Kerrigan: I'm my own worst critic

One-time England spinner Simon Kerrigan says he is more critical of his national debut than anyone else, but has put the horror spell at The Oval behind him and is confident of regaining some respect.

One-time England spinner Simon Kerrigan says he is more critical of his national debut than anyone else, but has put the horror spell at The Oval behind him and is confident of regaining some respect.

The Lancashire spinner's first two international overs went for 28 runs as Australia's Shane Watson struck six fours off the debutant. He only went on to bowl eight overs in the innings, and none in the second, potentially ruining his England career.

Kerrigan told <i>BBC Radio Lancashire</i>: "I'm my own biggest critic and I was really disappointed with how it went. You're expecting all the good things to happen and you're not really preparing yourself for something like that.

"The adrenaline was going and there were a few nerves, but I knew I'd be nervous because I was nervous when I made my second-team debut [for Lancashire], my first-team debut and my Lions debut.

"I tried to rely on the times where I've been nervous but also come out of the other side and done really well from that.

"It wouldn't say it was just nerves. Technically, it didn't click. That's what happens with young spinners. I'm 24, still learning my action and still learning the game."

Kerrigan went on to explain how the England coach, Andy Flower, helped him get past the disappointment, and got him to believe in a future with the Three Lions again.

The spinner added: "I was feeling sorry for myself for a couple of days, but getting back into things straight away with Lancashire helped.

"Andy Flower took me to one side and said 'you are far better off having the experience you've had now rather than getting a go in four or five years, and it would be an even greater story if you bounced back from it and had a prospering Test career'.

"As long as I keep an energy about myself, wanting to get better – an experience like that drives you on to get better, get back into the side and, if you get another chance, prove what you can do."

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