'Stronger from the CLT20 experience'

Somerset batsman looks back at his team's performance in the just-concluded Champions League Twenty20 and the experience of playing in India, in the Guardian.

India has been a fascinating place, not just for the cricket. I managed to soak up some culture in Bengalooru, and the Somerset team made a visit to a local orphanage where we played some cricket with the kids and donated money. I also took a few hours out to visit the local city market and that was as raw as India comes – spices, teas, flowers, clothes, you name it and they'll get it.

For most of the big stars it is business as usual but for us it is new and exciting, travelling to new cities, staying in top hotels . The real appreciation of just being here has been a huge advantage to us. Chennai has been hot as hades, though, a big difference from the green leafy city of Bengalooru.