Whilst Warwickshire continue to dodge the bad weather, Jake Lintott is maximising his game-time in the Bangladesh sun.
The 29-year-old is playing for Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, having received a surprise call from Shakib Al Hasan a few weeks ago.
The Bangladesh captain is a former teammate of Lintotts, and although the call came out of the blue, it was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.
“It all happened in a day,” said Lintott who was speaking from his hotel. “He messaged me to see I if I wanted to come out and within 24 hours I was in Bangladesh, where it’s 36 degrees every day.
“He’s a great guy and I’ve played with him in the T10 and Bangladesh Premier League. He’s been good to me and good person to know.
“This winter has been really frustrating as I’ve had opportunities, but not on the pitch. I was signed in the T10 and ILT20, but played very little cricket and that can take its toll – especially when you spend so much time in hotels.
“I spoke to Robbo (Mark Robinson) about heading over and he was really supportive. At the moment it’s unlikely I’ll play Championship cricket, whilst the priority in the Second XI is to get through the seamers and give them overs in the legs.
“When I looked at my schedule, I was thinking ‘How much cricket will I get?’ Then there’s the weather and how that can impact me, so it was the right decision ahead of an exciting year in white ball cricket.”
Jake has took to Bangladesh immediately. Desperate to get overs in the bank, Jake is impressing with both bat and bat.
With four matches in the bank, Jake has taken 13 wickets – including a 5 for 37 – plus 85 runs. In his debut, he was awarded Player of the Match with a 3 for 72 and 24 not out.
“I’ve played more 50 over games in Bangladesh than I have in England,” Lintott said with a smile. “It’s a format that I love and I feel it suits me. With the ball I can attack, whilst my batting is accomplished enough to score at a good rate. In T20 I might not have the power game just yet, but here I can improve that and bat longer.
“The weather has been ridiculous and I’ve never played in anything like it. I bowl one over and my whole kit is soaked and I’m going through three playing shirts a game.
“But I’m loving it and it’s been incredibly helpful. The standard is competitive and my team includes six Bangladesh internationals, who were missing in the early stages.
“They started with four losses, but we’re in a position to qualify as the top six go into a super league. Currently I’m the leading wicket-taker with the team, so I’m aiming to build on that and help this side win a trophy.”
Despite being five hours ahead, Lintott is still using his time wisely. Having completed his training and gym sessions, the Somerset native heads straight to his room to catch up on the Bears.
Over the Easter Weekend, Jake watched nearly all of Warwickshire’s entertaining clash in Taunton, driven to learn and prepare for the summer ahead.
“I’ve watched pretty much all of the game and we’ve done really well,” Lintott concluded after a Ed Barnard appeal was turned down. “I’ve mixed it with Drive to Survive, Premier League and the Masters. Bangladesh can be pretty grounding and a lot of time is spent in hotels, so you need to keep motivated.
“When I get back I can’t wait to get stuck into red ball cricket, before the Vitality Blast which I love.”
Over 13,500 tickets sold for T20 quarter-final
For a third year in a row, Bears have secured a home Vitality Blast quarter-final against Gloucestershire on Friday 6 September. And tickets are going fast!
Over 13,500 tickets have already been sold. Adults tickets are available for only £20, if purchased in advance, while U16s are £5.
