Coaching Cricket Excellence interviews Middlesex's Chris Peploe
Chris Peploe is county cricket's tallest spinner standing at 6ft 5'. CCE Head Coach Peter Wellings asked his old mate 'Peps' a few questions about his cricketing experiences and his thoughts on the eagerly awaited Ashes series in Australia.
Which cricketer do you most admire?
Andrew Flintoff
What do you think the result of the forthcoming Ashes will be?
1-1
Who will be England’s key players?
Monty Panesar and Kevin Pietersen
Who do you see as the Aussie danger man?
Shane Warne
Do you see any weaknesses in the Australian team?
I think they have problems with their 3rd seamer position, much the same as they did last year. Glenn McGrath is 37 now and Brett Lee is an out and out speedster so can’t bowl too many overs. I also think their intention to use an all rounder could be a weakness as I don’t see anybody who stands out for them
England are struggling in 1 day cricket at the moment, which players do you think would do a good job in the 1 day side?
My own Middlesex colleague Owais Shah is a fantastic one day player, I’d like him to get more of a go. Jon Lewis from Gloucestershire should play as much as possible - he’s very highly rated on the county circuit.
And the test side?
Just about right I reckon.
What do you put your progression in the game down to?
Determination and a will to improve
How would you describe your batting style?
Aggressive
Any young players to look out for in county cricket?
Ravi Bopara (Essex) and Nick Compton (Middlesex)
Your proudest moment in cricket?
Taking 4 for 31 against Yorkshire in the championship this year.
How did you get into cricket?
I was encouraged by my primary school teacher Marie Holt to join Ealing CC in west London. I became a colt there and played my first senior game when I was 14. I got selected in the first team for a big league game at the age of 16 and did quite well. From Ealing 1st XI I joined the MCC Young Cricketers scheme at Lord’s at the age of 19. I learned a lot about professional cricket there and was fortunate enough to get offered a contract with Middlesex when I was 21.
Who have been your biggest influences in cricket?
Peter Wellings, Alan Price and Clive Radley
Who is your best mate in cricket?
David Holt
Your favourite drink?
It has to be water but, on the odd occasion, I can be found with a Jim Bean & Coke in hand.
Who is the best batter you’ve ever bowled at?
Darren Lehman - I still have kittens thinking about bowling to him.
What advice would you give budding young cricketers?
Work hard, stick at it and the game will reward you.
