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By Matthew Kiernan
Bournemouth's own Max Waller spins his way to succes as he signs a new contract with Somerset.
Think of English cricket and leg spin would probably be the last thing that would come to mind. Indeed the last leg spinner to be capped internationally was Ian Salisbury and his last match was eight years ago. In short, leg spin is a dying art in this country.
But there’s one Bournemouth University student who hopes to change all that, and his name is Max Waller. He’s just signed a contract with Somerset and hopes to prove leg spin is the best way to win. Waller is currently studying a part-time business degree at the University, and coupled with his recent success atSomerset, he is wary of the potential temptations of University life. “I do go out occasionally. I’m not a massive drinker though, so it’s not really a problem. “Food is another thing to watch out for. If you don’t take these things on board then at this level you’ll struggle.” Such a sensible attitude off the pitch goes a long way to explaining his success on it.
Starting out in primary school, Waller quickly played his way into the Dorset Under 10’s and has progressed through the age groups as a junior. He recalls the strong parental influence in those early years. “My old man is big on cricket, he is a Malborough CC member and got me into the game. “My mum is less so, but both want me to achieve.” Things really began to fall into place though, whilst at Millfield School inSomerset. “There was a group of about 14 of us in the squad and seven were youth internationals.” In fact, the squad at Millfield reads as a “who’s who” of players to watch out for in The future, including South Africa Under 19s international Craig Kieswetter, and Waller was the captain. “Just being around good players helps so much. Playing with those guys week in week out, you’re only going to improve.” But it was another factor, whilst at Millfield, where Waller soon began to establish his credentials, and it came in the form of suddenly converting to leg spin. “I was messing around in the nets, bowling some leg breaks, when my coach approached me. “He asked me if I could bowl it properly, I did and I’ve bowled it ever since.”
After Millfield, Waller was a regular in the Southern Premier side Bashley CC, as well as featuring in a handful of Somerset Under-19 and 2nd XI games. But he was then rewarded with his big break, being offered 12th man duties withSomerset. “It was a great experience, I was made to feel a part of the team. I took a catch to get rid of Nick Compton and got a call after the match. “I thought they were going to ask me to be 12th man again, but instead they offered me a contract.” One thing that Waller’s route into the game has offered him is the opportunity to work with world-class coaches to help mould his technique. At the same time though, he is keen to stress that his motivation is purely individual. “I’ve worked with Terry Jennings (Shane Warne’s coach) and Richard Ellison (former Englandpace bowler) in the past. “They’ve helped me, but it isn’t down to them. “I have all the information I need, it is just a matter of putting it together.” It hasn’t all been plain sailing for Waller though, and he still has regrets about his certain aspects of his playing career till now. “I never got the chance to play a junior match for England, which was a shame.”
Now though it is time to look to the future and Waller is certainly being optimistic about what he can achieve. “I’ve always wanted to play cricket as a career, “I wasn’t expecting to get the chance. I’m going to take every game as it comes and aim to get another contract for next summer.” There is no doubting Waller’s ability, and he could well be the one to put leg-spin back on.
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