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Josh reflects on “amazing” decade
It’s 10 years since Josh Davey made his First Class debut for Somerset against New Zealand. Since then he has taken 306 wickets across all formats and helped Somerset to lift silverware.
Josh started his cricketing career with Middlesex but was released near the end of the summer of 2013. Late on that season he played for Somerset Second XI as a triallist and impressed Dave Nosworthy, the then Director of Cricket, and was invited to spend the following winter training at Taunton. That was the start of his journey with Somerset.
Sitting in the sunshine at the Cooper Associates County Ground before heading off to Abu Dhabi on pre-season tour, the 34-year-old said: “The time has just flown by, but I remember that first day. I was driving down here and was so close to turning round and going back home. I even phoned my Dad and said I wasn’t sure that I could do this and be away from home and the family. However, I’m glad I did stick it out because I’ve created a life down here in Somerset and it’s been an amazing 10 years.
“It was a massive shock coming from the city to live here. It’s a very big change and it did take time to adapt to the town and make new friends but eventually you start a new life. I met my wife here and now we have a son, so this is my home.
“I was 23 when I was released by Middlesex, and I was probably going to give myself just one more good shot at trying to get back into the professional game.
“I remember I had a really good start to my very first season here and took a five-for in the pre-season game and scored runs in the Second Team, so Nos (Dave Nosworthy) then gave me a summer contract.
“Somerset gave me a second chance. The door opened and I broke it down and got back in since when it’s almost been step by step from there. That’s how I tried to approach it: get into the One-Day team, become a regular, get into the Championship side and try to back it up with consistent performances, and I think I’ve kind of done that.
“I then got capped and have become a regular member of the First Team, so it’s gone the way that I hoped. The only thing missing is winning the Championship!”
During his 10 years, Josh has played in some important matches.
“It’s always the trophies that you remember,” he said. “The One-Day season when we won the cup final was good, that was so enjoyable and the first trophy that I’ve been part of.
“There are also personal milestones in there like taking five wickets for the Club and then winning that trophy at Edgbaston. We’re very consistent and are always there or thereabouts on Finals Day.”
There is one more trophy that Josh would like to add to his collection.
“We just hope that this is the year that we finally win the Championship. I’d be really gutted if I ended up not winning a Championship title during my time here.
“It feels like that would be a fairytale ending and that’s what I’m hoping for. To come from being on trial to taking the wicket that wins the Championship would just be a dream come true and I think we just have to keep aspiring to that.
“I’ve had a very good winter and worked on a couple of technical things with Steve Kirby, so my body is good, and I feel in a good place. I’m in a much better place with my action than I was at the end of last year. Hopefully, what I’ve done during the winter will be beneficial during the coming season.”
