Captain’s Interview - Blaal Hussain

In our fourth lockdown interview, we hear from Blaal Hussain who is the Partick XI captain.

Have you captained a team before?
"I haven't quite had the opportunity to captain a team yet up until this season. Last year I was able to take charge for a couple of matches for the 2nd XI which I did really enjoy. I was looking forward to the challenge of organising squads and leading a team on the field, I realise it's something that's not going to be an easy task especially when you have a talented XI in the Partick team and trying to find the opportunity for everyone to shine."

What type of captain do you think you are and how do you think you handle pressure situations?
"One of the reasons I put myself forward was to challenge myself outside of my personal cricket ability. I've been lucky enough to play under some really good captains in Gregg Watson and Ian Young as well as some really good cricketers over the years. I've learnt a lot in watching them go about their way of playing and leading and how they attack and defend game situations. I want to see how I adapt in difficult situations, handling players and really pushing myself in terms of being a leader on the field. Consequentially I would hope to see that reflect in the performance of the team and individual players. "

Cricket has many swings of momentum - how can you stay positive throughout a whole game & what else is different about being a cricket captain compared to other sports?
"Cricket is a real team sport, rarely do individuals go on to win a game single handedly, players need to come together and play as positively as possible. Anyone who enjoys cricket in any shape or form, will know its a funny game and anything can happen and so no matter what circumstances you are given you need to keep pushing for those moments."

What have you been doing to keep fit/ busy throughout lock down?
"I wish I could say I'd been doing more to keep fit. I would normally use the off season to get into the gym and find some sort of shape, but married life had kept me busy over the winter. My fitness has definitely seen better days. Recently, owing to the situation, I have managed to get out and do some running and walking with the excellent weather we've had. Typical it's come at such a time! Otherwise I have still been at work regularly working at Boots which is a helpful time pass as most are unfortunately in lockdown."

What is your favourite cricket memory?
"My favourite memory is probably from watching my dad have his glory moment on the cricket pitch. When I was young there was a friendly between Scotland and Pakistan at Uddingston. As some of the Pakistan players were having to depart. In a tight game that went very close to the end my dad was called on as a substitute fielder and out of nowhere as well. My dad had an absolute rocket arm, the first time the ball went to him, he picked it up nicely only to send it flying over Rashid Latif! His lungs let rip into my dad! A few balls later though he got redemption where he took a decent catch at mid off and Shahid Afridi ran over and picked him up! "

If you could play another sport, what would it be and why?
"If I had to choose another sport, it would be boxing, although only if I had gotten into it when I was younger! It's something I feel I just understand, although getting hit in the face is another story. Golf is something else I really enjoy and would probably be playing it in the summer with my two uncles and brother if I wasn't so into cricket. It's a sport you can feel zen to and enjoy some scenery as you play."

Who is your favourite player you've played with at West?
"A very hard question to answer. The three lefties of the 1st XI Youngy, Fearn and Fennah are hugely entertaining to watch and are all great fielders as well. Rory last year was exceptional but I only played and seen him a few matches. Seeing Gavin and McNulty in full rhythm is also a treat. My favourite player however is probably Hashen, in particular when he was bowling, he had a wide array of skills and would try and fox the batsmen in all sorts of different ways. He'd give me his commentary while I'd be standing at mid on and I'd try and watch him execute his plans."

With uncertainty over the upcoming season, what does a positive season look like for you?
"We can only hope and pray that everything is able to go back to normal as possible and unfortunately for the time being that means people staying away from each other. At this stage, we'd be lucky for any cricket, but if it means everyone is able to stay safe and healthy that'd be hugely positive in itself. "

Thanks Blaal for some interesting answers. Especially the story about your dad!