Top-order batter Dan Lawrence intends to hit the ground running in the upcoming DP World ILT20, thanks to playing in the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10.
The player, who was a consistent performer for the Vipers in season three of the tournament, is playing for the Ajman Titans in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, and he said he regarded it as a key part of his build-up to the UAE’s own T20 event.
“There is no better practice than match practice,” Dan told the Vipers Voices podcast. “Even though it is a completely different format of the game it will help me to get used to batting in the UAE again, whether it is at the Abu Dhabi Stadium or Dubai.
“It is just great to get some practice. It is great to get the body moving and get used to the heat before the DP World ILT20 tournament starts.”
Dan Lawrence was one of only three players to have featured in every single Desert Vipers match last season, alongside player of the tournament Sam Curran and opening batter Alex Hales. Dan scored 281 runs at a strike rate of 143.36 and finished as the twelfth highest run-scorer in the tournament.
The 28 year-old was one of seven players to be retained by the Vipers and he said he was pleased to return to what he calls the best franchise team in global cricket.
“As a player, it is always an absolute joy to feel like you are backed and that all your coaches and the staff there back you as a player and as a person, as a human being,” he said.
“It was an honour to be retained and it is really nice to go back to an environment that I know and be a part of a team that you really want to win for.
“We have not got over the line in the last couple of years and it would be great for us as a group to try and win this tournament.
“There are some really good people at the Vipers. It is not just the players, who are all really good lads. The coaching staff has been consistent, and they just create an incredible environment.
“In my experience of franchise cricket, it is the best-run team in the tournament and in the world, in my opinion. Whatever you need as a player is there. The training is always excellent.”
Lawrence said he was a big fan of the morning coffee club which returns this year thanks to Desert Vipers’ partner RAW Coffee, with the players having a chance to interact and drink top-quality coffee every morning in the team room.
It is these little touches that Dan Lawrence said helped the players come together successfully as a unit: “I think what is really good about the Desert Vipers is you end up spending a lot of time with the players away from cricket.
“Whether that is the whole team getting together in the morning and having a coffee or going out for a dinner or whether we are playing golf or paddle, it feels like a real team unit.
“I know Foz (Head Coach James Foster) is really keen on trying to get people together as much as possible. I really enjoyed the camaraderie last season and just trying to make it a really memorable month. It is a long time to be together (as a group), so it is key to try and make it really memorable and enjoyable.”
After losing February’s final to the Dubai Capitals, Dan said he was intent on ensuring the Vipers finally secured success in season four, and he refused to put that latest setback down to ill-fortune, despite the heartbreaking nature of the four-wicket defeat.
“I don’t think it was bad luck,” he said. “I think the quality of players in our team is outstanding. So, we definitely have the quality to win the tournament.
“But I think when we hopefully do get to the knockout stages (in season four) we need to be really clear in key moments of the game and then try to treat finals like any other game of cricket that we play.
“Obviously, fielding is a massive part of that. We need to try and make sure we take all our chances and then just try to stay as calm as possible under pressure.
“I know that is easier said than done, but I think if we are really clear and really relaxed on the day of any of the finals, then I think we will be okay”.
The top-order batter, who batted at three and four last season, said he was clear on where he would like to bat this time if he had the choice.
“(I would like to bat) as high as possible really. Thankfully, I can bat anywhere they (the coaches and captain) need me to, but I feel I would probably have my most impact (batting) at three or four if I get the chance to come in during the power play and then I would use my skill against spin in the middle.
“I am just really keen to contribute with both bat and, if I get the chance to twist a few overs out as well, with the ball too, and in the field.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming action, which begins when the Desert Vipers face the Dubai Capitals in the season’s opener on the 2nd of December, Dan said he was excited to catch up with some of the new faces on the team including Pakistan’s lethal fast bowler Naseem Shah, West Indies batting maestro Shimron Hetmyer and Afghanistan’s ace spinner Noor Ahmed.
“I have played with Naseem (Shah) and Hetty (Shimron Hetmyer) before and obviously they are two world-class performers.
“I am really excited to play alongside Noor Ahmad. I am very glad I do not actually have to face him. I am glad he is on my team. I think he is an absolute wizard and to have someone who can spin the ball both ways in T20 cricket and be a genuine wicket-taker is an absolutely pivotal thing to have in your team.
“I am sure he is going to have a real impact this year and he will be a massive player for us.”
