Yorkshire's Jack Shutt on his 'unreal' Roses T20 debut

Yorkshire County Cricket Club vs Lancashire County Cricket Club is arguably the biggest fixture in English domestic cricket.

A fierce rivalry that stretches back to 1849, with both teams trying to stake their claim for the cricket bragging rights in the north of England.

The passion for the match still resonates with fans with Headingley selling out the most recent T20 blast match despite spectator figures declining.

An electric atmosphere with the soldiers at the wicket, igniting their supporters with demon balls or thundering shots.

However, a potentially daunting environment for a novice.

That was the task facing young Yorkshire spin bowler Jack Shutt on his debut last season.

The 22-year-old had been playing in the White rose’s second team but was pushing to break into the infamous first XI.

“At the start of the season, I just wanted to play a couple of first-team games and do well in the second team which would help lead to that,” said Shutt.

“The way that things happened were a little bit different with people getting injured and getting a surprise chance. Before I played, I was just looking to play for the first team.” 

Shutt was automatically thrown into the deep end – only finding out he was playing hours before a sold-out Headingley would witness a fierce war of the roses.

“I was nervous as it was probably about an hour and a half before the start of the game, so I didn’t have too much time to process it. As soon as I got told I just got the adrenaline and then just went about my normal preparation. When you’re actually playing, it’s just a game of cricket and the same as any other game.”

The youngster was surrounded by experienced heads and legends of the club, such as coach Andrew Gale who helped the Barnsley-born spinner, saying:

“They said you deserve to be here. Just go out and enjoy it. Just play without fear and I think that’s all you can say. It can go one way or the other.”

Embracing the Headingley choruses of Sweet Caroline and Hi Ho silver lining, Shutt bowled tightly, taking two wickets for 31 runs.

“It was unreal. Going from playing second-team cricket where if you get a wicket or something good happens, the lads will cheer with not much atmosphere in the ground, whereas in that atmosphere anything happens and the crowd are up singing and dancing. It was quite different but a great experience.” 

However, what was a proud moment for his family resulted in a rush across the continent for Shutt’s Parents.

“They were flying back from a holiday in Greece, so they got to the game about five overs in which was a bit mad.

“They got off the plane to a text from me saying ‘I’m playing’, so I think they were a bit shocked and rushed over from Manchester to Headingley. They were obviously really proud, but probably a bit surprised.

“From being a little kid and ferrying me around, taking me around Yorkshire and the country playing. They’ve just been supportive and have done a great job at that,” Said Shutt, with a reflective smirk across his face.

Lancashire possessed a number of experienced heads in their top order, including Australia star and former Yorkshire batsman, Glenn Maxwell.

“The standard of batsmen you’re bowling at in that competition is really high with overseas players and England players. It was great getting a few wickets and it gives you a lot of confidence going forward.

“Maxwell was the hardest to breakdown. He’s a bit of a hero when I was watching him growing up and to play against him was great.”

Shutt came out of the game a positive prospect for Yorkshire despite the hosts falling to a nine-run defeat. The spinner believed that the game was a substantial step in what could be a promising career with the White Roses.

“Once you’ve done it in that game in the county circuit, it doesn’t get much bigger or higher pressure than that.

“When you’ve done it once you have that to fall back on, that feeling that you know you have done it before.” 

“It is always nice to get an award. It capped off a really good year for me really.” 

Shutt’s debut season began to blossom becoming a valuable member of the county’s T20 Blast campaign, including taking five wickets for 11 runs against Durham.

Subsequently, Shutt went on to win the club’s young player of the season award, which gives the impression that Shutt could be fighting in many more wars of the roses.