At Last, It's My Chance To Shine, Vows Gregory

LEWIS Gregory always believed he could consistently bowl the kind of spells that have helped propel Somerset to the top of Division One.

- Jeremy Blackmore

However, it wasn’t until back surgery 18 months ago that the all-rounder was able to start putting in threatening performances over a run of games.

Buoyed by an injury-free 2018 in which he was rewarded with the captaincy of both Somerset’s T20 side and England Lions, Gregory started this summer in prolific form. After just five matches he is the leading wicket taker among seamers in the County Championship with 35 scalps at just 11.29 apiece.

Having had a taste of international action last winter with the Lions, seeing international cricket played at Taunton this month has only deepened his desire to play for England.

Talking exclusively to TCP, Gregory said: “I'd say a big part of my success is feeling healthy. I had a lot of injuries, so I had surgery the previous winter on a back issue which had been there for four, five years.

“I never quite felt I’d been able to do what I knew I was capable of. So, last year was kind of ‘just get through a season’ year. Then having that year of bowling and then some cricket throughout the winter with the Lions, has done my body a world of good.