When Tom Helm first started training with Middlesex’s senior professionals, the mask slipped for a split second and he became a fan again.
Among the group that day was Steven Finn, who had helped England win the Ashes in Australia in 2010-11 and was regarded as one of the best young fast bowlers in the world.
Helm admits he was wide eyed as he approached Finn for the first time — but thankfully, he managed to avoid asking him a question that might have backfired.
“I wanted him to sign my shirt,” Helm recalled. “I turned up at practice thinking that is what I would do but fortunately I realised it would have been a bit strange, when we were team-mates.”
Did Helm ever tell Finn this story? “No — but I guess he’ll hear about it now,” Helm chuckled.
In terms of autographs and selfies, however, Helm is now the hunted, not the hunter. His star is rising and England’s selectors are watching. Don’t be surprised to hear his name in the conversation for international cricket next summer, or even before.
Despite making his first-class debut in 2013, Helm has made only 37 senior appearances for Middlesex. The quick bowler has always had rich potential but his progress was interrupted by a stress fracture to his back in 2015. He then suffered an ankle injury last June and missed the remainder of the summer, which ended with Middlesex winning the County Championship. “When I struggled with injuries, Middlesex always ensured I stayed under contract, so I never felt under pressure to come back too quickly,” Helm explained. “The support I have received has been second to none.
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“I do remember a few practice sessions after the injury, being asked to come off my full run and not feeling ready. You just have to grit your teeth and get through it. Fortunately, I’ve never been a worrier.”
Helm is fighting back now, though. He has taken 13 Championship wickets at 33 apiece this summer and has also broken into Middlesex’s Twenty20 side, making three appearances in the NatWest Blast.
The 23-year-old hopes to make it four against Kent at Richmond on Thursday.
If a young player is smart, he listens to and watches those who have more expertise. At Middlesex, Helm can turn to Finn, Tim Southee, Brendon McCullum and Eoin Morgan for advice.
Competing against the best helps, too, as Helm did when bowling to Hashim Amla during England Lions’ game against South Africa at Worcester last month. “It was a great challenge,” Helm said. “You grow up watching people like that on TV and they make the game look easy but I didn’t feel I was out of the contest.
“You might beat the bat once or twice but as soon as you stray slightly, they hit you to the fence.
“But experiences like that can only help. It’s like playing with Southee or Finn. When you’re at the top of your mark, they might run past you and just offer a word of advice. It’s important to soak that up.”
Helm does not elaborate on his conversations with Southee but it is safe to assume none of them involved requests for signed shirts.