Chris Cooke returned to training outdoors for the first time since injury today, as the dry weather encouraged the wicketkeeper-batsman - and coach David Harrison – out of the National Cricket Centre for a keeping drill.
After suffering a back injury, which at one stage looked certain to require surgery, Cooke missed about half the 2016 season, which along with the absence of Colin Ingram left a hole in the Welsh county’s batting line-up.
Although surgery wasn’t eventually required on Cooke’s back, his return to full fitness has been closely monitored by Glamorgan medical and conditioning teams throughout the winter, as well as by Head Coach Robert Croft and supporters alike.
“Pre-season has been going well, I’ve been training since the end of October and there’s been a bit of stiffness around, but that’s just par for the course going by what most of the boys say, but my back feels alright and I can't wait to get back playing," said Cooke.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my second British Christmas and we spent most of it down in Swansea, slightly different to Australia and South Africa, but really good nonetheless.
“Mick Hogan had his first Christmas here too so it seems like a bit of a trend, I don’t know why to be honest, but Hoges was back in the track today and it was good to see him hitting them down
"It’s good to be back and the boys are working hard and getting excited for the new campaign that’s really just around the corner.
"We try and hit the ground running and we try to create a strength based environment that Crofty is trying to bring in, so the boys are working really hard on gym work, but it’s early still so form will dip and come as pre season goes on. The important thing is to hit the ground running come March - April."
With Cooke back to fitness, batting in the nets and fielding with the gloves outside earlier, he’s also been able to keep up with his teammate Colin Ingram’s rehabilitation as the former South African international plots his return to playing first class cricket.
“We’ve all been keeping an eye on how Colin went in the T20 in South Africa before Christmas,” admitted Cooke.
“It was typical Colin Ingram stuff really he was winning games for the Warriors and he’s obviously a major asset to any team he plays in.
“I understand he is fit and he’s a great guy to have in he dressing room and in the park so we’re all looking forward to getting him back.”