- Former county quick Roman Walker begins new darts journey
- Ex-Leicestershire Cricket Star still chasing elite sport ambitions
- Walker once removed Kohli and Sharma in memorable India clash
Former Leicestershire seamer Roman Walker is swapping the cricket ball for a set of darts after stepping away from the professional game following his release from the Foxes.
The 25-year-old, who enjoyed spells with both Glamorgan and Leicestershire, is embracing a fresh sporting challenge after discovering an unexpected talent on the darts circuit.
While his cricket career included memorable moments against some of the biggest names in world cricket, Walker is now setting his sights on making a mark in an entirely different arena.
Walker reflects on life after county cricket
Walker admits the transition away from professional sport was not straightforward. Like many athletes battling for opportunities at county level he found the pressures of the game difficult at times. Yet life beyond cricket has also brought a sense of freedom.
Speaking to BBC Radio Shropshire, Walker reflected on the challenges of trying to establish himself consistently in the first-team environment.
“Professional cricket can be a hard place when you are not playing regularly,” Walker told BBC Radio Shropshire. “Missing out on a new contract is disappointing but that is sport. Once you step away from it though you realise there is another side to life and that freedom has been refreshing.”
Even so the former seamer has not entirely closed the door on cricket. Walker still represents Shropshire in minor counties cricket and admits he would struggle to turn down another professional opportunity should one arise.
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Memorable day against India remains career highlight
Walker’s standout achievement came during Leicestershire’s tour clash with India when he ripped through a star-studded batting line-up. His impressive 5-24 spell included the prized scalps of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja in a performance that remains one of the highlights of his professional career.
Across six seasons in county cricket the fast bowler collected 53 wickets in all formats and proved particularly effective in the T20 Blast where he claimed 24 wickets at an average of 24.
Ex-Leicestershire Cricket Star finding new passion in darts
Away from the pitch the Wrexham-born sportsman has quickly immersed himself in the local darts scene after joining the Central England Darts League in Leicestershire. What began as a casual interest during his final cricket season has rapidly evolved into a serious pursuit.
Walker believes the psychological demands of cricket have given him an edge at the oche.
“There are similarities between the two sports especially mentally,” Walker explained. “That competitive experience definitely helps. I have loved every minute of it so far and everyone involved in darts has been brilliant.”
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His ambition is already growing. Despite only recently taking up the sport Walker has reached a UK Open finals qualifier and now dreams of earning a coveted PDC Tour Card within the next decade.
“We all start somewhere and I know I still have a lot to improve,” Walker said. “But I back myself. I have always enjoyed watching darts and once I started playing properly I realised how much I loved it.”
For now Walker’s competitive fire clearly burns as strongly as ever. The stage may have changed from cricket grounds to social clubs but his appetite for elite sport remains firmly intact.
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