Clive Rose
July 25, 2016
BG: Hi Clive, thanks for your time.
BG: In 2008 you made the Australian under 19’s World Cup squad which was the first high of your professional career. Was this the point that you realised you were capable of playing on the big stage in the future?
CR: Yes. I think knowing that I played against some of the best young cricketers in the world at that stage and held my own against them really gave me the confidence to go back to premier cricket in Melbourne and try to dominate that level.
BG: Where did you play your junior cricket, and were you dominant throughout your younger years to get you to this point?
CR: I played junior cricket for the Cavaliers. They played in the Southern District and Churches Cricket league. I think I personally did pretty well throughout my junior cricket days. But it helped a lot that I played in a team that was so strong that I batted in a different position every week to give everyone a go. From the time I started playing junior cricket in the under 12’s in 1996 and finished in the under 17’s in 2006, we only lost 3 games, 2 of them were grand finals.
BG: You made your domestic cricket debut for Victoria in 2012, was it always your dream to reach this level?
CR: Up until my debut for Victoria, my only goal was to play at least one one day game for Victoria at the MCG. So it was a dream come true when it actually happened. Ever since I could stand my dream was to play cricket for Victoria.
BG: After a good start in one-day cricket, you began a twenty/20 career with the Melbourne Stars. What was the experience like playing in front of such massive crowds?
CR: My first year with the Stars was a great learning curve for me. Was the first time that I was actually contracted with a team. I played one game that year and it was in front of 14,000 people at Adelaide Oval and I can say I still remember the first time I walked out there, I couldn’t here myself speak it was that loud. It was an experience I wont forget any time soon.
BG: In 2013, you signed with Tasmania, making the move away from home. How difficult a decision was it to leave Victoria in order to continue your cricket career?
CR: Looking back, it wasn’t that hard of a decision. I have always wanted to be a professional cricketer and unfortunately Victoria couldn’t offer me a contract at the time. Tasmania offered me a full contract so I didn’t really hesitate at the chance to play cricket for a living. It was only after signing that it sank in that I would have to leave my family and friends in Melbourne to start my career as a full time cricketer. I was nervous at first but the players down in Tasmania were really welcoming and made my transition so much easier.
BG: You have also made the move to the Hobart Hurricanes, and began to play a vital role for them with the ball. Do you now feel like the shorter format of the game is where you can have the most impact?
CR: I have always felt like I was more of a white ball player then red. But when I started playing for Victoria I worked so hard on trying to play the longer form of the game that I basically forgot what things I did well in the shorter forms of the game. Only last year working with Wrighty, who knew my game before I started playing for Victoria, helped me get back my confidence with the white ball. So I am hoping to build on the season I had last year and continue to do the things I did well last season.
BG: There have been many big named stars compete in the Big Bash. Who have you most enjoyed playing with and against?
CR: I have been lucky enough to play with some greats of the game. There are a lot of them but if I had to pick one it would have to be Sangakara and Darren Sammy. Kumar, for someone of his stature to be so humble and down to Earth is almost unheard of. He gave me a lot of time and help during last years Big Bash. Darren, was just a great person to play with. Had so much passion for the sport and always was there to give advice when I needed. Off the field he was great to be around as well always making people laugh.
BG: You’re known for your spin with the ball, however you have also shown your capabilities with the bat. In 2013, you hit a match winning 26 not out against Queensland in the Ryobi Cup. Do you enjoy getting an opportunity with the bat, and who is the most difficult bowler you have had to face?
CR: That was an innings I’m not going to forget in a long time. I really enjoy batting. Coming through the juniors I was mainly a batter that bowled a little bit. There have been many bowlers that have been difficult to face. The one that stand out the most is Doug Bollinger. Not only was he extremely fast but his ability to swing the old ball both ways was really difficult on even the flat wickets.
BG: What has been the highlight of your playing career thus far?
CR: There would be so many things that I think were great moments for me personally but one that stands out the most would be hitting the winning runs for Tasmania in a one-day game against Ryan Harris.
BG: You have also began an indoor cricket career for Victoria. Do you find playing indoor more fun than the seriousness of professional cricket?
CR: I approach indoor just as I do outdoor I want to play well and be the best I can be at both. But there is definitely more pressure when it comes to outdoor cricket and a lot more at stake when I do play outdoor so I guess I can just relax and play indoor without having those external factors affect me as much.
BG: Cricket has a long off season, so what do you do to keep yourself busy with your time off, and how much time do you spend bowling in the nets?
CR: Well when the cricket season finishes normally we start training about 2 months after. This year unfortunately I lost my contract with Tasmania so to keep fit I have been playing indoor cricket, going to the gym when I can and also been playing some winter cricket with some mates on the weekend. For me there is not much of an off season. When it comes to cricket I try to play all year round and try to get in the nets and have a bowl at least twice a week.
BG: What are your future goals within the sport?
CR: At the moment it is to try regain a Tasmania contract. I’ll be going back there this year to play premier cricket as I still have the desire to play shield cricket with them. As for the 20/20 stuff its just about building on the progress I made last year and hopefully contribute to a few more wins for the Hurricanes to get us playing finals.
BG: Thanks very much Clive, I really appreciate your time.