Ryan set for Barbados on road to recovery

HAMPSHIRE seamer Ryan Stevenson is “feeling good” having returned to bowling for the first time since suffering an injury at the start of last season.

Stevenson was restricted to just one T20 and three 50-over fixtures in 2016 as a result of a stress fracture in his back but he is back and believes everything is going well.

The 24-year-old said:“I’ve just started bowling again and that’s gone well so I’m feeling good and feeling strong. I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym since the injury, building up that strength and making sure that all the parts of me are as they should be.

“I feel like I’ve got plenty of momentum going in my rehab at the minute and it’s progressing nicely so hopefully I’ll be bowling at my full capacity again by the end of February.

“I’m just trying to make the most of the opportunity that I’ve got this year – it’s a big year but I’m looking forward to getting back on the field enjoying it as much as I can because that’s when I play my best cricket. Hopefully that’ll lead to more time and success here, but first and foremost I’m looking forward to this season.”

Stevenson will join Hampshire on tour to Barbados next month where they will take part in a specialist training camp.

He added:“I’m going to be bowling properly by the end of February – although there’ll be restrictions on my overs from there – but if you perform well in Barbados then that gives you a great opportunity to get in the side and that should bring the best of out of everyone, including myself.”