All-rounder is looking for an Indian summer ; Cricket

"WE couldn't go out of the hotel because we would just be mobbed.The people's passion for cricket is indescribable."

Having just returned from a two-month spell in the Indian PremierLeague playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Ryan ten Doeschate isrecalling his experiences from an 'amazing' time playing acrossIndia.

But although he was thousands of miles from Chelmsford the Essexallrounder was still keeping up-todate with all his county's scoresover the Internet.

"I've been keeping a very close eye on the scorecards," said theSouth African. "It's been quite frustrating not to be able to helpthe guys out because we seem to be missing something in four daycricket at the moment and really, I'm trying to work out at themoment what that is.

"I'm delighted to be back now because I've missed a lot of homelythings but I had a great time in India. I'm looking forward to goingback in Se ptember."

In September his IPL side are likely to play in the ChampionsLeague Twenty20 tournament in India, even though their participationhasn't been rubber stamped, but Essex can qualify too if they winthe Friends Life t20 this season.

"I think contractually I'd end up playing for Essex which, ofcourse, I'm more than happy about but we have to win first," saidthe Netherlands inter national.

"We have got a really strong squad this season, our batting looksvery good but we can't leave it to the next guy in the order (toscore runs) and that's something we have been working on."

Although ten Doeschate, 30, feels Essex are good enough to winthe tournament - last year they lost in the semi-finals - he is waryof the other sides in their group.

"There has been a lot of good recruiting of overseas player," hesaid, "Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire all look to have good sides. "But he knows too that the Eagles have purchased wisely in ScottStyris and Tim Southee. "There is no-one better to have than Scott,"he said, "he can change a game around and Tim is a young guy who isstill making his way in international cricket. -- Turn to page 78

R yan's back -- From back page "I have seen him bowl a little bitand he is probably one of the best death bowlers I've seen."

Having arrived back from India last week 'Tendo ', as he is knowto his teammates, was plunged straight back in to first team actionagainst Gloucestershire in the County Championship. It didn't goexactly to plan. After taking a wicket in his first over he wasbanned from bowling thereafter for sending down two beamers.

"I was bowling in to a wind. I guess I didn't really have anyrhythm, " he said. "I wasn't really used to the red ball and itslipped out, it was really embarrassing but more than that it meantI couldn't bowl anymore and help the team."

But for the next few months Twenty20 cricket takes over. And tenDoeschate is focussed on helping Essex to have an Indian adventureall of their own.

R yan's back -- From [...]