In the build up to the 2015 season, High Roding CC has interviewed members of the first team squad, grilling them on predicitions for the year, their personal highlights and achievements for the club.
First up is First XI all-rounder, Travis Hussain.
What was your earliest High Roding Memory?
There are too many to narrow them down into just one. So here are a few:
- Playing against Henry Olonga at the High Roding presidents day, I believe the stump he snapped is still in the pavilion
- Playing Matchplay as a top order batsman and bowl-out specialist.
- Deciding to camp up High Roding with a few of the guys, for cricket week in what turned out to be the biggest week of storms that we would have that summer. This then resulted in us sleeping in the scorebox/under the covers as we were locked out of the pavilion.
What was the best bit of sledging you’ve ever heard on a cricket field?
I am mostly sledged by my own team mates. When I had returned from uni and put on a “few” pounds, I believe the best comment was “didn’t realise we had 3 sight screens on the pitch”. However, since slimming down a bit, this has now changed to calling me “slim-fast”. But it seems that whenever I sledge a batsman, they suddenly become very good.
Funniest moment whilst playing for High Roding?
Probably more of a be there moment. But when running into bowl, Reece (WK) puts his hand up and shouts “Trav I think Craig is dead”. Look over to first slip and Craig Miller is on his back pretty much unconscious after bowling on a massive hangover. A mars bar and a couple of Lucozades soon saw him back on his feet though.
Watching Simon James chase the ball/nurse the ball to the boundary is always a good source of amusement. Just not always when its off your bowling....
What would you say your best performance was for High Roding?
I am still searching for that absent Century in the T-rippon. However, I have scored several 99’s, my favourite being against Galleywood, after Adam Holdgate had just had his nose broken by their opening bowler.
However, I always prefer the knocks where you bat through for not very many to support the batsman scoring all the runs, like when Reece and I batted together at Peveral last season, to turn around a collapse in our batting.
Predictions for this season?
I predict another season of terrible banter, mixed performances, but as always HR will finish strong. It is always a difficulty with a number of our younger members playing school cricket, and this year we have lost two key players. However, I believe that there is some excellent talent in our side, and if we can get a core team out every week then we have every chance of finishing near the top of the table.
What is your song of choice at the 6 a side karaoke?
We are the Champions – enough said.
Worst wicket you’ve ever played on in the T-Rippon?
Has to be Thurrock last season.... in possibly the worst conditions I have ever played in as well.
Favourite HR player?
I don’t have favourites. We play as a team and we lose as a team.....I love the commitment we have from players such as Angus Burns who commutes from Manchester to play for us, and the talent that we have in the side comes from every single player.
Favourite shot?
Off my legs – over mid-wicket. Although generally any shot that doesn’t get me out.
Best ground you’ve played at in cricket?
There are a few that come close for different reasons. The Royal Artillery Ground (London), Empire Masters (Barbados), Grace Road (County Ground Leicester), Aquinas College Perth (Most picturesque ground I have played at)
Describe your cricketing personality in 3 words.
Passionate, Aggressive, Confident