Under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes, the team took part in an intensive training camp using the University’s world-class facilities in preparation for the one-off Test match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on 22 May.
This will be followed by the highly anticipated five-match Test series against India, beginning at Headingley on 20 June.
During their stay, the squad were based at the ECB’S National Cricket Performance Centre and trained at the University’s Haslegrave Cricket Ground. Playing staff also made full use of Loughborough’s elite strength and conditioning gym, Powerbase.
Joe Root, the current leading run-scorer among all active batsmen, said: “We’re here as part of the England Test team preparing for the start of the summer. We’ve got a very important six Test matches, one against Zimbabwe, five against India, and we’re in camp here to get ourselves ready and prepared.
“It’s a way of getting the team together from all different parts of the country, spending a week together in each other’s pockets like you are when the games are on, building team spirit, getting into training so you’re ready for the challenges of Test cricket.
“To have that in one space in the lead up to an important summer for us has been really great. We couldn’t be happier with the surfaces provided for us and the facilities on offer.”
Professor Jo Maher, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University, added: “Talking earlier today with Rob Key (Managing Director) at the ECB, he said the wickets that our ground staff have prepared are some of the best in the world.
“The facilities and Loughborough’s ecosystem are the jewel in our crown. We’re world number one for sport-related subjects and our research and innovation aligns with what the ECB are trying to achieve to develop world-class athletes in a world-class ecosystem in cricket. There’s so much synergy there, it’s a fabulous partnership.”
A familiar face to campus is bowler and Loughborough alumnus Sam Cook, who is in line to make his Test debut. He said: “It’s rolling back the years, I spent three great years here at university and played a lot of cricket, so I know the place well.
“It was an extremely proud moment to get that call that you’re in the Test squad. It’s one you dream of as a kid growing up, and I want to take that forward now and represent England for a long time.
“Loughborough’s played a huge role in my life and has shaped me into the person that I am. I couldn’t recommend it higher to anyone. It’s been incredible.”
Marcus Trescothick, England Men’s Assistant Coach, also spoke of the importance of such training camps: “[It’s] the time you spend together really focussing on each other’s game. When you have everyone together you can work with the players, but they can work individually to get that preparation done.”
