MICHAEL HOLDING

‘There needs to be a balance between the ball and the bat!’

On the Spot

DOB: 04/09/1996 Marital Status: Single – girlfriend Marcella

The Last... Bat you bought/used?

A New Balance bat, a TC1260 I think, the same one that Joe Root uses, so hopefully I can emulate what he does with it.

CD you bought?

It’s been a few years – Usher’s

Confessions. It had Yeah on it, one of my favourites, but I was about 12 or 13.

Five-wicket haul or century?

My last century came against Durham in a 2nd XI fixture at Lady Bay a couple of months ago. I got 151 in the one-day game, then played a threeday fixture and made 130-odd. Not a bad double!

Injury?

It’s been a while, touch wood, but I did my thumb last season in training. The ball pinged it back while I was keeping.

Trophy you won?

We won the 2nd XI trophy last year, beating Middlesex at Radlett and I made a century in the first innings.

The Jury’s out Tea or Coffee?

I’m a coffee person, I need something to get me awake as I’m not the best in the mornings.

Beans on toast or pasta?

My dad used to make beans on toast for me when I was younger, plus it’s quick and easy which helps.

Caribbean with the missus or Magaluf with the lads?

Marcella will kill me if I get this wrong, so it’s Caribbean with the missus! I love the beach, so that’s does it for me.

Red or white wine? I don’t drink it very often, but if there’s any then it’s red. White has just never been for me. 50-over, t20 or County Championship?

I love the entertainment and crowd of T20, but the format I’d want to be the best at is the County Championship. It’s where you properly test your skills and you get to see what people are made of.

Time added on Who did you support as a boy?

I was a big Arsenal fan growing up, they were the first team I ever saw with my uncle, and I’ve loved them ever since. Best coach you have ever played with? It has to be my dad (Peter Moores). He knows my game inside out, and having your dad as a coach has its pros and cons, but we do a good job of being able to separate the two when we have to.

The most nervous when next into bat?

Probably me! I have high expectations of myself, and as a young player you’re always desperate when you get the chance in the 1st XI. But as soon as it gets to the first ball I’m absolutely fine.

Person to avoid when dismissed?

Michael Lumb gets frustrated, like everyone, but a little bit more than most. It’s best to give him his own space.

One rule you would change?

Two lives as a batsman. There’s nothing more than frustrating than getting a belter and not being able to do anything about it. You’d probably need something for the bowlers, too.

Three words to describe yourself?

Creative, outgoing, fiery. Which TV pundit makes you cringe and which do you really listen to? I enjoy watching Rob Key, he says it how it is, doesn’t waffle that much and isn’t too critical. James Taylor is brilliant, too, he’s fresh out of the game, an exceptional player and a really good bloke. But there aren’t any I don’t really like.

Do you have any superstitions?

I try to stay away from that, I’m a big believer in just going with whatever happens.

Hobbies?

I like to play golf, but I’m not quite at the level of some of the lads! I’ve heard Alex Hales is pretty good, but he’s got the benefit of playing overseas, and Luke Wood is quite handy.

Five people you’d invite round for a dinner party?

AB de Villiers, David Beckham, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Muhammad Ali, and my girlfriend Marcella.

And finally Who’s the worst dressed player at the club?

Matthew Carter – He needs a revamp of his wardrobe, he puts black shoes with blue jeans for example, and I’m not having that!