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Alfie looking for more in 2024
Left arm seamer, Alfie Ogborne made his County Championship debut in 2023 in the home match against Hampshire.
Unfortunately, that elation turned to disappointment for the 20-year-old because he missed the rest of the season with a shin injury.
Alfie is now back in training at the Cooper Associates County Ground and raring to go!
“Things are going really well for me and it’s great to be back training with everyone again,” he said when we spoke to him earlier this week. “I just love being back here with the boys because there’s such a good atmosphere here.
“The shin injury is the first injury I’ve ever had, so to be back playing cricket again is so special. I feel so different about the game than how I used to, and I’m really desperate to get better all the time.
“I’ve got some good role models here in people like Tom Abell and Craig Overton, and everyone is on the same page and working for each other. There’s a really good atmosphere around the place.”
Alfie talked a little more about his injury.
“I had a stress fracture to my shin, and it caused me a lot of pain. It held me back from being fully able to contribute to the bowling attack in the game against Hampshire, which we were so close to winning.
“To miss the latter part of the season was really disappointing, but the Club, the players, the coaches and physio staff have all been very supportive. They all said that these things happen to bowlers, and that made me feel a little bit more relaxed.
“To miss the 50-over competition and have to sit on the sofa and watch was really frustrating, but I’m really excited to be back to full fitness and bowling again.
“This time away had allowed me to reflect really positively. Instead of being upset and anxious about not being in the positions I want to be in, I’m actually really excited because to even be in this environment means you have to be doing something right.
“I’ve now started to swing the ball a little bit more and we’ve seen some good progress with that.
“Andrew Griffiths (Interim Bowling & Assistant Coach) is still helping me out with my bowling alongside additional input from Jason Kerr (SCCC Head Coach) and I am building up to a good pace at the moment.
“Having been here for 12 months or more means that I really feel that I know everyone much better and that everyone is behind me. In fact, we are all behind each other. Although we are all competing with each other to get into the First Team you don’t see that at all. We really do try and help each other whenever we can. I just love being in this environment and being around these people.”
Alfie also talked about living in Taunton and what it’s like to be a Somerset player in the local community.
“Being able to chat with people in town is so good. People have asked how I am and how my injury is, and you can tell that they really care. That’s a motivating factor for me to keep on working hard in the gym and I’ve made some good progress since we have been back.”
Looking ahead Alfie said: “I’d like to get back to bowling at full intensity as soon as possible because I’m still off a short run at the moment and I want to build my body up to cope with the demands that will make on me.
“I’ve also been looking into potentially going out to bowl abroad, maybe as a net bowler for a short while with one of the franchise teams. I’d love to do that and be around international players and get their feedback on what I could do better.
“There’s no better preparation than being out playing on the grass and if that happens then that could really benefit me. I would genuinely like to do that.
“In March we are off to Abu Dhabi which will come round very quickly. Going there last year just blew me away really. The facilities are second to none and everyone is so welcoming. I’m very very lucky to be getting that opportunity again.”
Looking towards 2024, Alfie said: “I’d to think that I’ve put my foot in the door a little bit after the Hampshire game. I know we’ve got an exceptional bowling attack here with a lot of depth, but I’d like to think that they can put their faith in me a little bit.
“My target is definitely First Class cricket. I want to play more games next year and be knocking on the door all the time. It’s a dream to win the County Championship with Somerset and with every ball I want to take a wicket and I want to win every game.”
