If you have been following the site recently you know I have been looking for a subject for the 2009 Case Study.

Competition has been fierce this year with cricketers of all ability levels, walks of life and ages applying. 5 dedicated souls reached the final stages with me whittling it down to just two over the weekend.

Both 'finalists' had shown great work ethic and desire to do what it takes to improve. So I decided to break my own rules and go with both.

Geraint is 22 years old and an all rounder. He started playing cricket at Abercarn Cricket Club and then 3 years ago progressed to play ECB Premier League Cricket for Newport in South Wales.  He has been playing for Newport for three seasons and has represented both the 1st XI and 2nd XI. He has also represented Herefordshire Minor Counties and Wiltshire Minor Counties as well as representing England Universities and having trials with Worcestershire CCC.

His main aim this season is to consolidate his place in the 1st XI and also his Minor Counties side. His long term goal is to play county cricket.He is spending the winter in Australia playing country cricket in Victoria to help improve and experience different conditions.

Naz has played cricket since he was 10 or 11. Until 18 he was just a leggie but now he is a batsman and can no longer bowl leg spin. He plays for Ealing Cricket Club in West London.  Usually he play 2nd XI cricket  but he had a very poor season in 2008 and ended up being dropped to the 3rd XI halfway through the season.  His goal for 2009 is to re-establish himself as a top order batsman in the 2nd XI.  In the longer term he wants to play regularly for the 1st XI (He played 5 games at the end of 2007). This is a challenging goal but he believes he can do it if he works hard and catches a few breaks.

Over the coming weeks and months you will find out more about these two as we work together to make 2009 a better season for them both. We will cover nutrition, fitness training, skill training and mental approach to the game.