Norwell wants to roar with white ball then with the Lions
SEAMER Liam Norwell will add potency with the white-ball to his armoury ahead of next season as he targets a call-up to the England Lions.
The 25-year-old bowler believes that only when he has a regular starting spot in all three formats of the game with Gloucestershire will he be in contention for higher honours with his country.
Norwell took 59 wickets in Division Two of the County Championship in 2017 at an average of under 20 and was just two wickets shy of his bestever season in the West Country which came two years ago.
And while Norwell’s form with the ball helped Gloucestershire to a respectable mid-table finish in four-day cricket, they struggled in limited overs.
Gloucestershire finished bottom of the South Division in the Blast, with four wins from 14, and won just three of their eight games in the One-Day Cup.
Despite this, Norwell is impressed with the bowling options available in Bristol and thinks he can learn from the likes of Benny Howell as he looks to become a more allround bowler.
“I think I have to play all three formats to be in England Lions contention,” he said.
“If you look at the players they have, they all play three formats. I need to get into the Gloucestershire T20 side and do better in 50-over cricket.
“I need to practise my skills and take my chance. We have some very good white-ball bowlers, Benny Howell is one of the best in the country. I have to get myself into a position where I can get selected.
“If you sit down and chat with Benny, you find that he’s got so much knowledge. If you’re talking to him, you learn something.
“With such great white-ball bowlers in the squad you will get better. It’s a good position to be in if you are fighting for your place – you are always going to get better.”
Norwell’s great season saw him pick up the Players’ Player and Bowler of the Year gongs at Gloucestershire’s end of season awards dinner earlier this month.
And the young bowler is staying at home this winter to work on his fitness, which he believes is key to repeating his 2017 successes in more formats for Gloucestershire next season.
“I am in the cold and wet this winter. I had some niggles last year so I need to get them right with some rehab then get fit and strong to play every game,” he added.
“I have never been available for every game and I want to be available for every game in all formats.
“Quite a few of the lads are going away. We have four or five Down Under in Australia and New Zealand but the main thing for me is to get fit and strong, and find a way to be consistent.
“It’s always nice to get awards, especially the players’ player when you are voted for by your team-mates.
“It means a lot to know they value you – it was very special.”