Read Scoops is committed to bringing to you unheard stories from across the world, and here’s another captivating one for you today. A couple of months back, we had an exclusive chat with a young and talented English pacer who showed a lot of promise in his early teen years itself but he hasn’t been able to make it big just as yet, because of battles with several injuries.
We’re talking about George Scrimshaw 🇬🇧! Born and brought up in Burton, he played for a few clubs including Staffordshire until the U-17 age group before making his Worcestershire 2nd XI debut when he was just 16 years old and then deservingly getting his first professional contract by the time he was 18, back in 2017.
Unfortunately though, George only managed a few T20 games for Worcestershire in the 2017 T20 Blast before being sidelined with injury. Read Scoops delayed this interview so that we could put it up on his 23rd birthday which is today, 10th February 2021. We wish him a very happy birthday and you can keep reading for complete insights into his career so far as well as his efforts on the road to recovery…
George Scrimshaw social profiles 🌐:
Hi George, what were the emotions running within when you made your T20 Blast debut at that young age?
“My debut for Worcestershire was something I’m very proud of. Before the first game, there were a few nerves, of course. A high standard of cricket was on show and I was very excited to get out there and prove what I can do. It don’t go the best for me though, my first game. I was 19 years old and I went for 19 runs off the over so it wasn’t the nicest start to my career but I did better in the next 3 games after that!”
Your favourite wicket so far?
“I’ve only played 4 games and got 3 wickets in those games but if I had to pick the favourite of them all, it would have to be Keaton Jennings. He was a part of the England national squad at the time and it was quite a proud moment for me to get him as a scalp. I’ve bowled better balls and got better wickets but I was very delighted with this particular wicket.“
How are you coping with your injuries both physically and mentally? Tell us about your road to recovery…
“I’ve obviously had a lot of injuries throughout my career so far. I’ve been operated for shoulder as well as ankle injuries in the past, but haven’t had any problems with them ever since. However, since the start of 2017 until now, I’ve had several recurring back injuries. I know it’s part and parcel of the game but it really is frustrating and hard to cope with.”
“Knowing that you’re good enough to play and backing yourself to be better than other bowlers in the game; people have only seen a glimpse of me and I know I have so much better to offer. At the moment, all I can do is keep it going, work hard at the gym, make sure I’m listening to my body and train as well as I can. I’m a year after my back operation in November 2019 and I’m nearly back to bowling drills now.”
You have been listed as one of the bowlers to watch out for in the future…
“I’m super happy to have been given that title of one to look out for in the future. I’ve been involved in the England Pace Programme, England U-19 and played for Worcestershire. I think it’s very tough to break into the current England side – both the One Day as well as Test squads. Hopefully my body will let me play both formats for England but it won’t be easy, especially with the likes of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood bowling at 90+ miles an hour. The Broad-Anderson duo are also leading wicket-takers and I’ll be over the moon if I ever break into that team. I’d really like to show what I can do first, before getting into that team.”
What according to you sets you apart as a pacer?
“I think it’s mostly my height since I’m towering over the rest at 6 feet 7 inches. But also my pace, because I can consistently bowl at 90 mph. I back myself to hit the bat hard and try and move up the seam as much as I can, making it uncomfortable for the batsmen I’m running at. Of course, my variations in the one-day game also sets me apart – a very exciting format to be a part of!”
Tell us about your association with Stem Sports. What kind of work are they doing with young cricketers?
“I was introduced to Uzayr Raja from Stem Sports and he recognized me as a good upcoming player. They’ve offered their management services to me and have been doing everything they can to support and represent me professionally. I’m very happy and appreciative of that so far! They work with players on and off the pitch with social media, sponsors and more, and it’s great to have organizations like Stem Sports around!”
Tell us about George Scrimshaw off the field.
“If you talk about hobbies, I love cricket and football a lot. I always have been a massive Leeds United fan and try to get to a few games each year. Of course in recent times, no one can go to any games because of Covid but I still watch them on television. It’s good to have Leeds back in the Premier League after a really long time!”
What advice do you have for young pacers across the world?
“Always work hard and give it your hundred percent before thinking of giving up. Patience is the key! Also, make sure you always look after your body because that’s super important and shouldn’t be overlooked at any stage. Injuries will only hinder your progress, especially for pace bowlers!”
What according to you is the key to maintaining high levels of fitness as a pacer?
“I would say firstly, have a strong engine because it’s what manages how you distribute your energies during a game. If you’re tired, your body will get in different positions. You really want to keep that engine to keep on bowling. You need to have mental fitness too, and make sure you don’t fatigue. Bowlers need a very strong core because your body positions and power comes from there. You need a very strong lower back as well because of all the forces that are going through it. A strong body basically, and robust physique!”
Rapid fire with George 🔥🔥
- Who introduced you to cricket? – My dad and granddad
- Cricketing idols growing up? Freddie Flintoff, Brett Lee, James Anderson, Shoaib Akhtar, Kevin Pietersen
- Alternate profession if not cricket? Personal training and fitness
- Things you did during lockdown? Spent time with my family and girlfriend. And learnt to make coffee haha!
“Happy to have been interviewed by Read Scoops. I’m very appreciative of it and I look forward to what the future holds for me and my cricketing career,” he said on a parting note. As you can see, it’s been a tough road to recovery now, almost 4 years into it. He’s raring to get out there again and bag a few hundred wickets in the next few years across formats. From the entire team at Read Scoops, I wish George Scrimshaw the best of luck for his cricketing career with Worcestershire and hope to see him soon playing for the national side as well!
– Dwayne Fernandes, Read Scoops
(Twitter – @dwayneeeboy, Instagram – @dwayneeeboy)
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