Premier Cricket: Jake Hancock returns to Prahran with point to prove after two years with Tasmania

FORMER Australian spinner Bryce McGain says opener Jake Hancock harbours ambitions of securing a spot in the Victorian state squad after being let go by Tasmania.

Jake Hancock has returned to Prahran. Picture: Stuart Milligan

FORMER Australian spinner Bryce McGain says opener Jake Hancock harbours ambitions of securing a spot in the Victorian state squad after being let go by Tasmania.

The 26-year-old has returned to Premier Cricket club Prahran, where he spent one season before earning a state contract, and will partner veteran Adam Bull at the top of the order.

Hancock hammered 626 runs for the True Blues in 2015-16, along with 500 Futures League runs for Victoria’s Second XI, and was rewarded with a two-year deal by Tasmania.

He made five Sheffield Shield appearances, logging 75 runs from nine innings at 8.33 with a top score of 28.

But having confronted some of the country’s best bowlers, Hancock is hungry to pile on the runs as the True Blues look to return to finals after last summer’s 13th-placed finish.

Jake Hancock gets on the front foot. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“As much as he was really grateful for the opportunity at Tasmania, his whole dream in life is to represent Victoria and put on the blue cap and the Big V,” said McGain, who is Prahran’s new head of cricket.

“(Victorian coach) Andrew McDonald has shown that players from Premier Cricket who perform get their opportunity, and they’ll continue to do that.

“I had a great chat with Andrew about Jake coming back to the state. He just said, ‘the door’s open. If he’s scoring runs and showing that capability … he’ll get every opportunity’.”

Hancock is a well-rounded batsman — comfortable against pace, negotiating the moving ball and adept against spin.

But he will also benefit the True Blues’ squad off the ground and will work with McGain to boost his own coaching credentials.

“I don’t think in recent times Prahran has seen a harder working player than him,” McGain said.

“He had a real professional outlook as soon as he walked in the door at Prahran three years ago and that stood out pretty quickly.

“He’s continued to work as hard as ever in Tasmania, it just hasn’t fallen his way in terms of a contract, but having spoken to him — he’s over in the UK at the moment — he’s as hungry as ever to be the best player he can be.”

Prahran’s First XI squad is set to remain intact, with Will Sutherland and Sam Grimwade on Victoria’s contract list.

Nathan McNally captained the club last season, but McGain said any leadership decisions would be made after a new coach was appointed.

Barry Neivandt departed the True Blues earlier this month one year into a two-year contract after he was at odds with a restructure which effectively required him to report to McGain.

McGain said the club expected to “make some announcements” early next month.

“Not to say anything would change, but we need to follow the due process,” McGain said in reference to McNally’s position.