England trip on hold for Kieran Atkin

Kieran Atkin and his family are meant to be in England on the trip of a lifetime.

Atkin was set to play cricket with Consett Cricket Club in Durham, while he, his wife and two young kids were going to make the most of the time to see other countries. 

With both kids not at school level, the trip wouldn’t interrupt their schooling and it was a chance for them to see the world.

Atkin’s fitness business back home in Wallan was doing well enough that they were able to put on a manager and still make a wage while over in England.

But like so many other Australian cricketers, Atkin’s plans were put on hold when COVID-19 hit, shutting borders and putting a halt to cricket seasons.

For Atkin it was meant to be his first opportunity to England to play cricket.

“This was going to be my first season over there,” he said. “My dad is English, so I’ve always had access to an English passport and citizenship. 

“With family and work commitments, I’ve never had the opportunity before and I finally got the chance this year and it wasn’t to be.

“It’s something that came about fairly quickly, organising the trip over there.

“Once all the ducks aligned and we put everything into it and just as quickly everything was taken away again.”

Atkin said having an English passport had helped him find a club, with Consett the club to show the most interest early on.

The club has already told Atkin if he wishes to come across in 12 months time, they will honour the deal for this season.

“Consett were pretty quick with the paperwork and the offer was pretty generous and it was going to be too good to turn down,” Atkin said.

“I’ve been in fairly consistent communication with a couple of guys from the club on social media and it really seemed like a good fit and it was good to get to know a few of them.

“Actually one of the guys at a club was playing up near Shepparton this season and actually came around and I got to meet him.”

Atkin said if things were to go to plan, that he would likely take up the offer for next season, with it his real last chance to make the trip.

He said how their business bounced back after the COVID-19 shutdown would play a role in their decision.

“The oldest starts school not next year, the year after, so it still gives the opportunity to go over next year.

“She still talks about having her birthday in England and going to DisneyLand in Paris.

“We’re pretty committed to going over there, it's our last chance before the kids hit school age and I’m not getting younger.  

“To know they want me over there next year and it certainly takes the pressure off trying to find somewhere.”

Atkin said talking to those at Consett, he believed the competition in the Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League was a similar standard to the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association back in Victoria.

Having played with Wallan in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield last season, it’s a challenge he’s looking forward to.

Atkin had planned to have last season off, but decided to have another season at his local club and help out.

He averaged just over 50 in nine matches, including making 209

“The last 10 or so years I’ve played most of my cricket in the McIntyre Cup in the GDCA,” he said.

“I was part of the Vic Country squad last summer in 2018-19 and played a lot of rep cricket. I was captain of the rep team this year.

“Playing in B-grade wasn’t ideal, but I live locally and I’ve got a local business and one of my friends was coaching so I offered to help out and add a bit of experience, as it is a fairly young group.

“I’ve always wanted to push myself to the highest level that I can get to and I'm really looking forward to the challenge, not only at a higher level of cricket but in the different conditions in England and seeing if I still have what it takes.”

Atkin, who is returning to Bacchus Marsh in the McIntyre Cup next season, knows while he is in the back end of his playing career, that he’s still keen to have a future in cricket.

“I’ve been doing some coaching with the Australian Cricket Institute as well,” he said.

“I’m going to continue my coaching with the ACI and I’m heading back to Bacchus Marsh to play McIntyre to assist with coaching there.

 “Once playing days are done, I would love to get into a coaching career.”