Premier Cricket: Carlton will need to call upon its depth to cover the loss of a star
Flag favourite Carlton will need to call upon its depth as it faces an extended period without one of the competition’s most reliable players.
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Carlton captain-coach Evan Gulbis says his entire side will need to lift if it is to successfully cover the loss of injured star Nick Ross.
The extent of Ross’ soft-tissue leg injury is yet to be determined but the Blues batter retired hurt during Carlton’s top-of-the-table clash with Casey South Melbourne on Saturday.
Ross is the Blues’ Mr Fix It, having scored most of his 5,951 Premier Cricket runs under pressure.
Gulbis says it will take more than one player to fill Ross’ shoes but remains confident in the Blues’ depth.
“You don’t fill a Nick Ross-sized hole to start with, we all need to step up a little bit,” he says.
“We have been giving some opportunity to younger players across the last few seasons, they get a good crack at it now – that’s part of it.
“We tend to lose Macca (Harvey) through BBL and Croney (Xavier Crone) at times through state stuff, so we’re ready to go for whoever needs to come up.
“We have a couple of young players in Jack Atkinson, Tom Mileto, Andy Poppa who have done really well in the twos the last few seasons that will get an opportunity.
“It might not be a one-game opportunity, it might be the whole back end of the season.
“Other guys will come in and get their chance.”
Connor Rutland (59) top scored while Dominic Sullivan scored an important 16 from no.9 in Carlton’s successful run chase against Casey South Melbourne.
The one-wicket win puts the Blues five points ahead of third in its pursuit for a home final.
Gulbis says the Blues can start to focus on getting their side settled and in form as they look to go deep into another finals campaign.
“It was great to get the job done, it was in the back of everyone’s mind after Rossy got injured, I think we might’ve been more focused on that,” he says.
“Banking the points at this time of the season is great because then you can start making sure your form is right and you’re getting your structure right for red-ball.
“To be top of the ladder but probably not playing our best cricket, I think we’re in a nice position for another run at the silverware.”
Carlton has Camberwell Magpies, Fitzroy Doncaster, Prahran and Ringwood on the run home.
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