New Thatcham captain Klichowicz has high hopes ahead of new cricket season
Thatcham Cricket Club has a new captain.
Michael Klichowicz, the club’s South African wicketkeeper, has stepped up to the role ahead of the new season.
Thatcham’s former captain had decided to head back to his old club, Purley on Thames, leaving a vacuum which Klichowicz was happy to fill.
“Towards the end of the season our captain was debating whether to continue,” he explained.
“I looked around the club and thought I was probably a good choice.
“I threw my name in the hat and it became a one man race for the armband”.
Klichowicz is certainly a leader, but one who leads by example rather than shouting his way through a match.
“I definitely lead more through actions,” he revealed.
“I’m not one to constantly open my mouth around the club.
“I definitely like to think I lead more by example, with good energy.”
As captain, Klichowicz will now play a part in deciding the team’s approach, and the skipper is sure to bring a southern-hemisphere perspective to the process.
“I’m quite traditional,” he said.
“Growing up in South Africa, traditional cricket is sort of the style.
“The pitches are very different here, so it’s not just going to be up to me.
“I’ll speak to my vice-captains and the senior players around me and ask what they think.
“Especially early in the season when the pitches are quite green.
“That’s not very common in the southern hemisphere!”
Thatcham started strongly last season, but a difficult run in the middle of summer saw their form slump.
Klichowicz has ideas on how to rectify that.
“Last season we were quite often bowled out within thirty overs,” he said.
“I’d like a stronger structure to avoid collapses.”
The new skipper also has lofty ambitions for his side, with a high finish the target for this year.
“I’ve got full belief that we can finish right up there,” he explained.
“Top two is my goal.
“I believe in the players we’ve got.
“This pre-season we’ve got a good core, we’re quite tight.
“That will be instrumental.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully a very successful season.”
Klichowicz is not just an excellent cricketer, but a highly rated rugby player as well.
Having played both sports from childhood back home, he often turns out for Newbury Blues.
This season he’s more often appeared for the second side, Newbury Stags, and hopes to break back into the first team next season.
“It didn’t go as well as I would have liked,” he admitted.
“The Blues as a whole have struggled.
“A relegation battle is not where we want to be.
“It’s been very frustrating being up and down.
“But I absolutely love rugby regardless.
“I have a very important role this summer, so I think cricket has taken the front foot for the minute.
“I’m very excited.”
