I always loved cricket, right? Saw kids playing on TV and thought why not me. But I’m 32, felt like an old dog learning tricks. Checked age rules first – turns out no hard cutoff! International leagues want youngsters but local clubs take anyone who can swing a bat. Massive relief, yeah?
Getting Started
Went straight to Decathlon for gear. Grabbed a cheap bat, plastic balls, some cones for fielding practice. Didn’t wanna blow cash if I sucked. Youtube became my coach – searched “cricket batting beginner” and binged tutorials till midnight. First swing felt like chopping wood with a toothpick!
My basic routine looked like this:
- Monday/Wednesday: Stance and blocking practice against the garage wall
- Tuesday/Thursday: Bowling at milk cartons in the backyard
- Weekends: Fitness runs around the park like a madman
Joining Up
Googled local clubs after 3 weeks. Found “Sunbury Cricket Club” taking adult newbies. Walked in sweating buckets – guys were half my age but coach said “Age? Just show up regularly!” Paid £80 for seasonal membership. Got paired with 19-year-old Arjun who bowls like a machine gun. First net session? Embarrassing! Couldn’t connect bat to ball, got tagged in the ribs twice. Went home bruised but grinning.
The Reality Check
After two months, learned age ain’t the real barrier. It’s time! Job/kids mean I practice 4 hours weekly while teenagers do 4 hours daily. Coach put me straight: “County teams recruit teens but village leagues need bodies!”. Now playing Sunday matches batting number 11. Still get out for ducks mostly but caught my first catch last week!
Final take? Anyone can play cricket if your knees work. Don’t chase pro dreams at 40 – just join a club, swing hard, and enjoy the beer after matches. That’s the real trophy!
