We only have two weeks to go until the season starts and yesterday morning we found ourselves waking up to a snowbound winter wonderland.

However, this strange weather did not impede my continued preparation for that first game on Nazeing Common.

My daughter was massively excited by the carpet of snow and wanted to go and play in our local park. I obliged her wish and used the unique circumstances to engage in some impromptu fielding practices.

While she put all her efforts into making a snowman, I made a cricket ball shaped snowball and practiced catching skiers. Although not perfectly reflective of a match situation, it certainly helped me practice getting into good catching positions and brought back those “Good feelings” of catching one.

I also took the opportunity to practice throwing at the stumps by hurling snowballs at the supporting metal frame of the swings. This proved to be particularly satisfying as a direct hit was accompanied by an explosion of snow and a loud thumping noise.

Once the snow had melted by mid afternoon I continued my preparation by re-gripping the new club bat and my own bat. This is something that really gets you in the zone for cricket. It is literally man with his weapon preparing for war !

On the subject of gripping, it should be noted that bats are usually re-gripped every year. However, if you did not get to use the bat much last year, you will probably get away with another year. If you do need a new grip, the official club pink grips are still available at the bargain price of £2 per grip. If you would like another grip, please email admin@rosanericricket.co.uk .