Jack Redman is determined to make up for lost time with Staffordshire after recovering from a shoulder injury.
The 22-year-old Audley all-rounder has just made his comeback after two months on the sidelines after suffering a dislocation on club duty back in May.
There were initial fears that Redman, a left-handed batsman and off-spinner, would be ruled out for the remainder of the summer.
But he has recovered quicker than expected to return to Audley’s side and also the Staffs set-up.
He made 90 in his first county fixture back last week in the under-21s’ victory over Worcestershire Academy.
And he is now in the frame to make just his third first-team appearance of the campaign in this weekend’s Showcase Game against Leicestershire at Knypersley, having been named in the 13-man squad.
That represents a tick in the box for Redman, who can still vividly recall events on Saturday, May 20 – the day before Staffs won finals day at Tring Park to be crowned NCCA Twenty20 Cup champions.
‘Injury setback’
“I was chasing a ball to the boundary at Bagnall Norton and went to flick it back and went over on my right shoulder,” said Redman.
“Straightaway I knew it had gone and just stayed down on the floor. I tried to get up, but my body was telling me that something wasn’t right.
“My team-mates and Bagnall Norton’s players were great and supported me and then it was a case of heading up to hospital.
“Basically, the collarbone and shoulder joint are together and my collarbone had come away.
“Now I have a little ‘step’ in my shoulder for the rest of my life.
‘We just weren’t at the races for all three days’
“Initially, when I saw the doctors my first thought was ‘what have I done’ and ‘how long will I be out’ like most sports people.
“He told me not to play for the rest of the season, but I managed to heal quicker than expected. It was essentially the same injury Ollie Pope has.
“I saw a shoulder specialist and he said he didn’t want to operate. If he did it would improve things by 10 per cent and it wasn’t worth the risk.
“It was just a case of lots of rest and physio, although it was touch and go whether I’d play again this summer.
“But he’s checked my movement and this is now my third weekend back playing.”
‘Determination’
Redman admits that the injury still plays on his mind as he feels his way back on to the field.
However, he says over time it won’t prove to be an issue for him.
“It was a long eight weeks on the sidelines, but batting and bowling is fine for me,” he explained.
“It’s more a mental thing. Instincts take over in cricket when you’re fielding and in the first couple of weeks I was wary about diving.
“But I think I will be fine once the confidence comes back.”
Redman has made two appearances for Staffs this summer in a Twenty20 Cup group double header at Northumberland. But he found game time limited before his injury.
He was due to be part of the squad for finals day, but his injury the day before prevented him from being involved.
“It has been tough to take not playing for Staffs,” admitted Redman.
“We’ve got a very strong side and no-one’s place is guaranteed – it shows the strength that we have in the county.
“No-one wants to get dropped from a squad. I had conversations with Carri (Andy Carr) and Ketts (James Kettleborough) after being left out of some T20 games.
“I went away and perhaps it was a bit of a blessing because it gave me a rocket up the backside. It’s made me more determined to get back into the side and perform.
“I was over the moon to be in the squad for finals day, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.
“But I was really pleased that the lads managed to bring the trophy home, although it was tough watching it on the live stream with my sling on.”
‘Big chance’
Redman is now ready to make his mark against the pros from Leicestershire this weekend.
And he sees it as an ideal chance to push his claims to be included the last two NCCA Championship matches of the summer.
“I’m certainly looking to make up for lost time,” said Redman. “I spoke to Carri a couple of weeks ago and said I was getting back into the swing of things.
“He asked me to go and play in an under-21s game and I managed to get a score. To me, it doesn’t matter to me if it’s the under-21s, development side or the first team. It’s a chance to show off my skills playing for Staffordshire.
No miracle for Staffordshire as Bucks complete deserved victory
“It’s always a privilege to play in the first team, though. I love being involved in the squads, but you always want to be in the 11.”
Redman’s versatility has seen him bat anywhere from the top of the order to number eight.
He is also a handy off-spinner – and he’s now eager to nail down a spot to flourish for the county.
“I’ve always said that I just want to contribute for Staffordshire,” he added. “I see myself as a middle-order batsman and also providing another spin option.
“Hopefully I can get some runs on Sunday and give me a chance to get in the three-day side.”
‘Big test’
Redman featured in last season’s Showcase fixture against Leicestershire, which the Foxes won on a rain-affected day.
And he says it’s an eye-opening experience to rub shoulders with the pros.
“It was a great day last year and gave us the chance to see what level they are at and what we have to aspire to,” explained Redman.
“You just see how they go about their business off the field, not just on it. You see how a professional cricketer works.
“Then it’s a case of testing your skills against them and it can be a challenge – but it’s one that spurs you on. They have some exceptional cricketers, but we will be going out to win the match.
“Carri and Ketts have drilled that into us since the winter training programme – we want to win every game.”
Jack Redman is being kindly sponsored by Whittaker & Pointon Ltd for the 2023 season.
Picture: Jack Redman in action for Staffordshire in last year’s Showcase Game against Leicestershire at Knypersley.