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Jake has the Championship in his sights
Jake Ball is looking to add a County Championship winners medal to his personal collection.
During his career to date, the seamer has won the Blast and One-Day Cup with Notts as well as appearing in four Test Matches, 18 One-Day Internationals and two IT20s.
The Championship title is the only one missing from his tally, and he thinks his new team is capable of challenging for that elusive trophy.
“I’ve won a T20 and a One Day Cup and now I’ve come here I’d like to complete the set and win the Championship with Somerset,” he said. “I think we’ve got a great opportunity over the next two or three years, once these young lads get a bit more experience under their belts.
“There’s an exciting group of players here. We’ve got a lot of youngsters who can go all the way over the next two or three years which is great for the Club and for me.
“I have had my injuries over the last few years, but they are hopefully behind me now and I’m looking forward. The body feels good, I’m bowling well and hopefully I can perform out on the pitch and show people what I can do again.
“Over the last few years, I seem to have played a lot of T20 cricket. Somerset won the Blast last year and we’ll be looking to do the same again this summer.
“Since 2015 I’ve been pulled away with England and haven’t had a full run at a season so I’m really looking forward to starting a summer knowing that if I stay injury free, I will have a full season.”
How has pre-season been going?
“We’ve been to Abu Dhabi, which was a really good trip, and it was great to be involved with everyone in that setting and it was good to see everyone in action. The future looks really bright for Somerset because we’ve got a lot of good young bowlers and batters coming through.
“Another nice thing for me has been getting to know the younger lads. Hopefully, I can pass on a bit of my experience and the values that I’ve learned over the years. It would be nice to play a small part in their journey.”
Where does Jake see himself fitting into the attack?
“I’d like to take the new ball, but I’m happy to play any role that’s required.
“I know how much cricket means to people in Somerset, and this is an ambitious County, that’s the reason I came here. The way the Club’s headed over the next couple of years should ensure that we will be challenging for championships, and I want to be a part of that.”
