In our stars of ECL series, we look at Swardeston’s vice captain and middle order bat Lewis Denmark. England’s champion team Swardeston can trace its illustrious history back over 150 years. Swardeston were cruelly denied their shot at the European Cricket League title following the postponement of ECL20 due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. One of East Anglia's leading cricket clubs, Swardeston won an unprecedented domestic double last term, including a magical success at Lords.

European Cricket Family - Q & A: Lewis Denmark, vice-captain of England’s Champions Swardeston

How much of a disappointment was the postponement of ECL20??

Obviously, the correct decision was made as public health remains the priority during this difficult period for everyone across the world. However, when we were told that ECL20 was officially postponed, we were gutted as we were all really looking forward to a once in a lifetime trip away together to represent England.

What’s your opinion on the ECL21 qualification process announced recently?

There was no easy way to complete the qualification process for ECL21, but I think the decisions that have been made are fair to all involved. We get a chance to qualify again so it is in our hands and hopefully we can look forward to La Manga again in 2021.

How has your life changed since covid19 crisis?

Life is extremely different, with six in our household who are at home all day everyday with all work taking place at home as well. Luckily, we have a decent size garden so that has occupied a lot of time along with bike rides and plenty of online quizzes.

Cricket-wise how has your life changed since covid19 crisis?

My job is managing Cricket in Norfolk so the difference compared to a normal April/May is significant. Normally, we are busy delivering cricket in schools and helping clubs start the summer season, but during the Coronavirus the priority has been to help those clubs remain sustainable during this difficult period. Personally, I have not pulled the pads on since the end of February which is a shame and I'm not sure when I will be able to.

What’s the toughest part of the current covid19 crisis for you?

Uncertainty! At the moment, we do not know when we will be able to return to the life that we knew before the crisis. Clearly the health professionals will make this decision when they feel it appropriate, but it’s difficult not being able to do the things you want - including seeing close family/friends and obviously missing the cricket at Swardeston.

Positively, what is the best part? If any?!

Several positives have come out of the bad situation. I have learnt that working from home is possible with online teleconferencing working well and, moving forward, I will look to continue this for many meetings. At home, my golf chipping game has come on nicely with plenty of practice. Also, I have baked and cycled more than ever before.

Who or what is your greatest inspiration at this time?

You cannot look any further than all the key workers keeping the country alive during this crisis. I also want to make a special mention to all the school teachers and, of course, the NHS frontline staff.

What do you do more of these days? And less?

More phone calls, more online video calls, more gardening, more golf, more baking, more cycling, more quizzes. Less on everything else, especially shopping and driving.

What would be your dream FIRST game back after the fight has been won against covid19?

At the moment, any cricket game is a dream. I look forward to being with the Swardeston boys again and enjoying a beer after a win.

What was the highlight of your cricketing career so far?

The highlight of my career came in 2019 when we became the first team in history to win the National Double, which included playing and winning at Lords and of course qualifying for ECL20!

Who is the best bowler you've faced?

I have faced some good bowlers in my career. Fortunately, the best bowler was normally on my team and that was England’s Olly Stone who I played all my junior matches for Norfolk with. Although, batting in the nets was not much fun! When I made my Norfolk debut against Cumberland, the now Lancashire bowler Richard Gleeson bowled a spell at me that was quicker and tougher than I had ever previously faced.

The fastest bowler you've faced?

Tymal Mills - fortunately, he was on his comeback ahead of the T20 Blast for Sussex in 2017 when he played for Suffolk against Norfolk, so he was not fully match fit. But for the four balls I faced he was quick.

And the best spinner faced?

Monty Panesar - probably not at his best when I played against him when he was playing for Bedfordshire a few years back but his accuracy and variations in pace made him very tricky to score against.

Who is the best batsman you've played with?

I have played with some good professionals/overseas players in Trevor Ward, Rob O'Donnell and many of the Swardeston boys. But the one who stands out above the rest is Joe Gatting for sheer weight of runs and hunger to keep improving.

And against?

Marcus North in the National 45 Over final in 2016. Fortunately, our skipper at the time Mark Thomas got him out on about 20 but before that he looked unbelievable on a pitch which was not easy to score on.