Jake Garlick says the trust placed in him by Staffordshire’s hierarchy has played a big part in his displays this season.
The 21-year-old Moddershall seamer has been one of the county’s most impressive performers in the white-ball matches.
Garlick has been handed the new ball in both the Trophy and Twenty20 competitions – and has showcased his skills in both formats.
By his own admission, his strongest suit is the red-ball matches – which kick off later this month – but he’s pleased to have paid back the faith shown by coaches Chris Milward and Pete Wilshaw and skipper James Kettleborough.
“Me and Milly had a meeting in the winter where we said we wanted to improve my white-ball skills,” said Garlick.
“My red-ball bowling is in a pretty good place, so we’ve worked really hard on white-ball matters.
“Then to be told I was opening the bowling ahead of the first Trophy game, I have to admit I was a little bit nervous.
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“I’d gone from not playing that much white-ball cricket for Staffordshire to opening up.
“It’s great to have that backing from Ketts and knowing that I can do my job.
“It has been different. In the Trophy it’s been about trying to consistently hit the top of off stump, whereas in T20s you have to outsmart the batters a bit more with variations.
“I played two 50-over matches last year and none in the T20 Cup. So to play every game so far this season is pleasing and I have to thank the coaches and Ketts for trusting me to do the job.”
‘Business to deal with’
Garlick is part of the travelling party heading up to Carlisle for the second time in three weeks tomorrow to take on Cumbria.
Staffordshire were beaten by their rivals in the quarter-finals of the Trophy at the Edenside venue last month as they lost by one wicket defending 138.
This weekend’s encounter marks the final double header for the county in the T20 Cup – and there will be a slightly different feel about the contests.
Staffordshire have already booked their place in the Super 12s stage of the competition, but require one win to cement top spot in Group One and home advantage in the next round.
“It was disappointing the last time we went to Carlisle,” admitted Garlick.
“At the start, if you’d said we’d only get 138, we’d have wanted a few more, but we gave it everything.
“We want to go and win two games this weekend and make sure that we do finish as group winners.
“There is a little bit of comfort in knowing that we are already through, though.
“We know what Cumbria are all about – and probably what the pitch is going to do after being there the other week.”
‘Flying high’
There is little doubt that Garlick is on an upward trajectory this season.
In previous years he has been troubled by injury concerns, but – touch wood – these are behind him.
And he points to experienced players like fellow paceman Liam Hurt and new recruit Dan Lincoln for helping his development.
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“I’ve worked really hard on my fitness,” explained Garlick.
“Getting fitter has helped me to get into the white-ball team. It’s also helped because I’m now not worrying about picking up an injury.
“Hurty has been really good with me as well. It’s more mindset stuff he helps me with.
“Lincs talks to me about plans and making sure I stick to them.”
‘Looking ahead’
Once Staffordshire have completed their T20 commitments this weekend, they will quickly turn their attention to Championship matters.
They open their three-day Division One East campaign on Sunday, July 12 when they play Buckinghamshire at Chesham.
It’s part of the season which Garlick is relishing – hopefully alongside Hurt and Sam Keeling-Wright in the seam-bowling ranks.
“I feel like we’re a strong red-ball side,” added Garlick. “Last year we were one wicket away from reaching the final and we can take confidence this year from our white-ball performances.
“We’ll be targeting four wins – and I just want to play my part.
“I’ve normally bowled first change in that format, but if Ketts wants to throw me the new ball, I’m happy to do that job as well.”
‘One to watch’
Garlick’s Staffordshire displays haven’t gone unnoticed higher up the cricketing ladder. He was previously on the academy at Warwickshire and has turned out for their second XI this summer.
He was also watched by Lancashire during the Trophy game at Carlisle – another clear indication of the value of National Counties Cricket Association encounters.
And Garlick has a role model to follow after Staffs seamer Rory Haydon last year signed a pro deal with Derbyshire.
There’s also the added incentive of honouring the memory of his dad Jeff, who passed away over the winter.
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“I was with the academy with Warwickshire, but then got injured,” said Garlick.
“I’ve still been in and around them and I’ve played for the seconds and have gone pretty well. They are happy with how I’m bowling.
“When Rory was signed by Derbyshire I spoke to him about gym work and how he had persisted in getting his chance.
“That has driven me on to try to get a professional contract – and even more so with everything that happened in the winter with my dad.
“I’ve made it my mission to do it for him.”
Main image: Jake Garlick has made an impressive start to the NCCA season. Picture: David Peters