Premier Cricket 2018-19: Will Sutherland hits 165 for Prahran

Wunderkind Will Sutherland showcased his full array of shots posted his maiden Premier Cricket century for Prahran.

Will Sutherland showed his class with a brilliant 165. Picture: Steve Tanner

Wunderkind Will Sutherland posted his maiden Premier Cricket century on Saturday to give Prahran a competitive score to defend.

Sutherland hammered 18 boundaries and three sixes in a majestic 165 on the opening day against Geelong, spending just over five hours at the crease.

He is playing as a batsman after an “incomplete” stress fracture in the left side of his back limited him to just three appearances for Victoria in last year’s domestic one-day competition.

Sutherland also hit 115 for Australia’s under-19 team against Sri Lanka in Colombo earlier this month and made his Big Bash League debut for Melbourne Renegades in December.

Will Sutherland made his Big Bash League debut in December. Picture: Getty Images

Prahran assistant coach Justin Graham said Sutherland’s lone hand in the True Blues’ total of 290 was full of class.

“We probably forget he’s only 19 years of age and the expectations around him are very high on the back of what he’s done with the ball for Victoria,” Graham said.

“He was just in full control of his innings and he had a game plan on a seaming wicket. They left a fair bit more grass on it.

“He concentrated really, really hard and it really was an innings that just reeked of class.”

Sutherland soaked up 217 deliveries against a crack Geelong attack featuring Jake Reed, Dom McGlinchey, Brenton McDonald and Hayden Butterworth.

The No. 4 arrived at the crease with his team wobbling at 2-17 after openers Jake Hancock (8) and Adam Bull (1) were removed cheaply.

“He punched through off the back foot forward of point and cover really, really well,” Graham said.

“You do get very good reward for your shots at Geelong, which at times can lead to players overplaying the ball, which some of our other players did.”

Graham said Sutherland was unlikely to bowl again this summer.

“But I don’t know that as gospel,” he said.

“If he was able to, it would be pretty exciting.

“As a human being and a cricketer, he’s starting to build towards something where I don’t think Prahran Cricket Club will see a lot of his services over the years.”

Essex fast bowler Sam Cook claimed the wicket of Mitchell Reid (8) late in the day to leave Geelong 1-35 at stumps.

Prahran, which sits in 13th spot with four wins, must claim victory to keep its faint finals hopes alive.

“They know their game and their ground really well, but 290 I felt was a little bit short,” Graham said.

“I think if we can come out and execute our plans, we probably can create nine chances.”