As the ICC Regional T20i Qualifier approaches, excitement and anticipation build among cricket enthusiasts in Guernsey. In an exclusive interview, we sit down with Nathan Le Tissier, a promising player in the Guernsey cricket team sponsored by Channel Insurance Brokers, to discuss his goals for the season, his preparations for the tournament, and the vital role of community support. Nathan opens up about his experiences, aspirations, and the intense training that fuels his ambition to make a mark on the international stage. Join us as we explore Nathan’s journey and his insights into what it takes to compete at this level.
What are your goals for the upcoming season, especially with the ICC Regional T20i Qualifier on the horizon?
I am setting my sights on making the squad for the T20’s v Jersey in June and the International Tournament in July and to make runs in the CI League so I have a chance of making the team for the 50 Over Inter Insular.
How do you plan to prepare for the tournament, and what do you think will help the team succeed?
The team have been training really hard through the winter and have continued to do so into the season. We’ve put a real emphasis on taking a positive and aggressive approach with our batting with little pressure of getting out so hopefully this will put us in good stead to post and chase competitive totals.
What role do you see yourself playing in the team, and how do you plan to contribute to the team’s success?
I have been around the squad for a couple of years without quite breaking in. I’m hoping for a good summer in the local competitions to push for a space in the team for the tournament and hope my batting can bolster the teams already strong batting lineup.
What do you think the local community can expect from the team during the tournament?
These tournaments are always tough but Guernsey players will always try to “punch above it’s weight” and will give everything they have to try and qualify from the group.
How do you believe the local support will influence the team’s performance and morale?
It would be a great to see the community get behind the team. We don’t often get to play in front of many spectators so having the support of a home crowd would give the team a huge boost.
What has been your most memorable cricket experience so far, and how has it shaped your approach to the game?
I spent a winter down in Adelaide, Australia, at the Darren Lehman Cricket Academy in 2021/22 which was an unbelievable experience. The training was tough and really made me focus on training at the same intensity as you’d play in a game which is an approach I have tried to maintain.
What are your expectations for the ICC Regional T20i Qualifier, and how do you think the team will fare against the visiting teams?
Playing at international level is always tough as a lot of the players are unknown to us. However, we have a very strong group of players and a few in really good form so we’re hoping to push for the promotion spot by winning the competition.
Who are your cricketing role models, and what qualities do you admire about them?
In the last few years, no one has played more memorable and important knocks for England than Ben Stokes. His ability to perform under immense pressure and drag the team to a win from an almost certain losing position is his most impressive trait.
What do you like to do outside of cricket to relax and recharge?
Outside of cricket, I’m a keen golfer and enjoy spending my non-cricketing days at L’Ancresse Golf Club.