England Test sponsors Investec helped bring wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior and hockey goalkeeper Maddie Hinch together for an unusual training session at the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground yesterday.
Under the watchful eye of England wicketkeeping coach Bruce French, the pair traded ideas and thoughts from their respective sports.
Prior said: “It's been really interesting having a chat with Maddie about the differences.
“Obviously a key difference between us is that I’ve got to try and catch the ball whereas a hockey goalkeeper doesn't, they can just punch it.
“However, there are lot of movements, patterns and footwork drills that cross over so it's been a lot of fun. I'm not so sure whether I could take up hockey goalkeeping though, a bruise on the inside thigh from a cricket ball is bad enough!
“My first question to Maddie was 'how did you get into people whacking hockey balls at you?' You've got to pretty brave I think!”
Hinch added: “The physical demands of wicketkeeping are immense and it’s a great credit to Matt and Bruce that Matt has had and continues to have such a successful career.
“Obviously hockey and cricket are very different sports but there are a lot of similarities in the skills required to wicket-keep and goal-keep so it was great to have an insight into his regime.
“It’s a great boost for me as we head into the Investec London Cup and Commonwealth Games”.