Breese looking forward to new season

looking for runs...
By Jon Steer
March 6 2006

Gareth Breese will arrive back in the north east next week keen to back to business with Durham after acknowleging that he has had a bad season with the bat for Jamaica.

Breese has ruled himself out of Jamaica's forthcoming Super Cup match with a slight back strain that has prevented him from training. Jamaica have had one of their worst seasons on record, finishing bottom of the Carib Beer Cup without a win depite being defending champions. The poor performances have led to the resignation of their coach Robert Haynes.

Breese has scored just 101 runs in five first class matches and 45 runs in five one day matches but is hopeful of better things to come, "I'm definitely looking forward to getting back. I've had a bad season with the bat here in Jamaica, but I just hope to go back to my true potential, and hopefully I'll score some runs in England again this year and help them stay in division one," he said.

Breese's bowling has been more encouraging for Durham fans with 20 first class wickets at an average of just over 24 and 7 one day wickets at an average of just 13.

Breese credits Durham will playing a big part in his career, "It has made it possible for me to play cricket as a full-time career. We don't have a professional set-up in the Caribbean for first-class players to make it their career... and I think it has helped me a lot." he said.

Breese was speaking after the Jamaica Cricket Association has announced a move towards giving the game a more professional setup in the region.

Breese will spend just a few days with teammates at Durham before the squad leave for pre-season training in Dubai on 20th March.