Worcestershire keeper-batter Henry Cullen has earned high praise for his outstanding winter performances in Australia, both on and off the field, from Tom Cooper, Head Coach of South Australian first grade side Woodville.
Cooper, who boasts an impressive playing career with South Australia, Somerset, three Big Bash League teams, and 65 appearances in ODIs and T20Is for the Netherlands, hailed Cullen’s impact during his time with the club.
Cullen amassed 592 runs at an average of 74, playing a key role in helping Woodville gain promotion – but Cooper says his influence went far beyond the scoresheet.
“We were extremely lucky as a club to come across not only a player of Henry’s calibre, but also Henry as a person,” said Cooper.
“His performances were there for everyone to see – he really showed what a quality player he is by dominating the competition. His confidence was felt throughout our team and rubbed off on the players around him.
“The standards he brought on the training track gave our younger players an insight into what it takes to perform at a high level. His temperament, whether scoring runs or not, was a great example for the group.”
Cooper believes Cullen is ready to take the next step in his professional career: “I feel he is definitely ready to step up if and when given an opportunity in the County Championship, and I look forward to following his career with interest.”
He also praised Cullen’s versatility in the field: “His slip fielding was outstanding. He took a number of very good catches for us and was also one of our better outfielders. That tells me he’s much more than just a wicketkeeper-batter. He could easily fit into any side as a top-order batter.”
While Cullen’s on-field impact was significant, Cooper was equally impressed by his presence off the field, “More important than his performances was the way Henry fitted into our group and handled himself around the club. He’s a guy everyone wanted to play alongside.
“After he returned home, it was telling how many of the team mentioned during our next game how much they missed having him around.
“Club officials and members have expressed how much they’d love to have Henry back in future seasons – and, in my opinion, that’s the true test of the impact someone has on a club.”
Cooper concluded: “It was an absolute pleasure to have Henry at Woodville, and I believe he has a very bright future ahead.”
