The 2009/10 season was a successful one for Wellington Firebirds all-rounder Luke Woodcock but he’s not resting on the accomplishments of seasons past.
Last season the Johnsonville stalwart scored 988 Plunket Shield runs and hit his highest score of 220 not out and was awarded the Wellington Player of the Year Trophy. Although Woodcock has fond memories of last season he is fully focused on ensuring he continues his form into the upcoming summer.
Woodcock’s 988 runs was a first-class record for Cricket Wellington. He was pleased with last year’s achievement, but he is fully focused on contributing to Wellington’s success this season. “If someone had said I’d score that many runs at the start of last season I would have taken it,” he said. “To get over 900 runs and to break a Wellington record was a special moment. It would have been nice to reach 1000 though. But when the season finally starts I’ll be looking to contribute and hopefully I can think about that target.”
He’s known for his middle order batting and wily spin bowling and he is content with his role within the Firebirds. “I think my batting is my number one strength and I’m batting in the middle order for all three formats,” he said. “I like to play a part with both batting and bowling.”
Woodcock first played for the Firebirds in the 2001/02 season, and is now a senior member of the team. He wants to step up and leads by example for some of the younger, newer contracted players to ensure the Firebirds have a successful season. “It’s up to me to make an effort and work hard with the guys to make them feel part of the group and offer advice when they might need it,” Woodcock said.
The left-hand batsman has been working hard on his craft over the New Zealand winter. He, along with a number of other players, headed offshore. Woodcock left New Zealand in April after the conclusion of the Plunket Shield and played cricket in Manchester. He was also part of the winter training squad in Australia and participated in the Emerging Players tour across the Tasman. He said the time away from New Zealand put him in good stead for the 2010/11 season. “For me it was really good to get my mind away from what was happening here and just had a couple of months away trying to work things out for myself,” he said. “If you stay here over the winter you spend a lot of time indoors and don’t get the opportunity to play on the grass.”
During his time away he’s also came across English ODI and Twenty20 international Luke Wright, who will play for the Firebirds during the HRV Cup. Australian International Brett Lee has also been confirmed as part of the Wellington side. Woodcock said it will be an experience to play alongside two talented individuals. “I’ve played against Luke at A level and saw a bit of him in England and it’s nice to have Brett on our side!” he laughed. “They are really good for our set up and we are pretty excited to have guys like that around Wellington.”
Other players such as South African national Herschelle Gibbs and Australians Brad Hodge and David Warner have been signed for the Northern Knights HRV Cup campaign. Again, Woodcock is looking forward to facing such worthy adversaries. “You’ve seen them around world cricket for so long and it’s a good chance for guys who haven’t played international cricket yet to test their skills and mix it with the international players,” he said.
Although there is a lot of hype around the HRV Cup, Woodcock is still a self confessed purist at heart. “I want to be considered for all three squads (HRV Cup, One-Day and Plunket Shield) and I’ve got to adjust accordingly,” he said. “But I’m also a bit of a traditionalist and like the four day game. The Twenty20 though is played at a good time during holiday season with good crowds and good weather.”
There is a lot of cricket to think about during the season, however to keep a level head Woodcock does his best to take his mind off his day job. He runs a small business with a friend selling gear around New Zealand and enjoys spending time with friends and family. “It’s important just to try to get away from cricket, chill out and relax,” he concluded.
