I learned yesterday I won’t be able to play cricket for between four and six weeks because of a side injury. How do I feel? As though I’ve failed.
That might sound like I’m being too harsh on myself but it’s my job to be on the field and now I can’t be, so I see it as a failure in my duty. When Graeme Smith, our captain at Surrey, left because of injury, I took on certain responsibilities as his stand-in.
I had a responsibility to the 10 other blokes in the team and to the rest of the squad and because of the injury, I’m not able to do that job to my full capacity. I need to get that sorted quickly and get back as soon as I can.
It’s such a bitter pill to swallow because I’ve been playing first-class cricket since 1997 and, apart from the odd broken finger which might have forced me to miss a one-day game, I’ve never really had an injury.
I’m not very good at knowing what I’m supposed to do in these situations. Luckily, our physio, Alex Tysoe, is excellent and I will be guided by him throughout. I’m the type of person who will be desperate to get back in action and I’m sure there will be times when Alex will have to rein me in.
Vikram Solanki will take over as captain in my absence and if I can do anything to help, I will, although it’s not my place to interfere and I won’t be stepping on any toes. Wherever possible, though, I’m keen to be around the lads.
I know Vikram well from our time at Worcestershire and he has my complete blessing to take over. Ricky Ponting was consulted, too, but he didn’t feel he knew the group well enough to take on the role. Vikram is a wonderful captain, however, and I’m sure Ricky will help him a great deal.
Let’s hope that by the time I’m fit to return, results will have improved. I know we’re struggling at the moment and desperate for that first Championship win but I back every one of our players to the hilt. That belief will never wane.
Surrey’s Friends Life t20 season kicks at the Kia Oval next month with five games - including three big Friday night matches on July 5, 19 and 26. Get your tickets at kiaoval.com
