Super Slam 2018-19: Spinners to play key role for Prahran
Prahran’s Carl Sandri is hoping his club’s classy stable of spin bowlers will play a key role in Cricket Victoria’s Super Slam Twenty20 tournament.
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Prahran’s Carl Sandri is hoping his club’s classy stable of spin bowlers will play a key role in Cricket Victoria’s Super Slam Twenty20 tournament.
Slow bowlers have proven to be hugely effective in the game’s shortest format and the True Blues boast a fine group, headlined by Victorian off-spinner Sam Grimwade.
Prahran will meet Dandenong and Casey-South Melbourne in its opening Super Slam fixtures on November 25.
Sandri, who has represented Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League and Italy at national level, said strong performances in the coming tournament could go a long way to Grimwade “improving his career down the track”.
“Someone like Sam Grimwade, who’s obviously been a very good longer-format bowler and 50-over bowler for Prahran and the state seconds and futures teams … I really want someone like him to add T20 to his skill-set and really be able to find a spot for him where he can really back himself and do well,” Sandri said. “I think that’s his next step forward, being able to compete well in T20s. As we all know, T20s aren’t going anywhere so you’ve got to find a way to adapt from longer format to 50-50 and T20.
“We’ve got some very experienced and young spinners coming through.
“It will all come down to execution, no matter what the game plan is. Spin will be a massive part of our game and cranking up the positivity with the bat.”
Blake Parsons and Nathan McNally are also set to play a significant role, with Sandri leaving the door open to play three spinners.
The likes of big hitting Shaun Miller and Will Sutherland will also be crucial with the bat.
Clubs have been split into two conferences named after BBL franchises Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades.
Prahran will meet St Kilda (November 27), Frankston Peninsula (December 11), Ringwood (December 18) and Kingston Hawthorn (January 15) during the group stage.
The Super Slam grand final will be played at CV’s new headquarters, the CitiPower Centre, and the winner will go into a Cricket Australia premier T20 carnival in Adelaide in March, to be televised nationally.
Sandri said a nationwide T20 competition was a “great concept”.
“It gives some weight to the competition now and everyone knows there’s something to play for,” he said. “I think if I can just bring some guidance through my experience and leadership and really encourage a good, positive showing from our group.
“We’ve got some quality young players and experienced players. My job will be just to help them learn and express themselves in T20. Backing the guys and their skill-sets, we really want to see that shine through.”
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