Fast bowler Michael Booth took 25 wickets in his debut season with Warwickshire. And the 23-year-old has revealed his plan to top that tally next year…by becoming angry!
“Being angry is not something that comes easily,” said Booth, as he sips a glass of water in the ‘Secret Garden’ of a Jewellery Quarter bar.
We’re little more than a point to mid-wicket jog from the apartment he shares with, until recently, Chris Benjamin, and Jacob Bethell.
“I’m a pretty chilled guy so getting meaner is a big work-on in the winter. To get into the battle a bit more, psychologically. I’m too friendly! I’m trying to get more aggressive.
“I need to take some tips from Chris Rushworth. I hope he won’t mind me saying that! He gets fiery when he bowls, despite all the wickets he’s taken in his career. He’ll say what’s on his mind.
“But Bethell always says that if someone is sledging him, it inspires him to play better, gets him into a zone and a mentality like “I’m going to make this guy stay in the field all day”. So I guess you have to work out what approach is best for each batter.”
Zimbabwe-born Booth signed a three-year contract with Warwickshire ahead of last season after impressing coaches in training and several Second XI outings since 2021.
He’s clocked the quickest delivery of the current Bears seam attack – around 86mph – and is enjoying the freedom of bowling alongside experienced heads.
“It’s nice to have that duty,” he added. “The responsibility to be the one to bowl a bit quicker in short spells and try to make something happen.
“I have that freedom because there are skilful bowlers like Rushy, Barney and Olly around me who I know will keep it tight. If I get hit for a few I know I’ve still got their backing. I’d like to get more consistent at a higher pace, but in my first season I’m still learning.
“Overall I’m pleased how my season has gone. Going into pre-season I didn’t know where I stood in the side, if I’d have much opportunity. I think I played four Champo games, one T20 and the rest 50-over. It would have been nice to get on a bit of roll in the Championship, I was in and out due to injury, but I’ve really enjoyed it.
“I reckon I saved my best till last, the wicket of Joe Clarke at Notts I really enjoyed.
“The night before I was out for dinner with Barney and Milo and I said I’d not got a bowled yet in professional cricket. All my wickets had been LBWs or catches. It was a good ball, and nice to see stumps out of the ground.
“I like a big celebration. Bears fans will probably have noticed that! Often it’s just relief. The first spell of a game, all you want is a breakthrough to get your name on the scoresheet. It’s a build-up of passion.
“One of my biggest cele’s was in the T20 at Worcester. I was hit for a six off my first ball – welcome to T20 cricket – but got a wicket a couple of balls later. I don’t plan them, not like Mouse with his golf shots, or Hassan with his explosion.”
Booth – who studied at Durham University and played in the uni cricket team alongside Benjamin – will also be spending time in the winter working on his batting in a bid to become a genuine all-rounder.
So could he be the Bears next Chris Woakes!?
“Ha, ha. Aim high why not,” laughed Booth. “He’s a class guy and if I can get somewhere close to him I’d be happy.
“If I can bat at eight and score a few runs, that’s a big advantage for the team. I’ve always liked batting. I enjoyed my knock at Glamorgan in the One Day Cup (35 from 29 balls), though it was gutting we couldn’t get over the line. I’ll keep working hard.
“My parents live in South Africa – my watches the live streams – but my dad has been over to see me a few times. Like many parents of cricket kids, they put in a lot of hours driving me to games, training, lessons. I hope I’m making them proud. They just want me to be happy.
“Playing at Edgbaston, and other Test match venues, grounds where South Africa have played England on tour and I’ve watched on TV from home. To be playing here, it’s surreal. Sometimes I have to pinch myself.
“I keep reminding myself of that. If I feel I’m having a tough day, that I’m living the dream that I wanted when I was a kid.”
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