Headband-wearing, long-haired Tea Tree Gully paceman Tim Oakley leads grade cricket’s two-day competition for wickets

Meet Tea Tree Gully’s Tim Oakley – the right-arm paceman known for his long locks, headbands and, now, being grade cricket’s leading wicket-taker this season.

Headband-wearing Tea Tree Gully’s Tim Oakley is the leading wicket-taker in the A-grade two-day competition so far this season. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

TIM Oakley is just as well known on the cricket pitch for his long locks, headband and larrikin personality, as he is for his strong bowling.

The Tea Tree Gully right-arm paceman is grade cricket’s leading wicket-taker after eight rounds so far this summer with 22 scalps.

The 21-year-old’s shoulder-length hair is all part of his aim to have more fun when competing.

Oakley, of Golden Grove, says improving his fitness and being more relaxed is behind his solid form.

Tim Oakley has been growing his hair for about a year now. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

“I’ve been growing the hair for about a year now, just while I’m at uni and more so for a bit of a laugh,” says Oakley, who is studying a Bachelor of Human Movement/Master of Teaching.

“While I was at school at Torrens Valley Christian School, there were quite strict rules and when I work full-time it won’t be appropriate, so it’s the right time now.

“I like to be a bit of a larrikin out there with the headband and give people a bit of entertainment.

“But the biggest thing for me is having a pretty high level of fitness and strength and just being as competitive as I can, and then you can beat pretty much anyone.”

It was not always that way for Oakley.

By his own admission, he once took his cricket too seriously and drifted between the Bulls’ A and B-grade teams the past three seasons.

Oakley, who also played football for Birdwood for the past five years, knew he needed to do something to improve his cricket.

He signed with Port Adelaide’s SANFL reserves team last year and featured in 16 games, playing at either centre-half forward or in defence.

He says being exposed to elite football standards has helped him cement his spot at the Bulls.

Tim Oakley celebrates getting Adelaide’s Matthew Nobes out during their Twenty20 match earlier this month. Picture: AAP/Mark Brake

“I used to take it a bit too seriously and that’s something I’ve struggled with in the past,” he says.

“It (playing football) sort of cemented a mentality where you’re so competitive in those atmospheres that a lot of other blokes don’t get.

“It also helped me improve my fitness and strength.”

Oakley has, however, now ditched the football boots after being offered a spot with the Emerging Redbacks.

“Obviously the dream is to play Test cricket, but that’s a long way off.

“I just have to keep bashing the door down, bowling fast, taking lots of wickets and hopefully get a first-class contract.”