We are now less than 3 months away from the first match of the season, which means that time is already running out for us to improve from where we were at the end of last year.

Winter nets are due to start in just over a week, and we have already had an article detailing how important it is that you approach the nets with a structure to improve. Although our squad varies greatly in levels of ability, the bottom line is that everyone can improve and therefore add more to the overall team effort.

One thing that is a new element for us all to consider is making sure that we spend more time in the middle when batting. Now that timed matches seem to be back in fashion, it is vital that everyone has a solid and stubborn defensive mode. It is virtually guaranteed that at some point during the season we will be batting for a draw. So it is no good going out there adding a quick 15 and returning to the rabbit hutch. Instead it will be about occupying the crease and frustrating our opponents into the draw.

Hanging on for a draw can sometimes be even more rewarding than actually winning. But this will not happen if we have too many batsmen who cannot defend their wicket successfully.

The fixture list is now taking shape, and it can clearly be seen that we are in for some stern tests during the course of the summer as the first 6 confirmed fixtures are all against established league teams. This is nothing for us to fear, as long as we put the hard work in during the remaining months before D day.