My best year yet for Sussex – Hatchett

LEFT-ARM seamer Lewis Hatchett felt last season was his best one with Sussex County Cricket Club so far.
Lewis HatchettLewis Hatchett
Lewis Hatchett

The Upper Beeding-based bowler was involved with the first team for large parts of the campaign and he believes being injury-free played a big part in his successful season.

Hatchett has suffered with knee injuries in past campaigns but spent the entire season away from the sidelines.

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The 24-year-old took 22 County Championship wickets and said: “I think it was probably my best season since I have been at Sussex.

“The biggest achievement for me was to spend the whole season without injury and making sure I was available for selection in all the matches.

“I spent a lot of time last winter with the medical team at the club looking at ways to steer clear of injury, especially as I have had struggles with my knee in the past.

“But, fortunately this year, I did not spend any time on the sidelines and I was able to just focus on my cricket.

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“I had a good year and managed to pick up five wickets against Durham, which was great for me.

“During the season, I was also given the ball in some tricky situations, particularly in the shorter format of the game.

“I opened the bowling a few times in the one-day games and found myself bowling in the powerplay overs a fair few times, so it was a great challenge.

“It was a good season for me and one I will be looking to kick on from.”

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Hatchett will now take a few weeks off, before he hopes to be part of Sussex’s preparations in Dubai later in the year.

He said: “I was hoping to go to Australia once again this year during the winter break.

“But, providing I remain a Sussex player, I will not be going out there again this year. The club advised me to take some time off, which I will do and have two weeks to a month away from the game.”

Hatchett now hopes to continue his progress at the club and said: “My main hope for next season is to be involved in the Championship matches early on in the season.

“In the past, I have not played until the later months.

“But, hopefully, next season I can be involved from the start and bowl on some very friendly pitches in April time.”