Captain’s Interview - Chris Ross

Rob Corner quizzed Chris Ross about his new role a Hamilton Crescent XI captain.

Have you captained any teams before?
"Yes I have captained teams all through my time at West, I captained through most age group levels and have also been involved in senior captaincy and vice captaincy roles at the club. Personally, I really enjoy the experience. I like being involved in the game as much as possible, mainly because I am a bit of a control freak. Although the last minute dash for players for 3rd XI cricket can be slightly frustrating.

Captaining junior cricket is an odd role as you are learning as you go, but it teaches you a lot about the game. I think at West we have always put people in a really good position to learn about the game as they take on these roles. I was coached/managed by people like Gregg Watson and Dave McNulty while in the junior set up who have been in leadership roles in the 1st XI for years. So you are getting a really good learning experience.

My current role captaining the 3rd XI is really varied and rewarding. We put out a competitive side every week and you are captaining guys who have played 1st XI cricket at other clubs but also supporting younger guys to come through. I find that balance really interesting to captain because you have to set a framework that everyone can work to and understand but also understand different abilities and experiences. I think the way the squad operates puts the young players in a really good environment to come into senior cricket and learn about the game as they are coming into a side that wants to win and has guys who have played at a higher level."

What type of captain do you think you are and how do you think you handle pressure situations?
"The main thing I want to do is make sure people have fun, but for me that comes from being competitive every week and taking things seriously. You can then build having a laugh into the game.

I would like to think I am quite a clear captain, I try to set out expectations of what I want from people. I think that is really important for the squad I captain as we do have the split of ages and experiences in there. If everyone knows what to expect and how we are going to play the game, it puts them in a position to fulfill their role.

I also like the team to be as professional as possible and to replicate the preparation of the 2nd XI and 1st XI. Partially to ease the transition for guys who will inevitably move up, but also to make sure we are also being as competitive as possible and representing the club well.

In terms of actual game management, I like to be as aggressive as possible with the ball and in the field. I try to also be as flexible as possible and change things as required. Which again goes back to being really clear with people, if someone doesn't know that you will change things quickly when they aren't working then it can look really hard making a quick bowling change.

But I also think you are always learning, you make mistakes in every game.

In terms of pressure situations, that is quite a hard one, we didn't play many competitive games last year. I think in the past I have probably been a bit jumpy and tended to over think things. I try to now approach pressure situations the same as any other ball. Again it goes back to being clear. You need to make sure everyone knows the plan and then support people to follow it. Hopefully I get the chance to put this one a bit more in to practice this season."

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?
"I think staying positive through the game is partly creating a positive atmosphere in the team and having a group who trust each other. If you know your teammates and trust them to get you back in the game then you know you always have a chance. On a personal front, I try to demonstrate that positivity by talking throughout, I like to chat out on the field regardless of the situation and try to model that to the rest of the team, particularly the younger guys. It's much easier to be positive if you are having fun out there.

In terms of how cricket captaincy differs from other sports, I think the main thing is the number of actual decisions you need to make on the pitch. I have captained quite a lot in football as well and you don't move the team about, make big tactical decisions or substitutions. In cricket you make every decision while out on the field and have such a big impact on the game."

What is your favourite cricket memory and why?
"Sadly my answers might differ quite a bit Young’s last week. My cricket CV is sadly lacking in exotic trips. A lot of my favourite cricket memories actually come from watching others at the club. Watching two Partick XI cup victories over the last few seasons, and the semi-final win over Victoria were all great nights. Also 1st XI wins against Uddingston, Clydesdale and Greenock last year were all brilliant days.

I also have really vivid memories of doing the old manual scorebox for 1st XI games from 11 or 12 years ol which will stick with me. I learned a lot about the game and the flow of 50 over matches from being up in the score box. You also got a great view for some brilliant knocks from top players."

If you could play another sport, what would it be and why?
"I mean Football is probably the obvious one, I played a lot when I was younger and still really enjoy it. However, to play it to any reasonable standard would mean committing to my fitness in a way that I am unlikely to do.

Other than that, I would love the time to play golf. And if I could gain a good 7 or 8 inches I would be on a basketball court all the time."

Who is your favourite player you've played with at West?
"I played so much with Gav Smith and Miro Ralston growing up and have really good memories of that with both of them. Sadly, Miro isn't at the club just now and Gav and I don't have opportunities to play together.

The other obvious one is Cammy Gibb, who is a favourite for many. Always great chat and I know I am guaranteed to laugh all day. Always my first choice for car sharing when we are both playing.

But this probably does a disservice to so many really great people I have played with across the years. If I started to list them it would go on and on and on. So I won’t."

What have you been doing to keep fit/ busy throughout lock down?
"I have just completed a 30 day yoga challenge, I think I have always been a bit dismissive of things like yoga but I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend to everyone during lockdown and beyond. It’s nice to now be able to touch my toes with minimal effort.

Now that is done I am going to try and bring in more running and some indoor circuits. Having no garden I am just trying to be creative with what I can do."

With uncertainty over the upcoming season, what does a positive season look like for you?
"In all honesty, a positive season for me would be the club retaining really close connections across the men’s, women’s and junior set ups across the months. I am not confident that we will play much cricket at all and have been really pleased to see people still socialising and retaining connections across the club."

Chris has been a big asset for the club ever since he joined as a junior. He continues to do work on the board as Chair of the Players Leadership Committee as well as his duties as a captain. Thanks Chris!