“Gloucestershire were a big part of my journey towards establishing myself as an international player” - Andrew Tye
18 July 2018
Andrew Tye has paid tribute to the part Gloucestershire have played in his dramatic late rise to prominence as a world class T20 bowler.
The 31-year-old seamer did not start playing state cricket back home in Australia until he was 26. And when the county first showed interest in signing him in 2015 for the following season's NatWest Blast, he had yet to make his international debut.
That came early in 2016 against India at Melbourne. Tye then made 14 appearances for Gloucestershire that summer, taking 18 wickets, and has since gone on to establish himself among the top death bowlers in the game.
He now boasts 18 T20 appearances for Australia and has played in seven one-day internationals, having made his debut in the longer format last January.
Tye started his second spell with Gloucestershire by taking three wickets in the Vitality Blast derby win over Somerset at Bristol and is effusive about the club's role in his development.
“Gloucestershire were a big part of my journey towards establishing myself an international player,” he said. “Every time you step onto the field you learn something, whether it is about your game or mentally.
“The experience of playing those games over here a couple of years ago aided my growth as a player and I shall always be grateful to the club for allowing me to come over and bowl in England.
“I was delighted to get the opportunity. I believe you get certain chances in life that can change everything.”
Tye also gives former Somerset captain Justin Langer a large slice of the credit for the transformation in his cricketing fortunes over the past five years.
“Being a professional player was something I had pretty much written off when I was 26, a bit overweight, and appearing in club cricket back home,” he said.
“JL taking over as coach at Western Australia was key for me. He has had the biggest impact on my career and, along with his staff, got me fit with a tough pre-season.
“They not only got me into shape, but also convinced me I could succeed as a professional. What coming into the game so late means is that I don’t take any day for granted. I play every game as if it is my last.”
Tye was due back at Gloucestershire last summer, but those plans had to be shelved when he suffered a serious shoulder injury. Now he is out to make up for lost time.
Gloucestershire go into their Vitality Blast South Group clash with Essex at Cheltenham on Friday, having won three of their first four games and Tye is confident the good start can be maintained.
“I played at Cheltenham against Essex in my first spell with Gloucestershire and loved the atmosphere,” he said. “It is a special place and I am really looking forward to being involved there again.
"We have a strong squad with a lot of competition for places, which is always a good sign."
