Ryan ten Doeschate / Ryan ten doeschate / 04 July 2009 / Leave a comment

Our man in the county game enjoys a birthday week off...

Our week off has flown by but Sunday's painful defeat by Hampshire and our subsequent elimination from this year's Twenty20 Cup still hurts.

The time away from cricket has been invaluable and, apart from renewing energy and interest levels, it also allows me to indulge in a few hobbies off the pitch. I celebrated my birthday in the week and, along with some other great presents, my girlfriend also spoilt me with tickets to We Will Rock You.

I'm a theatre junkie and living so close to London is brilliant as the West End has so much to offer. The talent and passion of theatre acting really stirs me and I always get shivers down my neck when I go along. It's something I did as a youngster but my singing, acting and dancing skills never developed and so I'm left to marvel at the performers' talents. It would be a dream job if I weren't a cricketer.

My competitive nature means that even when I'm having a break from cricket I'm never too far away from other sports. The British Lions tour has been fascinating to follow and, in the football season, I am a keen Arsenal fan who tries to get to The Emirates as often as possible. Or rather as often as the cricket calendar allows!

Wimbledon is another magnificent spectacle that I always follow. Inspired by Andy Murray's ever-improving chances of winning a Grand Slam, this week I took Napes (Graham Napier) down to the courts in Chelmsford and gave him a tennis lesson. But I admit he hits a tennis ball with as much power as he does a cricket ball.

I've also been following the Ashes build up and I think that England will be pleased with this week's events. Kevin Pietersen is no doubt saving his runs for a full house while all the other batsmen look in good touch. Steve Harmison is certainly giving the selectors some sleepless nights and if there's any early advantage I think that England have it.

Coming from Cape Town, where you're trapped between the sea and the mountains, has made me a big lover of the beach and walking. I did manage to get down to Walton on the Naze on Friday. While it doesn't have the fine white sand of Cape Town it is always nice to be close to the sea!

I regularly get into the mountains back home and, over here, I've got a lazy eye on doing the Three Peaks sometime. Essex is pretty flat but there are some lovely walks to enjoy, but mostly next to a river as opposed to on top of the city.

A big part of this week has been about resting and I find real relaxation in reading. I tend to enjoy non-fiction and (rather geekily) am a big fan of history books. I'm currently reading Tough Guys Don't Dance which I bought in a second-hand book store in Bangalore on the recommendation from a drunk local who had been removed from the shop for haggling over the price. It is exceptionally well written and very difficult to put down . The 100 rupees I paid was a steal and, for me at least, not worth an argument.

My winter plans are still to be finalised but I'm hoping to take up a post at a property development company in Bangkok through the PCA (Professional Cricketers Association). While a county cricket career is very fulfilling and rewarding it is also important to plan for life after cricket and the PCA is really helpful in this regard. They offer lifestyle advice and provide both planning and financial support for members who wish to study.

Before joining Essex I managed to finish a business degree at the University of Cape Town. Going into business or working in commerce is something I will definitely consider after cricket so I am always looking at what the PCA can offer and a winter in Bangkok would suit me nicely. I'd also like to compliment my degree by picking up a few extra courses but doubt whether I have the discipline to manage it alongside a cricket career.

Coaching is also something I really enjoy and I've done a fair bit over the past six years, mostly in Cape Town during the off season. There's a unique satisfaction you get from helping others, no matter what level it is at. South Africa has many development opportunities in underprivileged communities and I'd love to able to 'give back' and develop the skills and enjoyment I've learnt from brilliant coaches like Graham Gooch and Peter Kirsten.

Sportsmen and cricketers in particular can struggle to make the adjustment to life after sport. The PCA is a new and exciting organisation that can certainly help players to manage this issue better. But ultimately, just like performance, the responsibility lies with the individual. I'm staying on top of things but, for now, I want to direct most of my energy to enjoying my cricket and being the best I can.