Will Naish has recently returned to this country after spending the winter playing cricket in Australia and while the weather is unlikely to be as hot as it was Down Under, in the coming months he’s very much looking forward to the English summer.

Frocester’s young captain – he’s still only 20 – is hoping the club can build on last season’s top half finish in Premier One of the West of England Premier League, their first campaign back in the top flight.

The ended fifth in the 10-strong division and Naish, a top-order batsman who also bowls seam, believes they can do just as well this time around.

That won’t be easy, however, as they have lost a number of players but Naish remains in upbeat mood.

“We actually did better than I expected last season which was nice,” he said. “That’s made me hungry to do even better this time around.”

Naish, who played grade cricket for South Perth for six months Down Under, admits it has been a “challenging winter” for Frocester.

Jared Warner, Uzi Qureshi, Chris Calcott, Joe Wadham and Oshane Thomas have all left the club for a variety of reasons, but while Naish is sad to see them go he is encouraged by the new signings that the club have made.

Islamnabi Ahmadzai, a seamer, has rejoined the club from Goatacre while Arnold Otwani has joined from Marshfield.

“He’s a wicketkeeper/opening batsman, he’s represented Uganda,” added Naish.

Meanwhile, West Indies pace bowler Thomas has been replaced as overseas player by Bikramkumar Das.

The 24-year-old from Tripura in India is described as “an exciting young cricketer”.

“He’s a top-order left-hand bat who also bowls spin,” said Frocester chairman John Evans.

Frocester begin their league campaign at Bedminster on Saturday 4^th May and Naish, who took over as skipper during the 2022 season, is certainly looking forward to leading the side out again.

“They are the only club I’ve ever played for in England,” he said. “I’ve been there since I was seven, it’s a privilege to captain the club.”