Premier Cricket: A rising star of Premier Cricket has joined a cross-town rival

Fresh off a career-best campaign, a busy batter with a “cool skill” has joined a Premier Cricket rival at the peak of its power. Here are the details.

Jagadeswara Koduru. Picture: Andy Brownbill

It’s some get for the Blues.

Fresh off a famous Victorian Premier Cricket premiership, Carlton has added busy batter Jagadeswara Koduru.

Koduru struck 401 runs at 40 for Northcote this season, highlighted by a superb century against Melbourne in the final home-and-away match of the year.

The right-hander’s 136 not out against the Dees came off just 191 balls and included 15 fours and three sixes.

Koduru has built an average over 30 across his 44 First XI matches.

Jagadeswara Koduru. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Carlton captain coach Evan Gulbis said Koduru had been on the Blues’ radar for some time.

“The way we look at recruitment is: ‘is there someone out there that can complement what we’ve already got’,” he explained.

“We saw him three years ago make some runs against us, he made runs against us two years ago and we liked his skill set.

“We thought he was someone that could work at our club so we kept him in the back of our minds for a period of time, no different to Michael Archer and Connor Rutland.

“He wants a new challenge and he’s someone we think has some cool skill.”

Koduru watches the ball closely. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Gulbis said there was “opportunity to recruit” with star batter Nick Ross not expected to return until January next year.

“I think what Jag was really looking forward to was the opportunity to learn off our seasoned middle order,” he said.

“He’s going to be an a middle order working with Nick Ross, the Smyth’s and myself, he’s going to learn a lot about his cricket.

“When we all move on, hopefully he and Jai and Rutts and that crew can take the club forward.”

Macca Harvey (right) sub fielding for Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep)

There will be some change at the Blues with Macca Harvey set to join South Australia.

Gulbis is excited for Harvey to prove how much he’s grown as a cricketer since losing his Victorian contract last season.

“He’s (Harvey) been our leading batter over the last two seasons and taken us to two grand finals because he’s performed on the big stage,” he said.

“We wish him all the best, part of our journey is to try and play state cricket and we think that’s by performing well and winning premierships.

“We’ll have to mix the line-up and a little bit, we’ve lost our opening batter in all three forms but that will create opportunity for someone else to put their hand up.”

Blues’ wicketkeeper Jai Lemire is also poised to earn a rookie contract with the Vics.