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Behind the Lions - Crispin Wheeler Interview
Behind the Lions - Crispin Wheeler Interview
Crispin Wheeler - Hampshire - Off Spinner
Crispin Wheeler - Hampshire - Off Spinner
County season stats: 4 matches - 26 wickets - Econ 4.31 - SR 42.27
Twat Sportz' Ellie Marsh caught up with Crispin after his performance in the 1st innings of the 2nd Test vs New Zealand to try and find out a little more about the Hampshire Off Spinner:
EM: Crispin, you must be delighted with your performance in the first innings, was it good to be back?
CW: Honestly?I felt relief. And pride. After that first Indian Test, I knew I hadn’t done myself justice. Getting dropped stung, but I understood it. So when Barry [Dennison] rang me last week, I felt like I’d been given a second chance — and I wasn’t going to waste it.
EM: You looked sharp out there. Are you pleased with how you bowled today?
CW: Yeah, I am. The rhythm was there early, and the ball came out nicely. I’ve worked hard these past few months — county grind, net sessions, even a bit of biomechanics tweaking. To see it translate into wickets, especially in a Test, that’s massive. But I’m not getting carried away. One good game doesn’t erase the past — it’s about consistency now.
EM: Let’s talk about the past for a moment. David Earl dropped you after that first Test in India. What’s your view on that decision now?
CW: Look, David had his way of doing things. He was results-driven, no-nonsense. I didn’t perform, and he made a call. I didn’t agree with it at the time — I felt I had more to offer — but I respect that he was trying to shake things up. I won’t pretend it didn’t hurt, though. It did.
EM: During those months out of the squad, what kept you motivated?
CW: Honestly, it was the grind. County cricket doesn’t get the glamour, but it’s where you find out who you are. I kept telling myself: if I can keep hitting my lengths, keep troubling batters, someone will notice. Plus, I’ve got good people around me — family, coaches at Hampshire — who reminded me I wasn’t done yet.
EM: Did you ever doubt you'd wear the England shirt again?
CW: Yeah, I’d be lying if I said no. After the India Test, I felt like I’d let a lot of people down. When the squad kept getting named and my name wasn’t there, it was tough. But I also knew I hadn’t shown my best. So I just kept working, hoping that if the door opened again, I’d be ready to walk through it.
EM: And now you’re working under Barry Dennison. How does his coaching style differ from David?
CW: Night and day, really. Barry’s more collaborative. He sits you down, talks through plans, asks what you need. There’s a trust there — he backs you to find your own rhythm rather than micromanaging. With David, it was more directive: “Here’s the plan, execute it.” Barry gives you the framework and lets you breathe. For me, that’s made a huge difference.
EM: How did it feel walking back into the dressing room — same faces, new energy?
CW: It was surreal. Some lads gave me stick — “Back from the wilderness, are we?” — but it was all in good humour. The vibe under Barry is different. There’s more openness, more belief. It felt like walking into a team that’s building something, not just surviving. That gave me a real lift.
EM: You must be pleased with your county form, 26 wickets so far for Hampshire?
CW: Very pleased. It’s been a good run — conditions have helped, sure, but I’ve also been more aggressive with my lines. I’ve worked a lot on my wrist position and seam presentation. Credit to the Hampshire setup, they’ve backed me even when I was out of the England frame.
EM: How do you see the rest of the New Zealand tour going?
CW: We’ve got momentum now. The dressing room’s buzzing after this start to the 2nd test. If we stay disciplined and keep executing our plans, I think we can take the series. Personally, I just want to keep contributing — whether that’s wickets, pressure, or just energy in the field.
EM: Any words of advice for young debutant Ki Wolf?
CW: Ki’s got something about him — raw, fearless. My advice? Stay curious. Ask questions, listen to the senior lads, but don’t lose that spark. And when things get tough — because they will — remember why you started. That’s what gets you through.
EM: Final question — what’s next for Crispin Wheeler?
CW: Keep my spot. Keep taking wickets. Keep proving I belong here. I’ve had the setback, I’ve had the recall — now it’s about building something lasting. I want to be part of this new England era, not just a footnote.
EW: Thanks, Crispin. Great to have you back.
CW: Cheers, Ellie.
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