Sam Kelsall is determined to make the most of his fresh opportunity with Staffordshire – and hopefully scratch a 10-year itch in the process.
Kelsall returned to the county fold over the winter after a period away from the Staffs set-up.
The 33-year-old was appointed as captain ahead of the 2020 campaign – which was ultimately cancelled due to the Covid pandemic – but stepped down without taking charge of a competitive game after failing to find common ground with management over certain issues.
Kelsall spent time away from the National Counties Cricket Association circuit, but returned to play for Bedfordshire in the 2024 season.
However, he’s now back home with Staffordshire and eager to play his part in another successful chapter for the county.
“I thought my chance to play for Staffs again had gone,” said the Moddershall all-rounder.
“But there were some good conversations over the winter and I wanted to get back involved.
“It’s been great, training and playing with a good group of cricketers – it’s been a really good environment.
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“There’s no point in dwelling on what happened in the past – things happened for a reason.
“If anything it’s made me hungrier to get back and hopefully contribute to winning games of cricket for Staffordshire.
“I did enjoy my time with Bedfordshire and I haven’t got a bad word to say about them, they gave me the opportunity to play at this level again.
“But ultimately I’m a Staffordshire lad and have played for the county since I was 10, so this is very much my home.”
‘Top start’
And Kelsall is part of a Staffs side who have started the season impressively.
After three years of failing to progress from the group stages of the 50-over competition, Staffordshire have bucked the trend and advanced this year.
They were beaten by Norfolk in their first match, but a hat-trick of wins against Bedfordshire, Northumberland and Lincolnshire saw them clinch the runners-up spot.
That has left them with a trip to Carlisle to play Cumbria on Sunday in the quarter-finals… and the white-ball run brings back memories for Kelsall.
He was part of the Staffs side which lost to Herefordshire at Wormsley in the final 10 years ago, before helping the county to semi-finals the following season.
“It would be nice to make up for that final defeat,” admits Kelsall. “It’s been a key factor in the winter that we want to win as many games as we can and win trophies for Staffordshire.
“It’s going to be a tough game at Cumbria. They won all four of their group matches and are clearly a good side. But we back ourselves to perform in any situation we are faced with.
“They have home advantage and I’m sure we’d have preferred that – and there might be some weather around. But as a group we can only go up there and deal with what we can control.”
‘On the right path’
Staffordshire also find themselves top of their T20 Cup group at the halfway stage of that particular competition.
Kelsall believes that while there’s obviously signs of progress, there’s a gear or two the team can move through yet.
“In the Trophy format it feels like we are just peaking at the right time,” he explained.
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“We’ve also had a couple of positive results in the T20s which has continued that momentum.
“At Bignall End (Trophy game against Lincs) not everything went our way in terms of the situation on the day.
“There was no complaining from us, though, we just went about our jobs. That’s what we have to do this weekend.
“It’s about keeping things simple. We have a clear goal and we know what’s expected.
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“We’ve won games where perhaps we haven’t played our best cricket, but we’ve done enough and found key contributions at the right time.
“I still don’t think we’ve produced that 10/10 performance yet, though.
“We want to keep getting better. We’ve spoken about players being the best on a Saturday for their clubs and then transfer that and keep improving as a group for Staffordshire.”
‘Changes’
Staffordshire have made some alterations to their squad for this weekend’s long trip north to Carlisle.
Reeve Evitts and Joe Hawkins are unavailable, with Tom Moulton and Callum Leese joining the travelling party.
Leese was in fine form last week when he hit a century – and took three wickets – in the county 2nd XI’s win against Cheshire at Knypersley.
“There’s strength in depth and you need that because there’s always going to be injuries and unavailability,” said Kelsall.
“But we’ve got a really good group of talented cricketers, both experienced and up-and-coming.
“I’m 33 now and that spurs me on – the fact I can help some of these lads along the way.”
Kelsall hasn’t been selected so far in the Twenty20 Cup matches.
However, he remains available and is also eyeing up a spot in Staffordshire’s Championship side when the red-ball action gets underway next month.
“I made myself available for all formats, so it was a selection decision about the T20s, which I have absolutely no problem with,” he added.
“I’ve had few weekends off, which has been nice.
“I’d love to be involved in the Championship games, but we’ll see what squad they go with.
“My name is in the hat for selection and I would see that as my bread and butter.”
‘Runs on his mind’
For now, though, Kelsall is focused on playing his part in continuing Staffordshire’s Trophy journey.
He’s made starts in the games so far, but wants to translate those into match-defining scores.
“That’s the life of an opening batsman,” he reasoned.
“I would have liked a bigger score so far, but I still feel as though I’ve contributed.
“I had a good start at Bignall End and I’d have liked to have pushed on from that, but it wasn’t to be.
“But I’m ready to help out in whatever way I can to ensure we keeping winning games. That makes me happy.”
Main image: Sam Kelsall is targeting success with Staffordshire. Picture: Pete Stonier