AMELIA Munday, a 22-year-old all-rounder who signed a one-year rookie contract with Somerset recently, is spending the winter playing cricket in Australia.

The former Exeter University student is playing for the Geelong Cricket Club which is based just outside of Melbourne.

Why did Amelie opt to go out to Australia to spend the winter? “A large gap in my game is game awareness, so coming out to Australia to play as much as I can has allowed me to improve on this. It’s been an amazing experience. We’ve had some big breakthroughs with the bat, leading to three 70s in the last four weeks.”

What has been her favourite moment so far during her time with Geelong? “I’ve been very lucky to go and experience life on a sheep farm. The people I live with have taken me out and shown me their way of life between the mountains, and it is incredible!”

How important does she think playing overseas during the winter is when it comes to your development off the field? “It’s hugely important for me. I think I’ve developed more than I ever could in the nets.”

How much exploring of the country has Amelie been able to undertake outside her cricket? “Yes Ive been able to get to some amazing places and I’m super lucky to have travelled down the Great Ocean Road, experience the sheep farm, and I’m currently on the Sunshine Coast exploring a bit more.”

As an English player in Australia has Amelie been given any ‘stick’ ahead of an Ashes series? “I haven’t had too much. You get the odd comment but I mostly take it on the chin and get my head down to focus on the game.”

Has Amelie heard from any of her Somerset team mates while she has been out on Australia? Yes, I’ve been chatting to a couple of the girls and it sounds like they’re loving it.”

Have the Somerset coaches and physios kept in contact to ensure Amelie has been keeping herself fit? “I’ve had lots of positive conversations with the coaches back home. It’s a perfect balance at the moment of catch ups while allowing me to get on with the work I need to do out here on my game.”

What are her thoughts about heading back to Taunton and the cold weather? “I can’t wait to get back and jump into training.”