Mustard's dead keen on snow
THERE'S no doubt that the recent big freeze has left most of us suffering from a bout of the winter blues.
But while the snow and ice have put paid to football and rugby matches and race meetings on almost a daily basis, one sportsman admits to enjoying the conditions.
Durham and England cricketer Phil Mustard says the wintry conditions have been a refreshing change for him.
Of course, the wicketkeeper-batsman hasn't been too hard hit, as he plies his trade in what is essentially a summer sport. But Mustard says he is enjoying the snow.
He said: "I know the weather has been hard for a lot of people and that conditions haven't been the best for people travelling, but it's been quite unusual to have so much snow and I'm enjoying it.
"As a cricketer you play your games during the summer, and in the winter a lot of cricketers head abroad to play, so you don't really see much of the winter.
"In that respect it has been a refreshing change. Of course, I've had to dig the car out on a morning to go to training, but I haven't minded too much.
"To be honest it's been great to go out with the kids and play in the snow and take them sledging. It's not often you get the chance to do stuff like that, so we have been making the most of it."
Mustard and his Durham team-mates will soon be jetting off to sunnier climes as part of their build-up to the new campaign – the Dynamos will face the MCC in the season curtain-raiser at the Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
And, while former Hylton Colliery Cricket Club player Mustard has been enjoying the snow, he is also looking forward to some time at the crease and behind the stumps.
"I have been doing quite a bit of work to keep up my fitness, and have been training three times a week," he said.
"A lot of the work has been general fitness work, but I'm sure as the season gets closer I will be doing more work with the bat or with the gloves on.
"As a batsman I enjoy practising indoors, it helps you to get your eye in and work on your technique, but I think bowlers prefer to be outdoors.
"They are less likely to pick up injuries outside, and can get used to coming off their full run-up.
"Preparations have gone very well so far, and I'm sure as the season gets nearer everyone will be raring to go.
"I certainly can't wait for could be another massive season for Durham."
For now though, Mustard is happy to take time out and enjoy the winter weather with his children.
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Weather for South Shields
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
