Cricket’s done, but there’s no way home yet for two English players who spent the summer in Adelaide
They have enjoyed a top summer of local cricket, but two visiting English cricketers might have to lap up more of our autumn as their intended flights home have been postponed because of the coronavirus.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Englishman Lewis Hatchett proves inspiration on and off the field
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
Two English cricketers in Adelaide for the recent grade cricket season have seen a little more of Australia than they had planned.
Southern District’s Lewis Hatchett and Tea Tree Gully’s Darren Ironside expected to fly home in early April, but their flights were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hatchett, 30, a left-arm paceman, is used to pressure and staying relaxed under trying conditions.
So when his flight was canned after a long summer in Australia, he was realistic.
“I probably can’t get a flight until May but I’m okay, I have good support,” Hatchett said.
“I would have liked to get back to see family, but that’s the situation we have.’’
Watch 15,000+ hours of on-demand sports content with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25/month. No lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial >
The popular cricketer said the past season had been enjoyable.
“From a personal viewpoint this was my best season,’’ said Hatchett, who chalked up his fifth stint at the Stingrays after joining the club as an 18-year-old in 2008 as part of the Darren Lehmann Academy.
“For the team to finish fifth and just outside the finals was a very good result and good reward for a lot of people, not only the players and coach, but people like Grant Lovelock and Rose Miller.’’
Hatchett’s own season was rewarded with selection in the Premier Cricket Team of the Year, with Stingrays captain Josh Barrett the other Southern player to make the team.
MORE NEWS
Cam Valente and Brooke Harris win Bradman, Rolton medals as standout Premier cricketers
Sharing Adelaide Oval in October will benefit everyone, says SACA boss Keith Bradshaw
But while the Southern star has enjoyed playing and coaching at the club he said his online mental welfare and health business, called thesportyogi.com, which provided tips on mental and physical wellbeing, hopefully had provided a boost for many sportspeople.
“The business is online because some people don’t like going to classes,’’ Hatchett said.
“It’s been going for about a year with a lot of people tuning in.’’
Hatchett knows well the stresses of coping with challenges in life and sport. He was born with Poland Syndrome, a rare condition which affects one side of his body.
The motivator uses his knowledge to help people find a way when they are struggling with what could be seen as minor issues.
For Ironside, who joined Tea Tree Gully last summer, the season had been a winner.
“I have absolutely loved my time here,” Ironside said.
“The cricket has been a great experience and I have improved my batting and bowling.
“The club has been brilliant. Although our form wasn’t great after Christmas it has been a good time and to meet so many people.
“Looking ahead six months is a long time but I hope to be back again.’’
Ironside is hoping to return home in mid April and will play for Essex if the coronavirus clears.
Gully teammate Joe Gatting had already left Australia and is back in the UK.