Q+A: Adam Rouse

What are the main strengths in your game and what do you need to work on?

I naturally score quickly and have the ability to clear the ropes when needed, however I am still learning my game and allowing myself to build an innings.

Consistency is also something all cricketers strive for, and it's definitely something I need to work on in order to be a regular feature across all three formats.

Which format do you prefer and why?

I have more experience in white ball cricket, however I do want to work hard to cement a place across all three formats.

The crowds in the NatWest T20 Blast and Royal London One-Day Cup are fantastic and I like the excitement it brings, the colourful kits and how the game can change so quickly.

One minute you could be on top and all it takes is for one person to change the game and swing the momentum the other way.

Although you were born in Zimbabwe, you grew up in England. Tell us about your upbringing and do you feel English, Zimbabwean or a bit of both?

I was very fortunate to have the upbringing that I had, and I wouldn't change that for the world. I have two older brothers so I spent every waking minute of my day outside with some sort of ball or bat in my hand, which was always good fun.

Sport was compulsory in Zimbabwe, so from such a young age we were all exposed to every kind of sport, which I think has given me a solid athletic base to build from.

We moved to the UK when I was 10 in 2003 and I think it's important to remember where you have come from, but also to appreciate where you are now.

I'm very grateful to the opportunities that the UK has given me, the infrastructure and setup has allowed me to get as far as I have with my cricket, which otherwise may not have been possible. So I guess to answer your question I'd say a bit of both.

You’re also a qualified personal trainer. Does that bring added expectation for pre-season?!

Not particularly, I've always been fit and healthy so qualifying as a personal trainer has only been an extension of my interests and what I was already doing before. What it has done is made me more aware of the importance that nutrition and specific training has on professional sport.

As well as that, having the qualification and that plan B in place has allowed me to enjoy my cricket a bit more without the fear of the unknown of life after cricket.

I have the PCA to thank for that for encouraging me and supporting me all his time. I'm also hoping to complete a business course over the next year.

Who have been the main influences on your career so far?

My parents have played a huge role in my career so far, supporting me through all the ups and downs, keeping me level headed when things are going well but also being there when the chips are down to keep me going.

If it wasn't for them and their belief in me, I don't think I'd be a professional cricketer today. I'm very fortunate to have the support unit that I have.

Who is your cricketing hero and why?

AB De Villiers is up there, I am a big fan of the way he plays, he's an extremely talented bloke both on and off the pitch, and I'd like to think my game is similar to his, however I'd be very happy to be even half as good as the guy.