Domestic Cricket

The move from friendly fixtures to competitive cricket strips away all false confidence and reminds players what the game is really about.

As competitive fixtures return, even seasoned professionals face the harsh reality when the comfort zone of pre-season preparation disappears.

The shift from pre-season friendlies to competitive fixtures brings a stark reality check that even the most experienced cricketers find humbling.

The Blaze seamer Grace Ballinger reflects on how the shift from pre-season friendlies to competitive cricket provides a humbling reality check for players at every level.

The transition from pre-season cricket to competitive matches remains one of sport's great levellers, humbling veterans and newcomers alike.

The 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is balancing A-Level studies with first-team ambitions after a breakthrough winter with England.