Hill ready to play a key role in Staffs' three-day mission

MICHAEL Hill says his energy levels are fully stocked as he looks to help Staffordshire's charge in the NCCA Championship campaign.

- Chris Travers

Staffs kick off their three-day Division One East commitments with a home game against Lincolnshire at Checkley, starting on Sunday (11am).

And they welcome batsman Hill back into the fold after the 34-year-old sat out the Twenty20 Cup programme.

The stylish left-hander featured in the Knockout Trophy at the start of the season, but opted to take a step back from the short form.

"I took the break to be refreshed," said Hill. "I had a few weeks out last year because of work commitments. I came back into the Championship team feeling refreshed and got a hundred at Cleethorpes (against Lincolnshire).

"Now I'm getting into my mid-30s, I know my body a lot better and what is needed - and that was a period of rest, given how condensed the NCCA schedule is.

"We've also had two positive years in the T20 stuff and I just felt that the time was right to let the younger guys get a bit more experience and play in that format."

Hill, who plays his club cricket for Wombourne in the South Staffs League, says his time away from the squad provides an extra edge as the red-ball format begins.

For many players, it's the block of fixtures which get the juices flowing and the competition is seen as the jewel in the crown of the NCCA schedule.

"There's only so many rounds of bad golf you can have before you realise that there's life left in the legs to keep playing," added Hill.

"It's also good that if I've had a bad Saturday, then I can play on a Sunday and rectify that. I love playing for Staffs and enjoy the test of the three-dayers - that's proper cricket for me and it's going to be great to be back around the boys.