Cunningham makes most of break

Will Johnston 

An unexpected, extended break from English cricket has been good for Emily Cunningham.

Covid-19’s travel restrictions have forced the 23-year-old to stay home in Taranaki.  Since 2016, the opening batsman has played for Finchampstead and Middlesex Academy along with Berkshire in its women’s county side.

 “It’s great to have a wee break from cricket. I’ve dialled it back to one technical batting session a week with Jamie [Hinds coach] instead of the six games in England.

“It’s much better for my confidence and technique as I feel unstoppable in the nets instead of the disappointment of getting yet another single-digit score in a game,” she said.

With a spot in the Hinds Twenty20 and one-day sides, Cunningham was working on a couple of key components and weaknesses in her game.

“Fingers crossed they will be turned into strengths in time for the season.”

Outside of the throwdowns in the nets, Cunningham kept herself fit by playing for Stratford Hockey Club in the A and B competitions and Peringa United Football Club.

“Apart from playing football in the park in England, I’ve never really played before, but I’ve picked up the sport pretty fast and am mostly playing goalie but on the odd occasion I’ll come out of goal for the second half as a striker.”

Looking back at her time in England, Cunningham said it was a great experience for a cricket lover because there were plenty of opportunities to play.  

“If you wanted to, you could almost play every day for various teams and it was all played on grass wickets that were lovingly prepared at every cricket club.”

She said there wasn’t a lot of time to train but to just play, a dream for any cricketer.

The highlight was the English teas during the cricket break consisting of homemade sandwiches – ham and cheese and sometimes if they were lucky salmon and cream cheese – scones, biscuits, fresh fruit and other treats.

The draws for the 2020/21 season are yet to be released, but the Hinds will assemble for a camp this weekend and again in November in time for the season’s start.

Photo: Central Districts Cricket Association