Mousley will ‘take a lot’ from Sri Lanka experience

Dan Mousley believes his stint in Sri Lanka will give him invaluable experience as he looks to build on his promising start to his career.

Speaking on his return to Edgbaston, Mousley was full of praise for Burgher Recreation Club (BRC) for not only allowing him to play white-ball cricket but to be an integral part of their campaign.

The all-rounder endured a frustrating 2021 season with the Bears following two injuries in quick succession, so the opportunity to play and learn in new surroundings was an easy one to take.

“I’ve had finger problems this year and had 12 weeks if not more on the sidelines, so I went into Farby’s office and said I want to play,” Mousley stated.

“I want to learn in different conditions and if I can get away in October or November then that’s brilliant for me. Luckily, I got an opportunity at BRC and the club were nothing but supportive of me.

“We could only play five out of the 12 games because of the weather, but when we did get on the park it was a really good experience.

“BRC’s ground is a club ground and there were no fans or stands. The outfields were slow and the grass was long although the weather didn’t help as we were playing in the monsoon season.

“The wickets were typically slow and spinning so that was a wake-up call for me. The Captain said we’re going with one fast bowler today and I’ve grown up with at least three or four.

“Away from the pitch, I had to fend for myself by coming to the ground in tuk-tuks and living with the other overseas player so I’ll take a lot from it.”

Learning quickly is a vital skill for any cricketer, but for Mousley, it was a necessity as the 20-year-old opened the batting and bowling in conditions that are a far cry from a typical English summer.

The Academy graduate’s progress may have been halted by the weather, but on reflection, he’s pleased with his performance, especially after striking his first professional hundred in the final game.

“It was nice to tick the first one off and It was a real proud moment,” added Mousley. “I got dropped on 95 and my heart was in my mouth at the time but I just wanted to put a good score on the board.

“They only have small squares so when you hit the ball into the outfield it plugs. Trying to hit a four was difficult so hitting a six with the ground a little smaller was easier.

“It was a 34 over game and I remember arriving at the ground with the lads saying there’s no chance of cricket. At 12.30 pm we were starting in half an hour so there wasn’t much time to prepare.

“I put my pads on, went straight out to bat and I think that helps. Living on my own you think a lot about cricket so to go out there fresh and just focus on the ball was great.

“BRC knew I bowled in white-ball cricket and they gave me the new ball. I wasn’t going to turn that down and I think I took that opportunity and did OK.

“I took six wickets in five matches and I came away with the experience of bowling a lot of overs in different conditions against good players of spin. I learnt a lot.”

The focus now turns to 2022 where the Nether Whitacre product will be looking to nail down a permanent place in all formats.

Mousley is pain-free after his finger issues and he’s returned to Edgbaston ready to join in with the squad’s winter programme.

Now fit and hungry for action, he admits he’s ready to develop and help where he is needed.

“In white-ball cricket, I’ve batted everywhere,” Mousley concluded. “I think one of my stronger positions is at the top of the order but I just want to play cricket.

“In T20 and 50-over cricket I’ve batted at four, five or six and hopefully in time I’ll move up the order.

“I’m getting in teams as a batsman but my bowling helps. In T20, my role is in the middle order and bowling a few overs and I want to do that in red-ball cricket.

“I just want to develop my game and if they want me to bat there I will. I just want to help the team.”