HARARE - Teenage all-rounder Peter Burgoyne believes a productive winter in Zimbabwe can only have boosted his hopes of gaining a place in Derbyshire’s four-day side.

Burgoyne has already impressed in limited-overs cricket for KarlKrikken’s men, despite only turning 19 in November, and was rewarded with a new three-year contract at the end of last summer.

He subsequently marked his first-class debut in October, for Southern Rocks, with a century and went on to enjoy further success in Zimbabwe’s first-class competition, averaging 34 with the bat and claiming 10 wickets with his off-spin. In an exclusive interview with ecb.co.uk, Burgoyne reflected on the lessons he learned during his stint in southern Africa.

“I think a lot of it is my temperament when I’m batting,” he said. “I’ve worked quite a lot on that and that showed in Zimbabwe; I battled through quite tough stages and I came through on top.

“I think that’s one of the main things I’ve improved on over the winter. I’ve been guilty of getting in and getting out quite regular. I realised I had to change that.

“For me it (the time in Zimbabwe) has been very important. It’s changed the way I live; my lifestyle has changed a lot for the better.

“The standard of cricket over there is a lot better than I thought itwould be and it’s a great place to be. I enjoyed it.”

Understandably, he is now keen to gain further first-class experience, this time at county level. “That’s what every cricketer aspires to do,” he added.

“I’m looking at hopefully the start of the season but, if not, when the pitches start to dry out I’ll possibly break into the four-dayside. “I finished off quite well there (in Zimbabwe); I got a century to finish and I think seven wickets in the game, so I’m looking forward to it starting here.”- ECB UK