It will be quite the family affair for Staffordshire’s Dan Lincoln on his NCCA Championship debut for the county this weekend.
Lincoln will make his three-day bow for his new county in the opening Division One East game of the summer against Buckinghamshire at Chesham, starting on Sunday.
And there will be a familiar face in the Buckinghamshire ranks as younger brother Josh prepares for his Championship debut for his new side.
The Lincoln brothers enjoyed huge success on the National Counties Cricket Association scene with Berkshire, but opted for fresh challenges over the winter.
So while Dan was heading north to join Staffordshire, Josh was staying slightly closer to home after signing for Bucks.
And in a quirk of the fixtures it means that the Lincoln family bragging rights will be an intriguing sideshow to the main event of picking up points for their respective sides in the opening red-ball clash.
‘Competitive edge’
“It’ll be a little different, that’s for sure,” said Dan.
“We’ve spent so many years playing together for Berkshire that it’ll feel strange lining up on opposite sides for the first time.
“That said, once the game starts, we’re both fiercely competitive and we’ll each be doing everything we can to help our own team win.
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“He’s in fine form at the minute, so hopefully we can keep him quiet for a couple of days! It’ll be great to share the field again, just in different colours this time.
“It’ll be nice at the end of each day’s play to catch up over some food and a beer.”
‘Inside track’
The two brothers play club cricket together for High Wycombe – and that presents Dan with a valuable insight into Bucks’ strengths and weaknesses.
He’s well versed in the challenges Staffordshire are likely to face, but concedes his club connections mean he’s not a surprise package either.
“Playing my club cricket at High Wycombe means I know a lot of the Bucks players well, both as team-mates and opponents, so there’s definitely a level of familiarity on both sides,” admitted Dan.
“That probably works both ways—they’ll know a fair bit about my game too.
“We’ll do our homework as we always do, but once you’re out in the middle it’s about executing your own skills and adapting to the situation.
“Local knowledge can help around the margins, but these games are usually decided by which team performs best under pressure on the day.
“It doesn’t get much tougher than starting against the reigning champions, but it’s also the kind of challenge you want.
“If you have ambitions of competing for the Championship, you have to test yourself against the best.
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“Bucks have set the benchmark over recent years, so we know it’ll be a tough contest, but there’s a real belief within our dressing room.
“We’ve built some good momentum, and we’ll go into the game with confidence while respecting the quality of the opposition.
“It’s a great opportunity to see where we’re at as a group, and we’re all looking forward to the challenge.”
‘Positive impression’
Lincoln’s arrival in Staffordshire was certainly an eye-catching signing ahead of the new season.
He has won 20 NCCA titles across his career – and the opportunity to secure his services was one too good to turn down.
Lincoln says he’s been warmly welcomed into his new surroundings.
“My first few months with Staffordshire have been extremely positive. From day one, I’ve felt welcomed by both the players and staff, and it’s been an environment where I’ve been able to settle in quickly,” he explained.
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“I’ve really enjoyed being part of a group that is ambitious and committed to improving. The standards around the squad, the professionalism, and the willingness of everyone to work hard have made it an enjoyable place to play.
“It’s also been refreshing to experience a different environment and build new relationships after spending so many years with Berkshire.
“Personally, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of contributing both on and off the field. As someone who has captained and coached extensively, I like helping to create a positive culture while continuing to develop my own game.
‘Good times ahead’
“I’m excited about what we can achieve together and I’m looking forward to building on these first few months over the rest of the season and beyond.
“I think we’ve got a really strong squad with a great balance of experience and young talent. There are players who have been performing consistently at this level for a number of years, alongside some exciting younger players who have the ability to make a real impact.
“What has impressed me most is the depth within the squad. There’s healthy competition for places, which naturally raises standards, and everyone is pushing each other to improve. The attitude around the group has been excellent, with players willing to learn, work hard and put the team first.
“I genuinely believe the squad has the talent to compete with anyone. If we continue to develop together, stay consistent and keep building on the culture that’s already in place, there’s no reason why we can’t be challenging for silverware.”
‘Season assessment’
Lincoln helped Staffordshire to progress to the quarter-finals of the Trophy before they were beaten by one wicket by Cumbria.
However, their bid for Twenty20 Cup glory continues after they topped their group to earn home advantage in the Super 12s stage.
And that format saw Lincoln register his maiden Staffordshire half-century in the twin wins against Cheshire at Burslem.
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“Of course, there was disappointment in the Trophy quarter-final. Whenever you get yourself into the knockout stages, you want to go as far as possible, so it was frustrating to come up short,” said Lincoln.
“That said, it’s important not to lose sight of the progress we’ve made and the quality we’ve shown throughout the competition.
“The T20 campaign has been a real positive. We’ve played some exciting cricket, shown a lot of character in key moments and built some strong momentum.
“The challenge now is to keep those standards high, not get ahead of ourselves, and make sure we give ourselves the best possible chance of finishing the job. We know there’s still plenty of hard work ahead, but there’s a real belief within the group about what we can achieve.
‘Relief’
“It was nice to get my first half-century for Staffordshire, and if I’m honest, it probably felt a little overdue.
“It certainly wasn’t my most fluent innings, but sometimes you have to find a way to contribute even when you’re not at your very best.
“What made it even more enjoyable was watching our captain (James Kettleborough) at the other end.
“He was as fluent as I’ve seen him, and it was a pleasure to share that partnership.
“Ultimately, personal milestones are always secondary to the team winning, but it was nice to get that first fifty on the board and hopefully it’s the first of many.”
‘Three-day challenge’
And Lincoln is hoping there will be more landmarks in the Championship campaign.
He’s sampled great success during his career – and says Staffs have a genuine shot at challenging for another red-ball title.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to win multiple Championships with Berkshire, and those experiences taught me what it takes to compete successfully in the three-day Championship,” he explained.
“It’s a format that rewards consistency, resilience and the ability to perform across three full days, rather than just in moments.
“I believe this Staffordshire squad has everything needed to compete for the three-day Championship.
“There’s a strong blend of experience and young talent, and if we continue to build on the standards and momentum we’ve created, there’s every reason to believe we can challenge for honours.
“I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping us achieve that.”
Main image: Dan Lincoln is loving life with Staffordshire after making the move from Berkshire. Picture: Roger Byrne