Worcester's Pat Brown targeting a red-ball return
Fast-bowler Pat Brown has set his sights on playing red-ball cricket again following his return to full fitness.
The Worcestershire seamer, who last made a County Championship appearance in 2018, is targeting a place in Worcester’s seam attack in 2022.
The 23-year-old has battled with injury problems in recent times – but is now fully fit ahead of the new campaign.
“I would like to play red-ball cricket,” Brown said, when speaking to The Sporting Minds UK Podcast.
“I am trying to take the focus away from my white-ball game.
“There is not a number on how many games I want to play, I just want to be playing red-ball cricket week in week out.
“Even if it is in the second team pushing for a spot in the first team.
“White-ball cricket will still be my stronger suit but I think having more of a red-ball focus will help me.
“Hopefully, it should take me into the tournaments later on in the season in better rhythm and in a better place physically.”
Brown burst on to the scene in 2018 when his 31 wickets saw him become an integral member of a Worcestershire side that won its maiden T20 Blast title.
His successes for Worcestershire led to Brown receiving a maiden international call-up for England’s tour of New Zealand.
Since returning from this tour Brown has suffered multiple stress fractures to his back, a common injury among young fast bowlers. This has seen him spend a considerable amount of time on the sidelines.
Brown hopes elements contributing to his success in 2018, will have the same effect now. “If I cast my mind back to 2018, I was playing all formats,” he said.
“It really helped me going into the T20 Blast campaign and having that base to work from and those overs under my belt. I have not had that since for various reasons.”
Worcestershire had a difficult season last time out – winning just one of their first ten County Championship group matches.
Batsman Jack Haynes is delighted his teammate is available again and believes he will offer a boost to the squad.
“He is a fiery character,” Haynes said.
“Him being available for red-ball cricket is a bonus for us.
“He is a fantastic bowler, he has proven that a lot. It will be another really good bowling option for us. He will bring a lot of energy to the side and he loves other people doing well which makes him a great character to have around the dressing room.”
Brown is continuing his preparation for the upcoming campaign by featuring in the Pakistan Super League – playing for Peshawar Zalmi.
