head coach Jason Gillespie believes South Australia have put together the strongest group of fast bowlers in state cricket amid signs of a rejuvenation in the team’s fortunes.
Wes Agar, Jordan Buckingham and left handed Spencer Johnson – the latter recently signing a contract following a breakout 2022-23 season – all were part of Australia A’s tour of New Zealand last month, while Agar and Buckingham have joined Nathan McAndrew in county cricket.
johnson six more Seven Wicket Hall in the Sheffield Shield And Buckingham, who is currently playing for Northamptonshire, claimed 6 for 78 on his Australia A debut, Meanwhile, McAndrew has taken two five-wicket hauls in three matches for Sussex, but had to be sidelined for the arrival of Steve Smith.
with those sharpso is south australia Brendan Doggett And harry conway He is among his squad for the 2023-24 season, which was confirmed on Friday.
Having never been able to dismiss a team twice in the last two seasons, South Australia claimed 20 wickets on three occasions last summer. Two of the winners against Tasmania and Western Australia BBL either side of the break. He also reached the final of the Marsh One-Day Cup.
“We’ve worked really hard to get depth in our bowling,” Gillespie told reporters in Adelaide. “We had three bowlers with Australia A in New Zealand at the end of the Shield season [and] At the moment we have three fast bowlers playing county cricket.
“Not sure how many other states have three fast bowlers playing in county championships so that’s a real feather in our cap here and a real credit to those individuals and the work they do for South Australia.” For he is recognized who is great.
“To be able to take 20 wickets in a row in Shield cricket, that contributes to Shield wins. That bowling depth is fantastic and I think we have the best pace bowling depth in the country, so we’re really taking that into account.” Excited.”
South Australia’s men’s list for next season has come into bat with the recruitment of two new additions Jake Fraser-McGurk return to and from Victoria Calvin Smith Which was contracted for the first time in 2014 before being out of state system. Gillespie hopes he will be able to unlock the potential of 21-year-old Fraser-McGurk, who made his first-class debut at the age of 17 and scored a half-century.
“There’s a talented cricketer,” said Gillespie. “He is a fine batsman and an absolute jet in the field. We are excited to give him a chance and certainly believe he has the skills to play a key role.”
Smith made a last-minute comeback in the Marsh Cup final to return in South Australia colours, then the last Shield game of the season and will be in contention to fill the opening role created by Jake Weatherald’s departure to Tasmania.
Gillespie said, “Calvin is a great story about someone who got recognized at a young age and then lost that opportunity.” ,[He] Continued to score runs at premiership level, moved to another state [WA] And kept scoring runs, didn’t get an opportunity there, came back and kept scoring runs, then an opportunity presented itself. We all should celebrate this as a great cricketing story.”
Gillespie also called for continued patience in the legspinner’s development Lloyd Pope Joe was among the players to sign a contract extension despite not playing a first team game in the previous season. Pope was the leading wicket-taker in the Second XI competition with 37 in five matches, but could not force his way into the partial Shield or Marsh Cup sides ben manantiThe success of
“I thought this last season was Lloyd’s best season,” Gillespie said. “I know people go ‘it’s a bit strange, he hasn’t played a game’, but he’s constantly developing his bowling. He’s making improvements which he and the coaches have recognised. There’s no reason That Lloyd may not play in the same side as Ben Manenti, just depends on the circumstance and conditions.
“Lloyd didn’t do anything wrong, he was bowling beautifully and just had to be patient. We have to remember with Lloyd Pope, he’s 22, he’s a young man and he’s in a craft that’s not ours.” One of the most challenging in the game. And think he is progressing amazingly well. We have a lot of faith and confidence in Lloyd Pope and what he can bring, not only next year but over the long term.”
South Australia men’s contracts 2023–24 Wes Agar, Kyle Brazell (R), Jordan Buckingham, Aidan Cahill (R), Jake Carder, Alex Carey (CA), Harry Conway, Brendan Doggett, Daniel Drew, Jake Fraser-McGurk, David Grant, Travis Head (CA), Isaac Higgins (R), Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Harry Mathias (R), Nathan McAndrew, Nathan McSweeney, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Liam Scott, Henry Thornton, Spencer Johnson, Calvin Smith
CA = Cricket Australia contract, R = Rookie contract
