Will Salzmann’s junior coach explains why the IPL bolter has the cricket world at his feet

He’s the big surprise at next week’s Indian Premier League auction, but according to his junior coach, Will Salzmann is only just warming up for global attention. FULL STORY

Will Salzmann drives for NSW Metro during last season’s grand final at the U19 National Championships. Picture: Cricket Australia.

Little known New South Wales all-rounder Will Salzmann had cricket fans in a spin this week after being listed as a shock nomination for next week’s Indian Premier League auction.

With just three domestic one-day games under his belt, the 20-year-old, still gearing up for his debut season with the Sydney Thunder sent punters into a frenzy.

One man with all the answers is former park cricketer, Ray McMurrich.

Eight years ago with the assistance of the Tahmoor District Cricket Club, the coach they call ‘Macca’ launched his own junior clinics in Sydney’s south west.

“I hooked up with Will seven years ago when he was 13,” said McMurrich.

“By the time he was 15, it was obvious he was something special. He had athleticism and all those qualities that you want in a champion, and he was always the first to arrive at training and last to leave.”

Winning combination: Ray 'Macca' McMurrich (L) and William Salzmann. Picture: Ray McMurrich

Full of praise for his star pupil, McMurrich knows his stuff and three years ago was recognised by Cricket Australia as the best junior coach in NSW and Canberra.

And while now focused on the latest batch of 16 juniors, McMurrich always has time for Salzmann.

“Will joins the Thunder squad on Friday, and we’re hopeful he’ll get his chance on the 30th against the Sixers,” he said.

“He recently sent me a video of his bowling and we worked on his load-up at delivery, and he’s still tinkering with his batting grip too.”

After a short time in the company of McMurrich, it’s clear Salzmann’s rise has no limits.

Will Salzmann for NSW after dismissing D'Arcy Short last month in the Marsh One Day Cup. Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images

“There were days when he was training with a stump, I’d throw the ball side-arm and he’d smash it 80-90m, he’s a serious talent,” McMurrich explained.

“His greatest quality is that he moves the game forward, similar to what Maxwell does in the Australian side.

“He can bowl 140 km/h and his athleticism in the field is another level altogether.

“He’s tailor-made for T20 and has a natural strike rate of 175, so if he faces 60-70 balls he’s a good chance of scoring a century.”

Asked if this is just the tip of the iceberg, the coach didn’t hold back.

“He’s in the top five per cent of cricketers, and once he’s exposed to a national audience and they see how he operates, it won’t be long before he gets offers from all around the world.”

Generation next: Dimitri Kichenamourthy at Maccas Cricket Coaching, Tahmoor. Picture: Ray McMurrich

“Ever since he was a kid he’s ended up the best player with every promotion, so I’m not surprised his name has come up for IPL auction.”

Now as the world waits Salzmann’s next move, McMurrich lifted the lid on another possible surprise.

“Dimitri Kichenamourthy is 13,” he said before signing off.

“I’ve had him for four years and he went to India earlier this year, where the Bangalore Cricket Academy said he’s one of the best batters they’ve seen.”