Adam Voges believes he can play even better than he showed in his prolific first 12 months as a Test batsman, and a succession of unexpectedly slow and dry early season English pitches are helping him hone his game for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka in July.
A stalemate between Middlesex and Somerset at Lord’s, in which Voges crossed paths with his former team-mate and friend Chris Rogers, was the sixth consecutive draw for both sides this season, illustrating the impact of sluggish conditions on batsmen and bowlers alike.
Voges, however, has been grateful for the chance to tackle reverse swing and spin at a time when he would usually expect to be minding his off stump against the seamers it is a useful way to prepare for Sri Lanka and year two of his late-blooming Test match odyssey.
“You might not think early season county cricket is ideal preparation, but it actually hasn’t been too bad with some of the pitches we’ve played on,” said Voges. “There’s been quite a bit of reverse swing and there’s also been some swing on some dry wickets. So from that point of view, I feel like I’m getting some good preparation here.
“I think the squad has everything covered in that regard, a couple of spinners, a couple of allrounders and plenty of pace. The brain’s trust see that as the best way to have success in those conditions and have picked the squad accordingly. So I’m yet to experience that but looking forward to it.”
The first week of June marks a year since Voges was handed his baggy green cap on the Caribbean island of Dominica, an honour he followed up by becoming the game’s oldest debut centurion. That innings bankrolled Australia’s match and series victory over West Indies, and after a failed Ashes capaign, Voges gorged himself against New Zealand and West Indies at home and away.
His average was at laughable proportions for much of the summer, before settling back below Sir Donald Bradman at 95.50. Alarmingly for bowlers, Voges thinks he has better innings ahead of him. “I’ve had a bit of an opportunity to reflect on what’s been a pretty good 12 months,” Voges said. “Certainly I’ve enjoyed my time in the Test team and hopefully there’s some more good times to come.
“I see my time here with Middlesex not only as an opportunity to continue to play good cricket but to continue to work on my game. I’m still improving and still think there are areas I can get better at. That’s what I’ve been working hard at with Sri Lanka in mind. Hopefully the hard work here will pay off over there.”
Consistent overseas success is the key goal for the side led by Steven Smith. After winning out against New Zealand across the Tasman, there is a strong resolve to demonstrate greater aptitude in unfamiliar climes, with Sri Lanka up next, then a tour of India looming after the home summer.
“I think we made some good strides in New Zealand,” Voges said. “We had a couple of really successful Test matches there that culminated in us becoming No. 1 in the world, which is a great achievement in itself. The guys are certainly focused on building on that.
“It’s a new group, but one that’s been together for a little while now. Hopefully we continue to grow together and continue to play some good cricket, which we’ve done over the past 12 months.”