1. Where have you been over the winter and what are you up to?
Just before the end of the season I flew to China to start my new job. Luckily when the pandemic hit China I was on holiday, so was stranded in Bali for a month and then in Thailand for a month (tough times). I am now back in China and back to work, everything is back to normal, at least for the next 5 weeks then it is summer holiday! Unfortunately it will be the first summer in a while without cricket, but I am looking into teams over here to see if I can get some practice in.

2. How has China been post lockdown?
China is good now. Entering the country was a crazy process – took us 7 hours from landing to getting home and we were very lucky! Many people were being quarantined or forced to stay home but thankfully the strict measures have allowed the country to reopen again and now we can go out to bars, restaurants, back to work and I am playing football on Saturdays.

3. After the exciting news on the engagement over the winter (congratulations again from all at the club) how are the plans coming along?
Thanks again to everyone! Plans are coming along slowly but surely. It is difficult to know just now when normality will resume and if/when we will be able to get back to Scotland to look at some venues. Nonetheless we have a rough idea of what we are looking for and it has not been too stressful (yet)!

4. Last season you had a good year with the bat. Is that something you had been working on?
Yes – for about 20 years!! Last season it just seemed to all come together. I was much more relaxed and just focused on enjoying playing cricket and I think this helped as batting can be quite nerve-racking. The atmosphere among the team last year was extremely positive and I loved it. I believe it really helped everyone’s performance. We have a great young squad with a lot of potential and I am excited to see what the future holds for us.

5. What is your best memory of playing for Stenhousemuir CC?
I have so many good memories from about 20 years of playing. Opening the batting with the legend that is Iain Phillip was an honour. When I first started playing for the first XI and fighting for my place in the team and for my opportunities to bowl was great for my development. But I think I will go with the game at Ayr last year when we won by 1 run – what an awesome day and an outstanding team performance. I don’t think I will ever forget that game.

6. Do you still enjoy playing cricket now as much as you did as a kid?
Even more. As a teacher I love being able to help others and now being part of a young, developing team I am really enjoying the opportunity to help the youngsters whenever I can as well as continuing to try and improve my own performance. Every season I seem to enjoy it more and last season was probably my most enjoyable to date.

7. If you could pass on one piece of advice you received as youngster that helped you, what would that be?
Tough question as I was lucky enough to get a lot of excellent advice from a lot of brilliant players and coaches. My parents have always told me to have fun, whether that is playing cricket or any other sport. At the end of the day that is why we play, and I think I found out last season that when we relax and enjoy ourselves the results will come.

8. Quickfire ones now
Test or T20?
I love what T20 has done for the game, but for me, test.

Best batsmen around now?
Steve Smith

Best bowler around now?
Pat Cummings

Best cricketer in your family?
I still don’t think I am as good as my old man was in his prime, but hopefully one day!

Favourite teas?
Arbroath

Night in or night out?
In – getting old!

Crisps or chocolate?
Chocolate

Football or rugby?
Football