In our Stars of ECL series, we look at Michael Leask from Cricket Scotland’s champion club Forfarshire, unkindly denied a shot at the title after the ECL20 postponement due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Michael, 29, progressed through the Scotland youth ranks to full international, putting in a superb man-of-the-match performance against England, firing 42 off 16 balls with five sixes in an ODI in 2014. An explosive, hard-hitting batsman, Michael also bowls tidy off-spin and has played for Somerset as well.
How much of a disappointment was the postponement of ECL20??
Very. As a club, Forfarshire were very excited to be coming to the European Cricket League for the first time, so obviously it’s a massive disappointment that it’s had to be postponed.
How has your life changed since covid19 crisis?
It’s all a bit strange at the moment. I’ve been doing home workouts, lots more family quiz times, and dog walks to keep busy.
Cricket-wise how has your life changed since covid19 crisis?
Well, with no cricket at the moment, I’m watching loads of old videos. The wife has also been bowling to me in the back garden, so I’ve been doing a bit of batting and catching too.
What’s the toughest part of the current covid19 crisis for you?
The hardest part of this whole thing is just not being able to see family and friends.
Positively, what is the best part? If any?! What do you do more of these days?
Getting to spend more time with the wife and give the house a good bit of TLC with some paint and all that jazz. I am doing more home workouts and enjoy long walks for an hour every day.
Who or what is your greatest inspiration at this time?
The NHS Staff and all the key workers who go to work to save lives and deliver all those parcels. They are all doing a fantastic job.
What would be your dream FIRST game back after the fight has been won against covid19?
My dream first game would be a club game against Arbroath in Scotland. This is a great rivalry. An international game, after all this time away, would be very tough, so an intense rivalry would be ideal.
What was the highlight of your cricketing career so far?
My clear highlight would be the day we Scotland beat England at the Grange in Edinburgh. This is the best atmosphere I have ever played in.
Who is the best bowler you've faced?
Pat Cummins.
The fastest bowler you've faced?
Left arm seamer Mark Footitt in a Scotland A team game - proper rockets.
And the best spinner faced?
Has to be Rashid Khan.
Who is the best batsman you've played with?
This has to be Marcus Trescothick of Somerset and England. It was amazing to see his work ethic and the passion he had for the game was amazing.
And against?
Kumar Sangakkara got his fourth hundred in four games against us (Scotland) at the World Cup.
