Rob Yates is looking to build on his standout white ball season after being picked to join an overseas T20 training camp run by Warwickshire legend Dougie Brown.
Yates is among a select group of players who will join Dougie Brown in Abu Dhabi, where he’s Head Coach of Chennai Braves T10 side, and his coaching staff for the 10-day camp.
The 24-year-old – who flew out on Thursday (16 Nov) – was one of the Bears top performers in this summer’s Vitality Blast as he hit 447 runs, including five 50s, and averaging 37.25.
He hopes the camp – which will feature county players and others from leagues worldwide – will help progress his white ball game.
“Some people didn’t think I was cut out for white ball,” he said. “I think it’s because my red and white ball styles are distinctly different unlike, say, Dan Mousley who’s quite aggressive in both formats.
“But I knew I could play white ball, and the coaches knew I could. The short form was never off the radar for me, I’m delighted how last year went and I want to build on that momentum.
“The camp will be a great chance for me to work with Dougie and the Braves coaching set-up. I believe there will be some crossover for the last few days when the T10 side will be there, so it’s a good learning opportunity.
“I just want to get lots of practice in and do as much batting as possible, building on the work I’ve been doing with Frosty (Bears Batting Coach Tony Frost) and looking at ways to improve my game.”
Yates, from Solihull, said being clear on his method and game management was key to making his 2023 Blast season click.
Nowhere was that more evident than when he anchored a match-winning rearguard action at Trent Bridge to guide the Bears home after they’d fallen to 1-4.
He added: “Being really clear on where my best scoring areas are, understanding where and when I can attack, and dynamic reading of match situations as they unfold. That was really important for me this year.
“I think the Trent Bridge game was a classic example when we were four down for one run in the first over! It’s not exactly a scenario I was planning for.
“But realising if we could go at six an over during the Powerplay then we could still be in the game and take it as deep as we can. In the past the gravity of the situation may have clouded my judgement.
“So staying on top of that, and analysing my game, has been a focus. But at the training camp it’ll largely be practice, practice and more practice!”
