Pratt battles back

No matter how good you are as a wicketkeeper these days, there has to be a contribution with the bat and nobody knows that more than Andrew Pratt, rated the best gloveman in the country by good judges, notably Jack Russell. But a lack of runs left him playing in the 2nd XI last season, despondent and worrying about his future after nine innings brought an average of only 15.50.

"I was really down in the dumps," he says. "I got into the sort of trough that was affecting the other lads and, although I didn't like it at the time, I could see why I had to be left out, much as it hurt. But I pulled myself together and thought I had to do something about it in the winter. Martyn Moxon agreed to do a lot of work with me and I'm a lot happier about my batting now. I know, and everyone knows, that you've got to be able to make some runs if you want to get on and I'm still full of ambition."

The fruits of the labour with Moxon are clear. Four half-centuries in 475 Championship runs at an average of 36.53 by the end of May equals a happy, smiling backstop. "Nobody doubted Andrew's ability behind the stumps but the lack of runs really got to him. Having said that, he put in the hours to overcome his faults and, as is usually the case, hard work brings rewards," says Moxon.

Moment of the month Topping 450 in the last innings to win at Taunton.