DDCA: South African star returns to Buckley Ridges, English batsman to captain Springvale South

News from the Dandenong District Cricket Association with South African David White returning to Buckley Ridges and Englishman Ateeq Javid locked in at Springvale South.

IF you’re a bowler in the Dandenong District Cricket Association, best to look away now.

It’s bad news.

Buckley Ridges has confirmed South African star David White will be returning as captain in 2019-20.

The right-hander took the DDCA more by cyclone than storm last season, finishing it with an innings of 178 (run out) in the epic Turf 1 grand final against Springvale South.

It followed his 155 not out in the preliminary final against Hallam Kalora Park.

In all forms White cracked a remarkable 1252 runs at 125.2, with six centuries.

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Like many DDCA observers, Buckley stalwart Chris Rattle assessed him as the best batsman he had seen in Turf 1.

Rattle confirmed White would be returning to Buckley Ridges, which from its premiership team has lost only fast bowler Jurgen Anderson, to Eildon Park in the Ferntree Gully association.

Andersen took 24 wickets at 20.5 in Turf 1 last season, including 3-105 off 30 overs in the grand final.

The Ridges are trying to lock in two fast bowlers, one of them a left-armer.

Ateeq Javid in action for Narre Warren in 2012.

Springvale South has appointed English batsman Ateeq Javid as captain, replacing long-time skipper and club and association great Craig Slocombe.

It’s a return to the DDCA for Javid, who played for Narre Warren in 2012-13 and was outstanding with 635 runs at 70.6 in Turf 1.

The 27-year-old is playing for Leicestershire and has turned out in 32 first-class matches.

Former premiership player Rory Ingram has been appointed coach of the Bloods and will be assisted by the experienced Anthony Hamilton.

Former Sri Lankan Test pair Malinga Bandara and Michael Vandort are not returning and the legendary Steve Spoljaric, after nine stunning seasons in the DDCA, has joined Gippsland club Bundalaguah.

Bloods hall-of-famer Jason Quirk will be assuming the presidency.

At St Mary’s, former champion batsman Troy Cashman has taken over as president and is in negotiations with a prospective captain-coach.

Last season’s coach, Kaushalya Gajasinghe, ace all-rounder Ruwantha Kellepotha (joined Berwick), and English brothers Dan and Luke Davis will not be back.

* Parkfield has recruited English medium pace bowling all-rounder Jordan Tear for next season.

Tear, who is also an ECB Level 2 coach, is from Knaresborough in Yorkshire.