In the second instalment of a series of interviews with Pembrokeshire Sport this summer, Andrew Salter speaks to Fraser Watson on bowling in the sleet, pushing for first team selection, and why he won’t need to check the results of his old team St Ishmaels this weekend . . . 
 
Pushing his case: 
 
Ultimately, it’s not gone quite to plan for Salter thus far having been left out of the first team squad for their opening three County Championship matches. 
 
He has however, ensured the selectors won’t be forgetting about him anytime soon. 
 
The 27-year-old has played a pivotal role in the second XI’s two early season wins - notching 95 in the first innings at Somerset, and delivering a spell of 3-11 in 11 overs to help set up a 10 wicket success over Lancashire at Spytty Lane. 
 
“It’s been great to start the season with two competitive second team four day fixtures,” he said. 
 
“I personally wanted to put in good performances in those games against strong opposition to try and push my case for first team selection. In that sense I’m pleased with how they’ve gone – both from an individual and team perspective. 
 
“It hasn’t been a massive pre-season to push for places, we had just one inter-squad match really. So these first couple of second team games have been important to me to start the summer on the right note.” 
 
Even if he did have one regret, namely missing out on three figures with the bat at Taunton. 
 
“Getting caught at deep mid-wicket on 95 probably wasn’t the best decision I’ve made of late,” he admitted, somewhat humorously. 
 
“But it was nice to score those runs and contribute to team wins. That’s been the standout factor, we’ve had lots of guys contribute. Its been a case of team performances and that’s something Steve Watkin and Adrian Shaw want to push.” 
 
Relishing responsibility: 
 
Unusually for Salter, he’s adopted the role as senior player with young talent to guide around him. 
 
But he insists that neither changes his intentions, or his approach to playing. 
 
“Within the second team you have players at different stages of their career. 
 
“We’ve got academy players and some who’ve just played their first four day game. So you’ve got some guys taking their first steps, and at the other end of the scale there’s the likes of myself pushing to get opportunities in the first team.” 
 
Indeed, Salter shared the captaincy with Tom Cullen for the opener at Taunton, before the latter was called up to first team duties. 
 
“That does come with an added responsibility (the captaincy) to help the younger players. 
 
“But that doesn’t change my intention or job too much. Generally, over the second half of my career I’ve had to play that main spinner role so when you talk about being a senior player – I’ve already become accustomed to things like working on control, tactically setting a field, and creating pressure.” 
 
Pleased to play whatever the weather: 
 
Salter and co have been adhering to guidelines imposed due to Covid-19, with hand sanitizing now every bit as prominent as interval drinks. 
 
However, rather than it be a hindrance, Salter says the players are simply pleased to be out playing regardless of regulations. 
 
“There are new rules, but it’s just been great to get out there and play,” he said. 
 
“It was a very cold week in Somerset. I was running into bowl and sleet was coming in sideways across the pitch, and it’s slightly testing for a spinner when your fingers are numb! 
 
“But right now I just appreciate the chance to play cricket against some strong second XI’s. 
 
“And after the weather in Taunton, from a players’ point of view the sun is now out, we’re into the season, and after the last 12 months everyone is just grateful to be outside.” 
 
Keeping tabs on Tish: 
 
This coming weekend will be many domestic leagues in Wales get underway, including in Pembrokeshire where Salter came through the ranks at St Ishmaels. 
 
He won’t however, be online Sunday morning checking how his old team got on – simply because he doesn’t need to. 
 
“I don’t have to keep an eye out, they’ll let me know soon enough if they get a result. 
 
“I’ve never had to keep tabs and Andrew Pawlett (also an off spinner) in particular will be the first to tell me if he’s had a few wickets.” 
 
But for Salter and the second XI, the next challenge will be a far cry from Tish as they go to Worcestershire on May 4^th. 
 
And whether he’s faced with sleet, snow, or sun, he can only continue to knock on the door via performances. 
 
Although next time he reaches 95, he may refrain from trying to bring his ton up with a six…..