Earlier this month we announced Dunmow Group's sponsorship of Essex cricketer, Matt Quinn. As we're getting to know him better, we thought you'd like to as well, so here's a quick fire Q&A round.
How did you end up playing for Essex Cricket Club?
I came over to Essex Cricket Club to play an off-season when I was 18 and have been here ever since! I've always had family in the area, so Essex was a natural draw to me. I was born and raised in New Zealand, but have been in Essex for over 10 years now, so I like to think of myself as a bit of a local.
What was lockdown like for you?
Like for many people, especially sports people, lockdown was extremely frustrating. I had just arrived in Abu Dhabi for a pre-season tour when it was announced so, having only been there for 5 days, we were told we had to come back home. One of the responsibilities of being a cricketer is the extensive amount of preseason training we need to complete, so me and the team were disappointed when we got the news.
How did it feel to get called back in for training?
The whole team were really excited to get back on the pitch and getting going. We've put a lot of work in this year, through lockdown and during Winter, to keep us focused, strong and ready to tackle the new season head on. I have to admit, it was difficult to maintain a high level of motivation during such an unsettling time, but I've managed to stay consistent and am feeling ready to get started.
What’s it been like going back to cricket training?
When me and my teammates first arrived at the cricket ground we weren't too sure what to expect, we knew before going that there would be a lot of new procedures and changes to follow. The first couple of training sessions there could only be one player on the pitch at a time, it was a strange experience not being able to be down there with them, but after the first couple of sessions we were back to playing together as a team once again.
Disclaimer: This photo was taken pre COVID-19
How were you introduced to cricket?
When I was just 5 years old, my parents took me our local cricket club over in New Zealand. It was a great day and one that I certainly remember most days. Ever since they took me I've been playing cricket since.
What are your pre-game rituals?
Being a cricketer means that I have to maintain a good level of fitness and work hard to maintain it, so I've found that going to the gym for a swim before the game helps keep me invigorated during the game and definitely helps maintain my fitness.
Who is your favourite player?
I find it really difficult to just choose one cricketer, for me there are so many who I look up to but I think if I had to choose anyone it would be either one of the Colins', Munro or de Grandhomme - purely for the fact that they're just so entertaining to watch when they're playing.
Do you like any other sports?
Although cricket is my favourite sport and has been for over 20 years, I do enjoy playing other games such as squash, golf and rugby. It's good to go out and stay fit in different ways, although lockdown put a stop to that for a while.
Is cricket your full time job?
I've been fortunate enough that cricket has become my full time job for the past 7 years, so I've been very lucky and have enjoyed every minute.
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