It’s been a successful winter for Colin Ingram. The big-hitting left-hander was in Australia playing for Jason Gillespie’s Adelaide Strikers in the seventh edition of the ‘Big Bash.’
After helping his team top the group stages, his team defeated Sydney Sixers in the semi-final before thrashing Hobart Hurricanes in the final.
Ingram played a vital part in his team’s route to the title, striking 277 runs at an average over 30 and a strike rate of nearly 140 and was full of praise for the tournament as a whole and the excitement it generates amongst supporters.
"It’s a fantastic tournament and an awesome experience,” said Ingram.
"I have been meaning to play there for a couple of years and I know a couple of guys in the Glamorgan dressing room have been involved.
"There is a lot of hype and an all-round package. If you watch it on television as I have done for a number of years.
"It's at a great time of year in Australia playing in some big iconic stadiums and the crowd get behind the crowds.
"The Adelaide Strikers are a great bunch of guys. Beside the fact we won the tournament which was an awesome experience, we had a lot of fun playing together and I enjoyed the season.”
With Cardiff chosen as one of the eight cities to host a team in the new ECB led T20 competition starting in 2020 which is looking to mirror the success of the Big Bash, Ingram is certain it will only mean positive things for cricket in Wales.
"People out in Australia think they have rejuvenated cricket in Australia.
"It (Big Bash) is a world-class competition. I know the people in the UK and I know they love their cricket and have been supporting their counties over a good-many-years.
"Playing for the city-based teams and some of the big stadiums and creating more excitement can only bolster the county cricket system in general.
"For Cardiff to get one of those franchises or city-based teams is massive for Wales and fantastic for region.”
After a short-break in South Africa, Ingram jets off to Dubai to link up with the Karachi Kings for the Pakistan Super League, before taking a well desreved rest until he returns to Wales for his fourth season with the Club.
However, it will a different challenge for Glamorgan’s star player this year, with him returning to Glamorgan as the new white-ball captain after the retirement of Jacques Rudolph.
"I am looking forward to being nice and fresh when I get out there.
"Doing back-to-back seasons over the last few years has taken it's toll. I am looking forward to playing formats I am probably best at.
"The leadership role is a great honour and I can come in with some fresh energy and new ideas.
"I am looking forward to getting back to Glamorgan which feels like home these days."
To watch Colin and the boys in action, purchase a 2018 full Glamorgan membership and enjoy admission to all regular season home matches in the Specsavers County Championship, Royal London One-Day Cup and the NatWest T20 Blast. That's 39 days of top domestic cricket for just £182. Buy HERE