Premier Cricket: Adam Crosthwaite says Michael De Iacovo has the potential to play in the Big Bash

St Kilda captain Adam Crosthwaite has tipped praise on his opening batsman Michael De Iacovo and Melbourne youngster Campbell Kellaway.

St Kilda batsman Michael De Iacovo on the drive. Picture: Valeriu Campan

A big boost for St Kilda opener Michael De Iacovo.

A Big Bash League boost, in fact.

St Kilda captain Adam Crosthwaite believes the club’s dashing right-hander is capable of playing in the BBL.

De Iacovo hit an unbeaten century for the Saints in the Victorian Super Slam last Tuesday and followed it up with an innings of 91 against Melbourne at the Albert Ground on Saturday.

De Iacovo took a hit on the helmet from Demons quickie Jackson Koop early in his innings, prompting a short-ball barrage from the former Victorian squad member.

Michael De Iacovo wears one against Melbourne. Picture: Valeriu Campan

He got through it, and played with increasing confidence until he was run out in a mix-up with Ed Newman.

Newman had called for two, but his partner hesitated, saying later that he heard a “no’’ from the field.

He was run out coming back for the second, a tough end to an innings that featured a couple check-drives that fairly scorched across the immaculate surface of the Albert.

De Iacovo had faced 116 deliveries and struck 12 boundaries.

Newman (64 off 82 balls) also missed out on a century, hitting first-game Melbourne off-spinner Harkirat Bhajwa to Campbell Kellaway at mid-wicket.

The left-hander had batted superbly; keep it quiet, but a few people at St Kilda are starting to think his batting bears more than a hint of the great Graeme Rummans.

Melbourne quickie Jackson Koop goes after the Saints. Picture: Valeriu Campan

With Camberwell Magpies recruit Tom Russ clattering 39 in the later overs, the Saints reached 6-256.

Melbourne’s reply of 9-237 was built around an outstanding maiden century from Australian Under 19 World Cup squad member Kellaway, who was the last man out for 130.

The left-hander faced 151 deliveries and put away 10 fours and 1 six.

Despite his milestone, Kellaway was inconsolable after the game.

Crosthwaite had not seen him bat before, but liked what he saw.

“He batted really well, actually,’’ he said.

“He played a mature innings and batted through. I think he’s a really bright prospect. I thought our boys bowled well to him and made sure he never got away from us, which was pleasing.

“But on the flip side I thought he batted really well and I’m sure we’re going to see a lot of him in the future. He looks like a good one.’’

As for De Iacovo, Crosthwaite said: “I think Michael is someone who could potentially play in the Big Bash.

“I think he’s similar to a (Brayden) Stepien. If given an opportunity at the next level he could hold his own.

“I think he’s the most damaging hitter and aggressive batter that we have in the comp. We haven’t come up against anyone who hits the ball harder or further. If he keeps going the way he’s going … it’s hard, he’s not in the system and hasn’t been in the system, and players who aren’t in the system rarely get an opportunity.

“But he can do damage. You don’t want to be bowling to him when he’s going, that’s for sure. I’m pretty sure Northcote and Melbourne would say the same thing.’’

St Kilda batsman Ed Newman defends. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Crosthwaite said Newman, who made his first century for the Saints in the previous round, was outstanding again but threw away a century.

He said the club had gained a fine young player.

Offie Todd Murphy and young fast bowler Will Lovell both took three wickets for St Kilda, which won three out for the four matches against its great rival.

Demons coach Ben Vague said Kellaway was a skilled and spirited young player.

“He’s got so much time and he’s got every shot,’’ he said.

“I think the most exciting thing for me and for Victorian cricket is that he’s great at white-ball cricket and he’s going to be an even better red-ball batter.’’

He said St Kilda was setting the standard this season and was a balanced, talented and well-led team.