After a season hindered by injury back home, Thomas Inder has made his first trip to the UK to play for Hagley CC in the West Midlands.

Thomas has started his summer strongly, taking 10 wickets opening the bowling and scoring 339 runs at an average of 28.25, including a blistering 133 off just 108 balls against Himley CC.

We caught up with Thomas to see how he was enjoying his maiden stint abroad.

You’re a month into your overseas season now. Where are you playing, what league are you in, and which club are you representing?

I am playing in the county of Worcestershire which is in the West Midlands of England. We play in the Worcester First Division league and I play for a small club called Hagley Cricket Club 

Now that you’ve settled in, what’s one thing you have learned about your adopted hometown or village?

We have an incredibly warm and welcoming community which revolves around the club. Often on a Saturday we have locals, former club players or future club stars come down to show support. Being the overseas, particularly during the first weeks of my arrival, I had a number of people come up to me, fathers, junior coaches or older club stalwarts excited to see a new face and welcome me to the club.

What’s one fun or unique fact about your club so far that outsiders wouldn’t know?

Hagley Park in Christchurch was named after Hagley Park in England where I play my cricket. Lord Cobham from a number of generations ago sailed over to New Zealand into what is now known as Lyttelton Harbour, his Family name is Lyttelton so it was named after the family. His brothers also mapped out Hagley Park in Christchurch to be a copy of the Hagley park in England. I have been fortunate to meet the current Lord Cobham numerous times now and speak about these connections.

What’s the local pub you’ve ended up at most often, and what’s the usual order?

The cricket club is the hotspot for post-match beverages however the lads have taken me to a couple of pubs being, Robin Hood, Station Inn and The Crown Inn. My go to is either Cruzcampo which is a Spanish lager or a Camden pale ale.

What’s the best pint you’ve discovered since arriving?

The best pint I discovered so far was actually in Northern Ireland while I was visiting family. My great Uncle gave me Smithwick’s red ale to try and that went down a treat.

Who from BWCUCC do you think will have the best summer on the field, and why?

It’s hard to go past Nick Gibb. He hit an incredible purple patch during the home summer and with some of the grounds I’ve played on being rather small, a player of his calibre could easily pile on the runs. An honourable mention goes to Luke Pynenburg too as he has the ability to move the ball both ways so I could see him being a big threat with a fresh Dukes in hand.

What is your most useful travel tip since making the long haul across the globe?

Being a taller bloke, I’d say making sure to get up and walk around the plane a bit to stretch the legs and back out occasionally. Also changing the time on my phone whilst flying to the destination and try align my sleep schedule early to beat any jet lag. EG: If it’s 9pm UK time, I’d try get some sleep but if it’s 11am I’d try and stay awake. 

What European (or UK) trip are you looking forward to going on while abroad?

I’ve been to Northern Ireland to see family for the first time and that was incredible and I would like to go to Scotland as well but I’m looking forward to hopefully going into Europe more, in particular Spain or France.

What’s been the biggest adjustment on and off the field since arriving?

The biggest adjustment on the field would have to be bowling, in particular using a Duke’s ball for the first time. It’s a harder and better-quality ball compared to a kookaburra with incredible longevity in terms of movement and seam condition. It swings much more so to counteract the swing if I can’t control it on a certain day, I’ve had to develop a wobble seam/3 quarter ball. 

The biggest adjustment off the field would have to be English everyday living, being in a much bigger country means convenience is everywhere whether it’s cheap uber rides, food deliveries or the incredible meal deals.

What’s been the biggest “this is proper UK club cricket” moment for you so far?

By far having sight screens, boundary ropes and only one game on a ground every week, you don’t have to worry about overlapping boundaries like you do at the lion’s den. It makes a match day feel more intimate.

What’s been your best post-match tradition or ritual so far this season?

Definitely hooking into the free food in the pie warmer post-match, beer in hand after a home game.

Now a month in, what’s your goal for the rest of the summer?

I want to keep learning, developing and adapting. Even though conditions feel similar to home, the brand of cricket is different and I’ve been presented with challenges in ways I haven’t been exposed to before. My skills have been tested as a player already with bat and ball and I’ve been forced to build mental fortitude to get through tough periods. Off the field I want to do my best to pass on my knowledge to the junior players, being the overseas I have a gravity that tends to draw the youngsters in simply because I have an “accent.” If I can leave here knowing I’ve passed on quality tips, tricks and information I can say this trip would be a job well done.