Essex first class recruit Jamie Porter takes 3-53 against Prahran

County Cricket’s number one bowler in 2024 has helped put Geelong in a strong position to record its first win on home soil this Premier season.

Geelong’s Arjun Sehrawat celebrates a wicket. Picture: Mark Wilson

A mid-season, first class recruit has given Geelong a fighting chance of knocking off a finals contender as Premier first grade cricket returned to Kardinia Park after a near 11-month break.

The Cats were 2-30 at stumps, with debutant Cody Brogden contributing 13, after bowling out Prahran for just 182.

Geelong City product Brogden made his way into the first grade following scores of 101 and 95 in successive games.

It was the lowest total Geelong has dismissed a team for since Round 2 when Fitzroy Doncaster was rolled for just 146.

Essex recruit Jamie Porter celebrates a wicket with his Geelong teammates. Picture: Mark Wilson

And leading the way was Essex recruit Jamie Porter (3-53), who took his first wickets for the Cats, plus support from Arjun Sehrawat (3-27) and Callum Stow (2-30 off 22.3 overs), with the latter returning from Melbourne Renegades duties.

Porter, who made the English Test squad in 2018 when India was touring the UK, was drafted into the team against Frankston Peninsula on January 11.

The 31-year-old landed in the country in good nick, being the leading bowler in County cricket’s top division in 2024 with 56 poles in 14 matches.

He has also collected 522 first class wickets at 23.27 over his first class career.

Arjun Sehrawat celebrates one of his three wickets. Picture: Mark Wilson

Porter said he had been lured to Kardinia Park by former Essex all-rounder Aaron Beard, who played with the Cats in 23-24, while current County teammate Nick Browne had also turned out for Geelong in 18-19.

“I was really keen to come out and do half a season,” Porter said, who had trained with Cricket Victoria the past few summers for month-long stints in February.

“Location was the first selling point, I’ve brought my family out.

“I wanted to be somewhere good for (my daughter), and everything everyone ever told me about Geelong sounded perfect.

Arjun Sehrawat bowls for Geelong. Picture: Mark Wilson

“Everyone said the people were great, that was the main selling point.”

He said conversations began with the club’s director of cricket Travis Agg back in October.

“The club have been phenomenal. We’ve been really well looked after, we’ve been very fortunate to have landed the way we have,” he said.

“I just love Australia, I love the people, the country, I love everything about it, and Geelong’s no different.

“It’s been brilliant.”

Geelong spinner Callum Stow returned to Kardinia Park after playing with the Melbourne Renegades. Picture: Mark Wilson

However, Porter will not be available for a potential finals tilt, flying out on March 3 before joining his Essex teammates in Abu Dhabi for pre-season

“It’s a shame, I’d love to be here for finals and hopefully we can get there,” he said.

“If I can contribute to getting the boys in, that will be nice.”

Porter said his chances of earning an English Test cap were dimming, but was determined to finish his first class career on a high.

“They’re probably fading a bit now, I’m in my 30s and in terms of numbers-wise over the course of my career, I think I’ve probably been the most successful, or certainly taken the most wickets in County cricket,” he said.

“I had my Test call up in 2018 so I got close.

“I’m OK with it, if I can enjoy my final years playing, get the most out of my body and my ability, that will be enough for me.”

Originally published as Essex first class recruit Jamie Porter takes 3-53 against Prahran