A big part of the reason the team I play for is near the top of the league is our team spirit.

Last Saturday was a grudge match against our local rivals, a good team just relegated from the division above. Several of our senior players were missing including the captain, vice captain and main bowler (who was next in line for the captaincy). Due to another player falling ill just before play we had to go in with 10 men.

Cricket is very time consuming, so who has time to be the next Jamie Oliver?

I know I don't, but I also want to be able to eat in a healthy way while getting in and out of the kitchen as fast as possible. That's why I place high importance on having the right tools at hand to help me out.

Here is what I consider essential.

Starting this week and every week I'm giving you the chance to access the PitchVision Academy coaches with your questions.

Remember how the pilots were chosen in the 80's film Top Gun?

They were the best of the best.

They were the elite within an exclusive club. Men wanted to be them, women wanted them. Or so the cliche went.

Welcome to the first PitchVision miCoach Cricket show.
This first show is an interview with full time cricket coach Darren Talbot. Darren's website is cricketcoach.uk.com In the show we chat about a range of topics related to coaching including:

Yesterday we examined how batsmen can adjust to playing in wet weather. Today we talk about bowling in the rain.

As yesterday, the situation is the same: The outfield is wet but playable, the light is poor and there is a risk of showers. This time you are bowling.

Being English, I'm used to playing cricket in most conditions. One of the worst is the wet and overcast day.

It's harder work for everyone. Cricket is much more fun when the rain stays away.

But let's say it's been raining before your game. The outfield is wet but playable, the light is poor and there is a risk of showers throughout.

Thought I might write down a few thoughts regarding some basic guidelines for bowlers who are starting to think about developing bowling plans.

Firstly, bowlers should always remember: YOU START THE PROCESS! this means, while a batsman may arrive at the crease with a plan, and he may even have some idea about what he is going to try to do to you as you are running in, he must ultimately RESPOND to the delivery you produce. This knowledge should encourage you to select each ball carefully but with confidence.

Purpose: To develop catching on the run and whilst tired.

Description: Player 1 has the job of catching as many high catches as possible. Player 2 starts by throwing or hitting a high catch to player 1 who runs and catches it and rolls it back. Player 3 then throws the ball so player 1 has to run and catch it again. Repeat for a set number then rotate the players.

The Third XI captain (Sundays) of my old club side was called Dave. He was a large man in his forties without pretention. He loved beer, cricket and Brighton and Hove Albion FC.

He called himself a batsman, but his real talent was his 'occasional bowling', which caused chaos.