Player Profile: Tom Abell

Player Profile
Somerset Cricket 2015
Tom Abell

Following a break through season in 2014 Tom Abell is now firmly part of Somerset’s first team and is in the plans of new coach Matt Maynard. He took time out of his busy schedule in the run up to Christmas to talk to Adam about his chances in this coming 2015 season.

From – Taunton, Somerset

DOB – 05/03/1994

Player type – Right handed batsman and right arm medium fast bowler

Squad Number – 28

Player Questions

Was it your dream as a Taunton lad to play for Somerset?
Absolutely! I can remember the special feeling of going to watch at the county ground when I was younger, and all I thought about was imagining being part of it. It is incredibly surreal to reflect upon the season and realise that I have been lucky enough to have played; it’s a very special feeling.

Being a Taunton boy, it makes it extra special for me as I have grown up coming through school, club, and the age group system aspiring to represent Somerset, and for it to have happened is incredible. It seems like yesterday I was playing at school with my mates. I don’t think I can fully appreciate what I am getting to do whilst being wrapped up in the experience.

After breaking into the first team at the end of the season; what are your goals for 2015?
My goal for 2015 is to earn my place in the side. Whilst the end of last season was such an awesome experience and opportunity, I am under no illusions as to the challenges that lie ahead. I feel I have a long way to go to emulate the abilities of the top performers at Somerset, and that is what I want to be in the future, however I know it is not going to happen overnight.

Of course I would like to hit my maiden hundred for the club, but the ultimate goal is success for the team, hopefully I can justify being part of it.

Tom Abell somerset pic playing small
Tom in action in 2014 during this break through season

What will constitute a good 2015 season for Tom Abell?
A good season for me would be firstly to cement my place in the side, and this can only be done by putting in good performances. It is hard to quantify what a good season would consist of, as I feel it would be unrealistic of me to expect to score a certain number of runs or score a certain number of hundreds having only played a handful of games.

I will of course give everything to achieve as much as possible and score as many runs as I can, however a match winning innings could mean more than a hundred. I hope to take things on from where I left off at the back end of last season, but success for me would be playing a role that benefits the side.

What will Matt Maynard bring to Somerset?
When I met Matt for the first time I was immediately struck by his enthusiasm and drive that he brings with him. I think it is an exciting new chapter for Somerset with Matt at the head of this, and have no doubt he will bring the best out of the team. I think there is a genuine feeling of excitement at the club and people will really adhere to the way in which Matt wants to runs things. I would imagine we will be pushed and be put under pressure in training in order to reach our potential, and hopefully we will reap the rewards of his influence in the 2015 season.

I think he was a hugely popular appointment amongst other guys in the changing room and this is important that the changing room and management are cohesive. I’m convinced he will help bring out the best in all of us as players, and give us as a side that edge that is needed to mix it with the best.

What ambitions do you have in the game?
I have not looked too far beyond playing for Somerset to be genuinely honest. I feel incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to represent Somerset at the top level and really hope to repay some of the faith people have put in me with success for the club. I’m incredibly passionate about Somerset and would love to emulate the successes of some of the past and present players, but that is looking a long way ahead!

Naturally, if I am good enough to earn a place at the top level then I wouldn’t say no! But I see playing for Somerset to pretty much be the top level, so hopefully I can take advantage of this opportunity I have been given.

Many thanks to Adam for the questions to Tom and to Somerset Cricket Club for making it possible. Best of luck to Tom in 2015 and thanks for the insightful answers; we’ll be sure to catch up with you next year to see how your progression is going!

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