Cricket Southern Bayside: Former England U19 paceman joins South Caulfield
A former England U19 paceman will be bowling thunderbolts in Cricket Southern Bayside in the 2025-26 season.
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A tearaway quick will be bowling thunderbolts in Cricket Southern Bayside in the 2025-26 season.
Ben Parker — a former England Under 19s representative who is said to let ‘em rip at around 140 kph — has signed at CSB Championship Division premiers South Caulfield.
South captain Michael De Iacovo played with Parker in England and said he possessed genuine pace and fire.
“He will basically take the league by storm,” De Iacovo said.
“There might be a few helmets placed behind the keeper as well…the bat pad will definitely have the chance to get a sniff in.
“I’m hoping he lives up to the hype. I mean, I saw him when he was 16, 17 and he was opening the bowling back then and he was bowling pretty good pace.
“He’s 22 now and he’s a bit wiser between the ears so I’m sure he knows where it’s going now. Yeah, he’ll be a surprise packet for sure.”
Parker has been a stand-out for Leeds-Bradford MCCU in recent years, having also earned a rookie contract with Worcestershire, and gained County 2nd XI experience with Yorkshire, Worcestershire, and Derbyshire.
South Caulfield has also recruited former St Kilda all-rounder Shea Gribben.
De Iacovo said Gribben would be a valuable addition to South Caulfield’s bowling attack with his ability to contain.
“He might even bowl some offies,’’ De Iacovo said. “He’s good enough to do that.”
Worcestershire County Cricket Club Academy spinner Josh Leach will also join South Caulfield.
The only loss from South’s grand final-winning side is Jak Jowett, who has gone to Mornington Peninsula club Rosebud.
All other players are saddling up again, including champion Kanishka Alvitigala, who shelved retirement plans.
“The Big G Train is going around again, that’s a plus,’’ De Iacovo said.
Luke Russell has been appointed South Caulfield’s head coach for seasons 2025-26 and 2026-27.
SOUTH CAULFIELD
Coach: Luke Russell
Captain: Michael De Iacovo
IN: Ben Parker (UK), Shea Gribben (Hampton), Josh Leach (UK), Bill Taylor (UK), Cam Hill (UK)
OUT: Jak Jowett (Rosebud)
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