by Abhai Sawkar New Zealand’s senior domestic cricket scene is currently buzzing with numerous future international stars, and Otago pacer Tommy Clout is among them. The 26 year old made his First Class debut in February 2019, followed by his List A debut in January of this year. Whilst things didn't exactly go as planned in either match, he’s evidently shown glimpses of being the kind of player who’s got what it takes to make it at the highest level. His early cricketing career was nothing special, but the timely appearance of some extra height gave him the extra push needed to persevere. “I started playing cricket at age 10 at Pillans Point Primary School,” said Clout. “I was pretty rubbish to be honest until I had a growth spurt in year 12 at Tauranga Boys College. I got a little bit of height and started just trying to bowl as fast as I could. I was an absolute spray can with the new nut and didn’t have a great cricket IQ.” The extra height was seemingly the missing piece of the puzzle, as it wasn’t long after his growth spurt that Clout was chosen for higher honours. He’d eventually make it to the 2012 Under-19 World Cup - despite not getting the much-coveted game time, the experience overall was something to savor. “I think I made my debut for Tauranga Boys College First XI, Bay of Plenty U17’s and then Northern Districts U17’s in the same season. That was probably the first time I felt like I could play at a higher level.” “I was included in the NZU19 World Cup squad as a last minute injury cover for Ed Nuttall I believe, although I never actually got to actually pack my bags. It was still pretty cool knowing I was in the mix. Some of my most memorable and enjoyable cricketing memories would be playing for Bay of Plenty in our various Hawke Cup [District Association competition] wins from 2012-2016. Nothing can beat a Benny Wills and modcom celebration.” Clout has an eclectic mix of cricketing role models, including some of the prominent fast bowlers from the current scene. For him, both raw pace as well as dexterous swing bowling were enjoyable to watch. It’s no secret that the Blackcaps’ pace kingpin is his favorite cricketer - having grown up in Tauranga, he also went to the same school as New Zealand’s current skipper too. “As a left armer from Tauranga, Trent Boult was probably my biggest inspiration during my teenage years. We had a little bit to do with each other through the Northern Districts set up and club cricket. Kane Williamson was also head boy at Tauranga Boys College a few years ahead of me. I definitely looked up to him (as a gun with the bat) but also just as a great bloke. In addition, I also used to watch hours of bowling videos during university lectures – my favourites are Trent Boult, Mitch Starc, Mitch Johnson, Jimmy Anderson, and Dale Steyn.” Initially, Clout consistently bowed with brisk and aggressive pace. With more and more experience under his belt, he’s tirelessly worked at perfecting a wide spectrum of deliveries, from variations in pace to producing reliable swing. At the end of the day, it’s all about backing the strong areas. “As a teenager I was able to rely on my pace. Not many high school kids liked the short ball so I definitely used that to good effect. As I’ve moved up the ranks I’ve had to rely on swinging the new nut back into the right hander and also having variations up my sleeve. My pace has probably peaked in the early 130’s so for now it’s about using what I’ve got, bowling smarter and coming up with more variations.” Having learned much of his cricket up north, Clout’s decision to relocate to the South Island in pursuit of more frequent game time turned out to be a very smart move. The Otago Volts were searching for more variety in their bowling lineup, and Clout fulfilled their desire for a left-arm pacer to replace the vastly experienced Neil Wagner. “I moved to Dunedin in August 2018. It was a very tough decision to leave the sunny metropolis of Mount Maunganui, but it felt like the right decision for my cricket. ND had a lot of bowling depth at the time, and with Neil Wagner moving from Otago to ND in 2018, I saw an opportunity for a left arm seamer in Otago. I’ve been able to play more consistent A cricket here than in the past, which helps with development. There’s a big focus in Otago on reflecting and learning, and focusing on processes rather than outcomes.” The impending first-class debut during the latter phase of the 2018-19 season against the Aces at Auckland was in many ways a pleasant surprise for the left-armer. Naturally, it was quite a bit to process in a short space of time, but he did have his moments to enjoy. While he was a bit on the expensive side, he took the wickets of Sean Solia and Ben Horne. It may have been a staggering defeat for his side, but receiving a chance to feature at the highest level of domestic cricket felt like nothing else for the talented pacer. “I was pretty stoked. I was included in the 12 to go to Auckland for a Plunket Shield game. I actually expected to run the drinks that game, and then potentially play the next game against CD. I warmed up with the team and at 10am was told I was in the playing XI and would be taking the new ball, starting at 10:30am. I was pretty nervous and it took a couple overs to settle in. But then I nicked off Sean Solia with probably the best delivery of my life to a left hander. We ended up losing the match but it was still an awesome experience, and I felt very honoured to be the 600th first class cricketer for Otago.” Nearly 11 months later, Clout would go on to make his first appearance in the Ford Trophy: he played twice against the Central Stags. While he didn’t get a wicket in either game, the exposure was very vital. Cricket aside, Clout is an accredited property solicitor. Balancing work and sports isn’t straightforward, but he is adept at creating time for both, helpfully aided by an understanding employer. As a matter of fact, his daily routine can teach us self-discipline and resourcefulness. “It’s tough doing both, but it’s doable because I love cricket. I’ve been fortunate at my current firm, Webb Farry Lawyers, to be able to work flexible hours. This gives me time to go for a bowl, shift some tin, or lace up the runners. I often go from client meetings, to cricket, quick shower, then back to the office.” With game time comes experience, and with experience comes the knowledge required to become a savvy bowler. Clout is not afraid to go in all guns blazing, and explains what game time has taught him about finding a comfortable bowling style and achieving success with it: “I felt like I bowled a much fuller length overall, and was a lot more attacking. This probably gave me more dismissals with the new ball than in previous seasons. In our training camps I struggled a bit bowling at the death, especially in T20 games. I think it’s just about being clearer with my plans, practicing my variations, and being confident I can execute those deliveries under pressure.” Unfortunately, just like many a promising young sporting career, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a temporary pause to Clout’s rise, with the 2019-20 Plunket Shield season being shortened by two rounds. As a result, he was unable to push his case for a domestic contract. On the other hand, he got plenty of work done and maintaining a strict fitness routine was not hard at all. “The COVID lockdown was pretty interesting. I was fortunate enough to be able to work from home. I set up a little office in my room and worked during the day, then could hang out with my flatmates Cam, Kristy, Bailey and DJ Dondi in the evenings. I kept fit with a few home circuits and Les Mills GRIT classes.” Otago may not have offered Clout a contract for the 2020-21 season, but this has only motivated him further. Last season he entered the mix, but this time around the focus will continue to be centered on building from that momentum shift. Now that he has more experience in the arsenal, Clout aims to make an impactful re-entry to the Otago setup. In addition, another testament to his dedicated approach is his proficiency in multiple sports - when he’s not playing cricket, he’s also a handy golfer and rugby player, too. “I missed out on a playing contract for the upcoming season, but still see opportunities to actually play, so will continue to dedicate myself to cricket as much as I can around work. I’m currently playing a bit of rugby and a lot of golf, but plan on getting stuck into cricket preseason training in the next few weeks.” It was a breakthrough 2019-20 season for Clout, and it’s known that he has prodigious potential. With a well-established work ethic and a constant drive, his upward trend is surely set to continue. *Special thanks to Matthew Walsham for helping build and edit the story.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorsAkseli Pitkänen Archives
September 2020
Categories |