Vitality Blast: Q&A with George Garton

The T20 Vitality Blast is back! The Sharks narrowly lost out to Somerset in the competition opener but bounced back straight away with an amazing victory against Surrey at the Kia Oval. On Thursday the Sharks look to make in back to back wins with Essex the visitors to The 1st Central County Ground. In our new feature, we help you get to know some of the stars of the Sharks side. 

This week we spoke to England international, George Garton. The left-arm fast-bowler has played T20 cricket all over the world, including in the IPL, Big Bash and SA20 and is now set for a big Summer at The 1st Central County Ground. 

Q. Favourite cricket ground around the world?

A. My favourite cricket ground would be the Adelaide Oval. I just think the whole set–up is the best. It’s got a really good mixture of old history, with the old scoreboard as well as big grandstands.

Q. Toughest T20 opponent?

A. Toughest player would be Nicholas Pooran. He seems to like batting against me! Toughest team would be one of the IPL teams. We [Royal Challengers Bangalore] lost to Kolkata [in the eliminator in 2021], so I’d go for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Q. Proudest moment as a player?

A. Making my England debut [in 2022], probably. It was very special. You grow up as a kid dreaming and aspiring to play for England, so to get that opportunity was a dream come true.

Q. Set a score or chase?

A. I would rather chase a score. I just think the way T20 is at the moment, and you look at the stats, it suggests that chasing is probably the easier option.

Q. Cricketing idol/hero?

A. It’s a great question because I don’t particularly have one!  There’s lots of people I enjoyed watching growing up but I didn’t really have an idol or a hero. I grew up around the 2005 Ashes, so [I enjoyed watching] any one of those players - Simon Jones, Freddie Flintoff. I was around Sussex when I was younger, so people like Yards [Michael Yardy], Wrighty [Luke Wright], Matt Prior. Those kinds of people.

Q. Favourite post-match meal?

A. After a T20 we usually have warm wraps, either chicken or something like that, so that always goes down well.

Q. Day match or under the lights?

A. I prefer playing under lights. I think it just adds to the atmosphere. I think, as well, because it’s later in the day the crowd are more likely to have had a few beers and be a bit rowdier! I think it just adds to the spectacle of T20 cricket.

Q. Cromwell Road End or the Sea End?

A. I’d have to go Cromwell Road - because it’s downhill and much faster!

Still need a ticket to Sharks vs Essex this Thursday?

There is still time to buy your tickets online for our game against Essex. You can purchase tickets online up until the start of play. 

Tickets can also be purchased by calling the Box Office 01273 827100.

Those wishing to purchase tickets upon arrival at The 1st Central County Ground are only able to do so via the Eaton Road gate from 5:30pm. However, we strongly recommend you buy them online in advance to reduce queue times and to ensure your tickets are protected by our refund policy.