Mousley ready to take on busy 2024

No longer Warwickshire’s best-kept secret, Dan Mousley is ready to build on his promising 2023 by impressing on the global stage.

Showcasing his all-round, multi-format ability last year, the 22-year-old already has a busy schedule in both white and red-ball cricket.

After completing a 21-day England Lions red-ball tour in the UAE, Dan received news that his efforts were rewarded with selection to the Lions four-day match series in India, which starts mid-January.

A few hours later, while having a coffee with close friend Rob Yates, his phone lit up after being drafted by Peshawar Zalmi for the PSL. That’s a pretty impressive few hours.

“To get the call from Mo Bobat to say I was going to India was fantastic,” said Mousley. “Getting on that Lions trip was my core focus, so I was chuffed.

“Getting picked up in the PSL was a bit of a shock as my phone was going berserk and I found out through social media.

“I’m pretty excited to go to Pakistan as it’s a place I’ve never been and a tournament I’ve always wanted to play in. For me, it’s one of the best tournaments out there, so to get the opportunity at Peshawar is amazing.

“It all happened so quickly to be honest, with the Lions squad getting announced the same day, but I’m pleased and my winter is planned out.”

With Dan’s recent performances, it should come as no surprise to see him as a man in demand.

During last season’s Blast, he took 21 wickets alongside 263 runs with the bat, while in red-ball cricket he scored 571 runs with six half-centuries.

That form, specifically the latter, earned him a spot in a Lions camp that provided developmental experiences for high-potential players closely aligned to England’s future needs.

“I absolutely loved it,” added Mousley on his return. “It was tough as there’s some really good players and everyone was trying to get on the India trip.

“It was a really good challenge for me, high intensity, people running in hard, batters trying to put you off, it was a good learning experience. I felt I learned a lot as a player, and I tried to learn from others too.

“We didn’t talk much technical stuff, it was more about how as a player you respond to different match situations. The coaches drove that home, it’s about being ready for India and sticking to what’s got us to this position, as well as bringing what England are doing to the Lions.

“The coaches drove the importance of the camp and we were lucky that there were some Test boys, as well as Brendon McCullum and Rob Key at the start.

“They were speaking about how England want to play their Test cricket, so to hear from them was good. We tried to put it into practice as we didn’t play many games.

“We didn’t talk much technical stuff either, it was more about how as a player you respond to different match situations.”

And what does England want from the Warwickshire Academy product?

“They want me to be aggressive, positive and to change a game quickly,” Mousley stated. “I played the way I play at Warwickshire and I think that stood me in good stead. I didn’t change who I was as a player or as a person, I aimed to showcase myself and impress.”

He clearly did as his diary is booked up.

England Lions trip to India, PSL then an exciting English summer with the Bears.

“It’s going to be a busy winter, but I’m fortunate to play franchise cricket,” concluded the left-handed batter. The PSL was a bonus, it’s going to be tough, but nothing beats playing cricket.

“I’ve got a lot of red-ball cricket under my belt, so I feel ready for the summer, and to play T20 cricket straight after the India series will stand me in good stead ahead of the Blast.

“Once that’s done I’ll be ready to come back for our Championship season and I’m excited for that. Playing for Warwickshire was all I ever wanted to do as a kid, so I’m looking forward to getting underway.”