The countdown is on to the start of the 2010/11 domestic cricket season and wholehearted Wellington Firebirds all-rounder Dewayne Bowden is fired up and ready to smash into it.
The 28-year old left-handed batsman and bowler and part-time glazier was one of a handful of Wellington based players who didn’t go overseas at the end of last season and although it was tough not playing in the northern hemisphere during the New Zealand winter he made the most of his time.
“I did plan on going overseas, however my visa took too long,” Bowden explained. “I’ve been to the UK before however this time a few things didn’t fall into place.”
He was contracted to play for a club in England, however he was able to get his old job back in Wellington and was able to focus on his cricketing skills during the winter months. “Before I played cricket I was a glazier, and I was lucky enough to get my job back for six months,” he said. “I hate the winter weather! But it was good to keep busy and continue training for cricket in Wellington.”
He worked four days a week as a glazier and spent the rest of the time honing his cricketing skills and ensuring his fitness was up to standard. He thinks that dedication over the colder months has put him in good stead for the forthcoming season. “I was training a lot. I got in the nets and spent the whole winter inside. I was focusing more on Twenty20 specific batting and bowling as well as fitness work with the trainer.”
Recently the Firebirds were put through their paces with a fitness test and Bowden was happy with his results. “The people who stayed here over the winter did quite well in the test as we focused on our skills and maintained our fitness and strength,” he said.
The born and bred Wellingtonian is hoping his hard work will help contribute to match winning performances for the Firebirds this season. “I’ve been with the side five years and we haven’t won any silverware,” he said. “The main goal is to win something this year.”
Bowden made his debut against the Northern Knights at the Basin Reserve in February 2006, scoring 49 and picked up a couple of wickets. Since then he’s played 85 matches for the Firebirds across all three forms of the game, including 31 Plunket Shield games, and has become a vital cog in the side’s success with both bat and ball.
He’s scored a first-class century, also against the Northern Knights, and many of his 104 combined wickets for Wellington have been partnership or match breakers.
The team environment has also changed within the Firebirds squad heading into this summer, with new leadership and an emphasis on professionalism. “We’ve made a few changes and become more professional, especially around diets, fitness and training,” he said.
“Grant Elliott (the new Firebirds captain) is a top man and a top captain. He’s got a lot of knowledge and respect from the team. He and Jeetan Patel will lead the way.”
Their new look line up also includes wicketkeeper Joe Austin-Smellie and former Canterbury Wizard Leighton Burtt. Bowden thinks their inclusion in the squad is a very positive thing. “Burtt is an awesome player and he plays with a bit of venom and pace, which is great,” Bowden said. “I’ve also played with Joe for a few years. He’s got big boots to fill, but he’s very athletic and will do well.”
The Firebirds have also signed English international Luke Wright for the HRV Cup. Bowden said the HRV Cup will be an exciting time and he’s looking forward to playing along side and against some of the sport’s biggest names. “The HRV Cup is always fun. There are some big names coming,” Bowden said.
With a line-up including big international names, current BLACKCAPS and talented up and comers the Firebirds are hoping to bounce back this season. Bowden is looking forward to stepping up and facing some tough competition from the other teams. “Watch out!” he laughed, sending a message to the rival teams. “Coming off last season we didn’t do too well. But this year we have got a good side. We are going to take every day as it comes. It’s time to win something.”
The Wellington Firebirds play their first Plunket Shield match of the new season in four weeks against the Central Stags in Napier, from 9-12 November.
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