Mason is full of seasonal cheer

8:10am Thursday 13th November 2008

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THERE is an air of optimism surrounding Matt Mason this winter, and not just because he has been able to start pre-season training with the rest of Worcestershire’s players for first time in three campaigns.

After signing a new 12-month playing contract with the New Road side, the Australian seamer was also appointed as the County’s new bowling guru.

At present, the 34-year-old, along with the rest of his team-mates are working with strength and conditioning coach Dave Lowe — a man renowned for stretching the players to their limits.

But after Christmas, Mason will get hold of the County’s talented attack.

“I can’t wait,” the amiable Aussie grinned. “I’m really excited at starting this role.

“I’m looking forward to working with the juniors, the academy and the pros.

“At the moment I’m working on my level three coaching badge and I’ll be doing some work with the ECB this winter as well.

“After Christmas, though, is when I get to work with the Worcestershire lads and that is something I really can’t wait for.”

Until this winter, the County’s playing staff have been on March to September deals, meaning director of cricket Steve Rhodes was only able to begin pre-season training six weeks prior to the start of a new campaign.

However, over the course of last season the majority of Worcestershire’s players renegotiated deals which would run for 12 months.

The new contracts have meant a fresh outlook at New Road and Rhodes called his players back at the start of the month.

“Coming back at this time brings us in line with other sports who just have five or six weeks off,” Mason said.

“It maybe a long pre-season, but Dave Lowe is keeping it varied and that helps when you have a long, cold, wet winter.

“The players are there because they want to be there. The lads have bought into the 12-month contracts.

“Even the lads who are not yet on them are at the training sessions.”

But Mason is just glad he is able to join in with the rest of the players.

A shoulder injury nightmare is finally over for the Aussie and despite a chest muscle problem, which curtailed his campaign last year, Mason is fighting fit.

“When the lads get back to training I have been usually injured so it is nice to be in there from the start and not playing catch up,” he said. “We have been back a couple of weeks now and it is great.”