A THREE-FIGURE aim is driving on Glamorgan batsman Will Bragg as he attempts to make the transition from promising prospect to match-winner.

The left-hander from Cwmbran broke into Glam’s first team at the end of 2009 and made an impression in both the County Championship and the one-day format, though he fell short of making his maiden ton.

However, getting there is the easy part and Bragg is now knuckling down to ensure he keeps his place at number three in the order.

Runs is all that will keep Bragg in the side and he knows he must score big to impress director of cricket Matthew Maynard.

“I got a few 70s and 80s last season but didn’t really kick on,” admitted the 23-year-old, who is also the back-up wicket-keeper to Mark Wallace.

“It was a pretty successful end to the year and I am confident I can get a few big scores after working on different aspects of my game.

“I back my ability but I know that I have to score the runs to keep my place. I have to start again, my target was to get into the first team and now it is to stay in it.

“When you break into the first team you have to make a statement to show that you can cope with first-class cricket. I think that I did that comfortably but this year is about kicking on and showing that you are in it for the long haul.

“I proved myself in second team cricket and I scored pretty heavily. I got my chance and I am glad I didn’t mess it up, but this year is a bigger one for me now and the mindset is different.

“I’d like to kick on and I am putting the pressure on myself to win some games for Glamorgan.”

While some are blessed with winter tours or trips to overseas acadamies, Bragg was lucky if he saw any daylight let alone sun.

He put his civil engineering degree to use and spent the close-season working on the London Underground before returning refreshed to the nets in March.

Bragg knows that he will be in the firing line in tricky early season conditions at number three but is relishing the battles ahead.

“It’s a challenge but one I am looking forward to,” he said. “Three is a tough spot because you can be exposed to all different kinds of conditions and bowlers.

“You have to prepare like an opening batsman but also a four or five.

“I know there is more pressure on me but that is a good thing and competition for places is also healthy.

“I think we are stronger as a squad than last season and have more belief. There is a good working environment in the changing room so it could be a really successful year for us.”