AT one point I didn't think I would still be playing cricket when the start of this season came around.

There were times last season when I could barely hold a bat because I was suffering so much pain from tendonitis in both shoulders.

I was having regular injections to ease the pain, and physio helped a little, but the problem wasn't getting any better. There was a stage that I actually thought it could be the end of my career.

I knew that if surgery couldn't solve the problem, then I wouldn't have been able to continue.

I thought it had solved itself because I was largely pain free once the season finished, but as soon as I got back in the gym I knew there was still a problem.

Recovery

So I decided to have surgery and, thankfully, it seems to have worked.

I have been working hard in the gym and when I pick up a bat I feel as good as new. In fact, I have recovered quicker than I expected.

I thought I would miss the first couple of months of the season, but now I am ready and raring to go.

We have had a great pre-season. I thought last year we didn't play enough cricket going into the campaign, but we addressed that this season by going over to St Kitts.

It was good just to get out in the middle and play some competitive cricket.

I must admit, I wasn't happy with my performances last year. The injury didn't help, but I am looking to contribute more this season, and not just with the bat but in the field.

There are quite a few young lads in the squad this year, which is good for the team, but not so good for the senior players like myself, because for some I am old enough to be their dad!

Talking of being a dad, I am looking forward to Brad Hodge coming back.

He is over in Australia awaiting the birth of his first child, but he will also be licking his wounds after Victoria's record defeat in the Pura Cup final by Queensland.

As a Queenslander, I might mention it a few times this season!

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