the squad but it’s a young side and was only going to get better with more experience.  We’ve been led incredibly well by Rory and Chris Adams and the backroom team.  I think we’re only going to get better and better as the young guys continue to learn and improve.  But there’s so much talent in our dressing room.  It’s a very exciting time at Surrey. 

 Personal season

 “I didn’t play any championship games.  I was obviously frustrated that I didn’t play at all last year.  I’d love to be playing championship cricket. I don’t want to be labelled as purely a one day player.  But the way the squad was all the guys were performing so I just wasn’t able to force my way into the team.  There were no injuries and no dips in form and the team was relatively consistent.  I like to think I was next in line – I might not have been but I like to think so.  But when the team is winning you aren’t going to change a winning side and a winning formula.  

 I know what I’ve got to do – I’ve got to show that I can get the runs at 2^nd team level and in one day games and put pressure on the guys in the side and try and force my way in.  That’s my ambition and when I get a chance I know I have to take it. 

 It’s up to me now to go away and work on the things I need to work on and put the pressure on the other guys.

 I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t considered looking at moving away from Surrey to try and get some championship cricket.  That’s the way a county player gets judged – how they play in 4 day cricket.  Not many cricketers have a long career if they solely play one day cricket. I know that I need to be playing 4 day cricket as well as the shorter formats and that’s what I want to do. “

 Future

 “I’ve recommitted to Surrey – my future is with Surrey I hope.  I’ve played for Surrey since I was 8, it’s the only county I’ve ever really wanted to play for and that’s played a big part in my decision to stay even though I was frustrated that I couldn’t break into the 4 day side.  I know have things to work on and I constantly strive to improve.  But it is a very strong and close squad and that’s really important.  It makes going in to work a real joy. I think this comes across.  We clearly enjoy each other’s success and celebrate it all together.  It’s a really great place to be at the moment.

 I’m really excited about next season and I see know reason why we won’t be successful in division 1.   It’s a settled squad and I think we can go as far as we want to really.  There is so much talent and potential at Surrey.   And for me personally, obviously I want to break into the first team for Championship cricket and I’ll be using the winter to continue to improve my skills and keep my fitness up.  I’m in this country in the run up to Christmas to do some training and hopefully see a couple of AFC Wimbledon matces and have a little break from cricket.  Then I’m hoping to go to South Africa for 8 weeks or so to get outside in the sun for a bit and do some training outdoors before we all return for the pre-season training and boot camps.”

Matthew Spriegel (Surrey CCC) is exlusively represented by Total Sport Promotions Ltd – for more information go to www.totalsportpromotions.com