By RICHARD WALSH
ENGLAND under-19 all-rounder Ben Green has started the transition from Academy scholar to full-time professional with Somerset.
The 19 year old, who signed a three-year contract after graduating from the Academy, has started winter training at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
Green, a graduate of the Devon youth system before going to Somerset, batted for the first time in more than a month and did some fitness work- the start of what will be a hard winter’s work for him.
Green completed his A-levels at Exeter School this year before joining the staff.
On the transition from scholar to pro Green said:’It doesn’t feel all that different to be honest because I have been here training for a few years now already having been on the Academy.
‘I guess the biggest difference is that this is what I will be doing now all the time, rather than going back to school!’
‘It’s great to think that all I have to concentrate on now is getting myself physically as fit as I can and work on developing my own game.
‘My personal fitness is just about there so this winter I will be working hard on developing my strength and cardio work to make sure that I can withstand the whole of a long, professional season.
‘I had a hit, which was my first for a month and although I felt a little bit rusty at first I got back into it quite nicely and I was happy with how it went for me.
‘I have had a break from cricket but not been away, but will be heading off with my family later this month before reporting back with the rest of the Somerset players in early November.’
Green made his 1st XI debut in a Twenty20 game against Hampshire, but has yet to feature in a First Class fixture.
Looking ahead to next season Green said: ‘Having had that little taste of first-team cricket now hopefully I will get some good performances in the 2nd XI early on and push for a few more games in the first team.’
Green will be spending November back in Taunton before heading out with the Young Lions to Dubai to attend a training camp.
That runs from December 3 to the 23 and then there is a series for the Young Lions against Young India in India between late January and the end of February.’
Green will be joining up two other Somerset youngsters, George Bartlett and Tom Banton, on the Young Lions trip.
‘It’s great to part of the Somerset contingent and we all get along pretty well, so I’m really looking forward to it,’ said Green.
