Interview: Nathan Barnwell

Raw pace is hard to come by nowadays. In a world where variation and deception rule the red, white & pink ball formats, there’s been a well documented shortage of true ‘fast’ bowlers. The type that can turn the little leather ball into a rock which slaps the wicketkeepers’ gloves before the batsman can place a front-foot.

Introducing Nathan Barnwell. The 19-year-old Right Arm Fast bowler at Surrey CCC who is quietly building his skillset and reputation in the game. After making his debut for the Second XI last season, and producing stand out performances for England U19’s, the young pace bowler signed a rookie contract with the club back in October.

We caught up with Nathan recently to understand his mindset and hear about his story so far…

First things first Nathan, how or who first got you into cricket?

It was my dad because he used to play when he was at school in the Caribbean and he got me into it when I was quite young, we played a bit of backyard cricket together with my brother and sister. I actually used to be a wicketkeeper at my first club, and at the first game the kit we got was way too big for me which is one of my earliest memories.

Interesting to hear you used to be a keeper! When did you make the switch to bowler?

Ha that was my first session [with Surrey] - got tired of squatting down.

From your backyard session with you family, were there any broken windows…?

Not from cricket, no. We used to play a game called Rocks that broke a few.

From then on, has it always been cricket for you?

I did used to play football quite a lot back in school, along with rugby and athletics, but cricket was always the main one. I support Crystal Palace and used to go to Selhurst Park quite a bit.

As a young fast bowler, was there a player you looked up to when growing up?

Yeah there were lots of them to be fair. I think probably the most recent one is Chris Jordan. I used to look up to him so it’s crazy how he’s in the same changing room as me now.

You’ve been with Surrey since 9 years old. Wind the clock forward 10 years and you’ve now signed as a pro. How does that feel?

Yeah it definitely feels quite rewarding because it’s been quite a long time but I’m just grateful to be able to finally start getting some serious work in to try to progress so I can be here for a much longer time. 

Now you’re part of the first team, and one of the youngest in the squad, are the older players helping introduce to professional cricket and sharing their experience?

Yeah definitely, always in training. Coming into it recently, yeah it’s been great getting to know some of the older lads. I’ve got so much to learn from the more experienced players. Even the younger ones, they’ll take you to the side and give you some of their tips which is great.

And in the changing room, have you managed to influence the group playlist at all?

Music wise, I wouldn’t say I’ve influenced them but I’ve shown them a couple of tracks I like.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

At the moment I’m listening to quite a bit of Tems, not sure if you know her, and I like Octavian. Listen to a lot of him.

We’re always interested to hear what pro cricketers do when there’s a rain delay…what’s your go-to activity?

Depends on the dressing room to be honest. Some dressing rooms will play cards. I remember when I was away with the academy, we played a lot of Uno. Some people listen to music. Some people go on their phones. So yeah it depends, it’s not the best time to be inside but you gotta make do with what you have, pretty much.

Looking ahead to the new season…how you feeling about it?

Yeah I’m just excited, very excited. I just want to get to work, hopefully I’ll have a good season. Just keep learning, keep working, keep progressing.

What do you find is the most exciting part of a new season?

The stash is always nice. I’ve not played in front of too many crowds but I’m definitely excited for when I get my opportunity. Just getting out there, see your work from the winter come together now and getting out as a team.

And finally, can you tell us the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“Everyone is player one in their own game” - that came from my Year 6 teacher at my primary school.

At 19 years old, Nathan is frighteningly focused on putting in the hard yards and learning from his peers in order to make himself a better player. Elite mentality.