We caught up with Andy Gorvin after Day 3 of the Rothesay County Championship match, which saw Glamorgan beat Northamptonshire by 8 wickets at Sophia Gardens.
Andy Gorvin was influential in setting up back-to-back County Championship wins for Glamorgan, as the Welsh county won the game against Northants at Sophia Gardens by 8 wickets. Andy picked up 5 wickets across the two innings to restrict the visitors to low scores, allowing Glamorgan to capitalise and get a second win of the season.
Q. Another solid performance, and another win in 3 days. How good is the morale in the dressing room room right now?
Andy: Yeah, really really good. We have really turned things around, and it just shows what you can achieve when a team sticks together and works hard in training. The coaching staff have been really supportive, and they never really panicked when we had a slow start to the season last month, or at least they didn't show that. They kept giving us some valuable bits of information, which helped our physical and mental skills, and here we are after back-to-back Championship wins!
Q. You came in after a 2-game spell in the sidelines, and then a week off for the lads. Was it difficult for you to get back into the mix of things and bowl with that kind of intensity after the break?
Andy: Yeah, I played the first match in early April and then again the fourth match in early May, which was obviously a bit of a break there. But we had such a good pre-season thanks to the weather, and I kept bowling long spells to the boys in the nets, so I was feeling really good and was ready to go on Day 1 against Derbyshire. As a professional cricketer, you always have to be ready when called upon and I made sure that I am in that space, mentally and physically, to be able to get back that rhythm and intensity come matchday.
Q. Asitha Fernando has clearly settled in well in UK conditions - and Timm and James (Harris) doing what they have done for years now. Zain with a very disciplined approach in bowling, and Ben (Kellaway) taking giant strides in his bowling performances lately. Is this probably the most complete bowling attack that you’ve been part of?
Andy: Yeah, the boys are in top form. I think the break after the Lord's game really helped the lads. We started afresh and everyone seemed to find their momentum. I believe we are one of the strongest bowling units at the moment, and I am absolutely loving being part of the attack. The six of us are all natural wicket-takers, so it is no surprise that we've gotten 40 wickets in 9 sessions over the last two games.
Q. The slip catching has been unbelievable this game. Kiran with two outstanding catches, one in previous game as well. Sam taking half a dozen catches. That surely helps the bowlers' confidence running in?
Andy: Yeah, I was just speaking to Timm about it during our warm-up today morning. Any bowler feels much at ease knowing that their efforts in producing that edge is met with safe hands behind in the slip cordon. You mentioned Sam and Kiran, but even Asa has been very good in the field for us, especially with that one low catch he took in third slip. These guys have put a lot of effort to make sure that the slip cordon is tight and strong.
Q. A quick word on Ned Leonard as well. He was really impressive in the 3 games that he played, bowling with a lot of pace. How exciting is it watching someone young bowling fast?
Andy: We all love watching Ned bowl. Everyone loves a bowler bowling 90 miles an hour, it makes for a very exciting watch. Ned has worked hard over the winter to get fitter and stronger, and he has picked up some pace, as was visible in the three games he played. We're all really pleased with his development and can't wait to see where he goes.
Q. For the final question, I know your teammates have teased you a bit about this, but are you aware that you are a bit of a fan favourite here in Wales?
Andy: Haha, that's very kind. I love the Glamorgan fans, they've been so good to me, not just now but since I joined the Club. Not sure if I am a fan-favourite though, but I sure love playing in front of our fans here.