The Western Districts Cricket Club first and second grader has been caught up in the state's lockdown as he prepares for the next Sydney Premier Cricket season, so he's used his extra time at home to develop his painting skills.

Such has been his development in the field that Hotham is keen to take his talents to a commercial level.

"I had time on my hands during the winter, and it actually all started from the stone work I was doing. People were saying 'That's art' and that I should start drawing," Hotham said.

"I guess I unlocked something hidden after that. It's looking good, and I've got some jobs coming up, which is really exciting. I'd love to get into murals at some stage as well."

Hotham certainly hasn't forgone developing his cricket, despite the challenges the lockdowns presents.

Thankfully for him and players across the state, training at nets within five kilometres of home are included as daily exercise.

While players still await news on a potential start date, dependant on the state of the COVID-19 lockdown, Hotham is preparing as if the earliest possible time will be the beginning of the season.

"Our captain and coach have been speaking to the board. They've set up two or three different scenarios for each date that it can start. If it does start in October or November then there's some two day and one day stuff but I think if it starts late December or early January then it will be one day cricket for all grades," he said.

"Our coach said there's around 40 days until the season is supposed to start, so as far as Wests go we've got a program set out for fitness. We're allowed to go to the nets with one other person, so I've got a training partner and we've been able to go a couple of times a week.

"Our club's been great, organising Zoom meetings where we get things to do throughout the week. It's a really close group, especially this year, and it's a good environment."

After a tough start to the 2020-21 season Hotham dropped back to second grade, where he found innings of 76 and 69.

"It wasn't the greatest start, and I found myself in a rut where I was overthinking things and I couldn't get out of it because I was constantly changing stuff," Hotham said.

"I went down to second grade after that, which at the time was gut wrenching, but it turned out to be a good thing for me because I used that as motivation."

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