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Amelie Munday: “I just want to keep pushing”
Amelie Munday is enjoying life as a professional cricketer.
“I’m loving it,” she said when we spoke to her recently at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
The 22-year-old all-rounder and former University of Exeter student is settling in nicely. “The time has gone so fast,” she explained. “The summer has come around so quickly. Because you love it, time just goes by so fast.
“It’s been challenging on the body, but I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it. Getting to do what I love every day is just great. As I said, it’s been challenging at times but there have been so many high points already. It’s rewarding when you can see the development that you’re making and hopefully we can now transfer that outside.
“I ran drinks for Western Storm a few times last season, so I got to know a few of the girls and the transition into the team environment has been super smooth.”
Amelie spent part of the winter in Australia, and she feels that the time she spent Down Under has improved her game.
“I feel like it was hugely beneficial,” she explained. “I learned a lot and I feel like I’ve come on leaps and bounds this winter.”
Originally a wicket keeper, Amelie has signed for Somerset as a top order batter who bowls medium-fast pace. How did this transition occur?
“I’ve been keeping since I was a kid and I loved it because I’m very loud and I love to always be in the game, but we’ve got some incredible ‘keepers here and I wasn’t good enough, and that’s fine. I’ve always enjoyed bowling but never really got the opportunity because I was a ‘keeper. I’m quite tall and have always had a decent action, so now the gloves have gone in the bin and it’s paying off.”
What does she want to achieve this season?
“We want to do our best as a team and everyone just wants to win. If we can stick to our plans, work as a unit and work alongside each other, then we should be able to smooth over any lumps and bumps that we come across. If we can follow through on our plans, then the rest should take care of itself.
“I look back now at when I started when I was about 10. That girl would never have thought that I could end up here, so I’m hugely proud of myself for getting here. I’m really grateful to everyone who has helped me to get here. I just want to keep pushing and see where I can get to.
“You can feel in the dressing room what cricket means to people in the region. We have a huge sense of pride that this is our job. I used to come down to the ground with my dad when I was 15 to get my bats and to watch cricket. It’s a beautiful part of the world and we have a great stadium to be able to call home.”
What’s it like to now be a role model for young cricketers in the region?
“When I was playing club cricket, I remember that I used to look up to the girls who were older than me in my team. They had an influence on me and similarly we want to be able to inspire girls and boys to get into cricket. To be someone who makes them want to shoot to the stars is a dream come true.”
What’s it been like training with Somerset Men?
“It’s been great. I knew a few of them already and recently I did some bowling at Alfie Ogborne. I wanted to bowl an over of bouncers and he was happy to get involved so I just bowled at his head, and it was good fun! It’s really nice to have this mixed environment and everyone’s been really welcoming.”
