Grayson: 'We just need to enjoy the day'

Date released: 24 August 2007

As part of the build-up to the Minor Counties Final on Bank Holiday Monday 27th August, Lords.org spoke to Essex coach and former England one-day international, Paul Grayson.

The experienced all-rounder retired from first-class cricket in 2005 but whilst coach at Bury St. Edmunds he was invited to play for Suffolk.

Paul Grayson: Looking forward to enjoying the catering at Lord's! He spoke to Lords.org ahead of the final and his first foray into the home dressing room at Lord's:

Lords.org: How did you come to play for Suffolk?

Paul Grayson: "After I retired, I took up coaching with Bury [St. Edmunds]. I was still playing a bit, so Suffolk asked me to play."

Lords.org: And are you looking forward to Monday?

Paul Grayson: "Lord's is a special place - I've played there in finals before with Essex and it really is something different.

"Suffolk have won the toss so we're in the home dressing room too, apparently. Either way I've told the lads to make the most of it.

"I've only been in the away dressing room before and Pete in there has always taken great care of us. I've forewarned the lads to make the most of the catering - it's the best you'll ever get playing cricket!"

Lords.org: Having played here before have you passed on the benefit of your experience to any of the younger players?

Paul Grayson: "A lot of these lads have never played at Lord's so it'll be the biggest day of their career.

"I said to the captain I didn't want to take the place of anyone who'd never played here before.

"They'll find the day'll just slip right by so quickly. I've told them all to enjoy it, take it all in: the dressing rooms, the pitch, the whole ground. But it's all about relaxing and enjoying it."

Lords.org: Given your role with Essex, what about any last minute coaching tips?

Paul Grayson: "Oh no, I leave all that to Andy Brown. I've not seen the lads for a while.

"I'm with Essex at the moment but I'll meet up with them on Sunday and if any of them want to have a chat to me I'll do that.

"Andy and the lads do a great job. It's nice for me to just turn up and play cricket - because I still really enjoy it. I stand where I'm told, bowl when I'm told and it's nice to have a bit of a 'day off' from it really.

"But if the captain wants me to talk to any of the lads or if they want to talk to me beforehand I'm more than willing to do that."

Lords.org: We chatted to Chris Schofield earlier this week, he thinks you'll win. What's your prediction?

Paul Grayson: "I'd like to think so! Look, it'll be a great game. Cheshire are a strong side. Hopefully it'll be a great game - and we'll win!"

Lords.org: Chris picked out a few players to watch. Apart from yourself, obviously, who are the players to keep an eye out for?

Paul Grayson: "Chris Swallow's been in good form for us. He bowls and bats a bit. Ben France is a good opener, he can whack the ball about a bit."

Lords.org: Given your role at Essex are there any of the younger players you've got your eye on?

Paul Grayson: "A couple of them have already played for us. Our other opener, Tom Huggins, has played for Essex's Seconds - he can hit the ball really well too.

"Justin Bishop is another one who's played for Essex too."

Lords.org: And finally, your captain wins the toss and asks your advice. Would you bat or bowl?

Paul Grayson: "I wouldn't want to say too much until we've had a look at the wicket, obviously - but I know Mick the groundsman will have a great wicket ready for us.

"I'd put them in - that's the trend these days isn't it? Chase them down. We're good at that."

Lords.org: Best of luck on Monday.