James Benning has returned from his time in Australia confident that he can take the experience of playing tough cricket in the Western Australian Premiere league into the start of the English summer.

Benning has spent the last five months with Surrey team mate Stewart Walters, playing cricket for Perth Cricket Club in the Western Australian Premiere League.

After a difficult start personally, Benning’s form started to blossom towards the end of his trip with the highlight being his match winning 176 against Willetton – an innings that guaranteed his side’s qualification into the playoffs at the end of the season.

Speaking to Surrey TV, Benning commented: “It was definitely and adjustment thing for me, coming off the back of the season very tired having had those last six intense weeks….it took a lot out of me.”

The Surrey man’s last match before flying home was the top of the table clash with Scarborough, who boasted former Australian opening batsman Justin Langer.

At the half way point, when Scarborough had been dismissed for just 95, Perth would have fancied taking the match and with it the place at the top of the table. However it was not to be as Walters’ men were bowled out 23 runs short of the target.

The result is a great example of how tough the cricket is in Australia, and Benning believes he has learnt a great deal from this sort of experience.

“Getting into their mentality and the way that they play was probably the area for me that took the longest to get used to.”

He went on to say: “ For me it was one of the best learning curves so far and I hope that the experience I have gained out there, will stand me in good stead for the coming season.”

You can see Benning’s whole interview with Surrey TV by clicking here.

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