Nel raring to go

Profiles / Editor / 23 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Andre Nel is enjoying his return to domestic cricket with Essex and is confident they can mount a genuine challenge for the LV County Championship Division Two title.

The South African fast bowler is available for two months while there is a break in the international calendar and is hoping the freedom of county cricket will bring out the best in his game.

"I haven't played domestically for almost two years in South Africa," he told the ECB's official website.

"But it's very different to international cricket. The nice thing is that it's not as intense. You can be more relaxed and you can have a bit more enjoyment rather than being positive and focused all the time.

"You can have a little bit more fun and you don't have as much pressure on your game. It's not as stressful as it is in international cricket."

The 29-year-old has had a chequered career and famously burst into tears in 2001 when he felled South Africa's premier pace bowler, Allan Donald, with a fierce bouncer in a domestic first-class match.

But the Transvaal-born left-hander is hoping to put the controversies which have followed him behind as he looks to lead the 2005 and 2006 Pro 40 League Champions to title glory in Division Two.

Essex, who are trading at 7.6 in Betfair's emerging 'Division Two - Winner' market, have endured a mixed start to the season, having won one, drawn one and lost two of their opening four fixtures.

Nel, however, is confident Essex have the players to compete against the best opposition.
"When you play against the top sides, I think Essex will be up for it," he said.

"We should do well because we've played good four-day cricket and we are keen to do well in the four-day competition.
"I just go on the field and give it my all every time I play. I think the biggest thing is that you can't worry about it. You have got to do the basics and get them right first."

Nel's former club, Nottinghamshire, who are unbeaten in their opening four fixtures, are the 1.63 favourites to claim the Division Two title.