Surrey’s Dominic Sibley on his impressive start to 2024 County Championship season

BY MARCUS HOOK

Surrey’s Dominic Sibley has started 2024 with a bang. Three games into the new campaign the former England opener has hit 260 championship runs at an average of 86.66, including knocks of 100 against Somerset and 150 in this week’s victory over Kent at Canterbury, where the visitors racked up a mammoth 543-7 declared.

The 28-year-old, who has been absent from the international scene since playing the last of his 22 Tests in 2021, puts his form down to a winter’s break after which he took the decision to adopt a more fluent approach to his batting.

“I’ve always felt like I’ve got the shots,” said Sibley. “At times my technique has let me down and I’ve spent a lot of time in my career playing with a fear of failure, which has not been particularly enjoyable, especially when opening the batting.

“I had quite a long break over the winter. I didn’t pick up a bat for a long time.

“I just wanted to enjoy it a bit more, to be a bit more positive and come out with a bit more freedom. I’m glad it’s worked.

“Hopefully, throughout the summer, it can continue.

“It’s been good. I would have taken it if I’d been offered it in pre-season. I’m pleased with the way I’m playing and the way the partnership’s going with Burnsey (Rory Burns) up top.”

On the prospect of an England recall, Sibley said: “I’m just trying to enjoy my cricket and playing well for Surrey. I don’t really think about that sort of stuff.

“I’m just trying to help Surrey win games of cricket.”

Sibley’s opening partner and skipper Burns, who hit 69 at Canterbury and is averaging 49.66, added: “It’s nice to see Sibbers in some really good form. I’ve been in decent touch myself, so, as a partnership, we’re popping off each other quite nicely at the minute.

“It was a maximum points win against Kent and one we were pretty pleased with on a flat surface.

“It was difficult with the wind and rain and some of the conditions we were presented with early to stay together as a team.

“But I think the way we led with the ball in that first innings in particular, to bowl them out for under 250 was a really good effort.”

Tash Farrant made a fairytale return to cricket in this season’s Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy curtain-raiser on Saturday as South East Stars overcame reigning champions Southern Vipers with just three balls to spare in a high-scoring 50-over clash at Beckenham.

After missing almost two years with stress fractures of the back, Farrant struck a career-best 94, sharing in an opening stand of 165 with Stars skipper Bryony Smith (90).

“I’m really happy with the win,” said Farrant, who has made 24 appearances for England Women.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD