Harry Dixon, Farzan Chowna score big centuries at national championships
Two of Premier Cricket’s best young talents have put on a show at the under-19 national championships. Here’s what happened.
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Two of Victoria’s most promising young cricketers have put on a show at the under-19 national championships.
St Kilda’s Harry Dixon (197 runs off 156 balls) and Essendon’s Farzan Chowna (111 runs off 125 balls) put on a 313-run partnership to lead Vic Metro to a commanding 179-run win over Queensland Country on day two of the competition.
The pair hit the ball to all parts of the ground but in very different fashion.
Dixon finished with 15 fours and 6 sixes while Chowna had just six boundaries as Metro posted 1-331 from its 50 overs.
In response, Queensland Country was all out for 152 as Melbourne’s Henry Pearson led the way with 4-29.
Meanwhile, Vic Country went down to Western Australia in a one-wicket thriller.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Country were all out for 205 as Nicholas Pastras led the way with 64 runs while Geelong’s Ollie Peake added 45 of his own after coming in at three.
Vincent Huf was the pick of the bowlers for Country finishing with 4-38 to go with the 31 runs he scored with the bat.
Both sides will again be in action on Saturday.
TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
The array of talented U19 cricketers in Victoria has the metro and country teams in a promising position heading into this year’s national championships in Adelaide.
With good pitches and a short plane flight over, the Victorian squads are sure to reach great heights this year.
Both teams have received luck in the draw by having matches scheduled on Adelaide’s second best cricket ground, Karen Rolton Oval.
Mitchell Jamieson will lead the Victorian Metro side and Liam Blackford will skipper Victoria Country.
Both metro and country sides are set to be blessed with the assistant coaching of current Victorian contracted players Travis Dean and Xavier Crone.
Dean will be with the Metro side alongside former Sri Lankan international Tilan Samaraweera as coach.
Crone will be with the Country side alongside former Lancashire County cricketer Nick Speak.
The Victoria Metro side is set to fire with a mix of young gems and top-age stars in the side.
Liam Blackford will play a major role with bat and gloves for Country.
The experienced underage national championship campaigner has been in Victoria’s second XI side and has been performing well with a standout score of 97 against Queensland.
His fellow teammate from Geelong Oliver Peake will also be one to watch.
The youngster, who has also been selected in the Victorian Metro under 17 side, has been dominating at school cricket level with Geelong Grammar and he also made a second grade century for Geelong recently which led to his first grade debut a week later.
His school and club teammate Henry Melville has also been performing strongly highlighted by his match-winning century in APS Cricket.
Geelong’s Thomas Neate is a huge prospect this national carnival after taking two impressive four-wicket hauls in the first half of the season.
Neate took 4-9 from three overs against Essendon in a Super Slam game for Geelong and sneered 4-8 from four overs against the UAE in an T20 World Cup exhibition game.
Harkirat Bajwa will be a spinner to watch in the Country side, having played in first grade and Super Slam for Melbourne leading into the tournament.
Xander Buxton has had a good start to the season for Melbourne in first grade highlighted by scores of 62* and 29.
Joshua Sawrey has been a solid performer for Dandenong this season and has built up solid form which most recently earned him a call up to the first XI on Saturday, December 10.
Coby Fitsimmons could also play a major role this tournament having opened for Camberwell in first grade to start the season.
All four are other players to keep an eye on in the Victorian Country side.
For Victoria Metro, Harrish Kannan will be a major factor in their success with the bat.
The youngster is the 20th leading run scorer in first grade premier cricket this season with 228 runs.
Farzan Chowna is another player who could light up this tournament.
The Essendon youngster has scored the most runs of any under 19 player in first grade this season with 236 runs.
Harry Demattia has performed well so far this season highlighted by scores of 25* and 12 in Melbourne’s first grade team.
Victorian Metro skipper Mitchell Jamieson will be another player to watch after performing strongly in U19 warm up matches.
The Footscray prospect has also been in the club’s first-grade team this season.
Tyler Pearson is set to excite onlookers with ball in hand having played a key role for Kingston in first grade this season.
The fast bowler took 4-19 against Dandenong and has had a good economy in his one-day matches.
Max Marinic has hit great form in recent weeks where he has scores of 14, 64 and 22 for Dandenong batting at number four in the firsts.
He also scored 60 and 70 in second grade before then and he could be set for a strong national carnival.
SCHEDULES
Victoria Metro
Round 1: Northern Territory, Kensington Oval, Thursday, December 15.
Round 2: Queensland Country, Park 12 University Oval, Friday, December 16.
Round 3: New South Wales Country, Karen Rolton Oval, Sunday, December 18.
Finals: Monday, December 19 to Thursday, December 22.
Victoria Country
Round 1: New South Wales Metro, Park #25, Thursday December 15.
Round 2: Western Australia, Karen Rolton Oval, Friday, December 16.
Round 3: New South Wales Country, Prince Alfred College Oval, Saturday, December 17.
Finals: Monday, December 19 to Thursday, December 22.
See the player profiles of every U19 state cricketer below.
METRO CRICKETERS
Aingharan Athiththan, Dandenong
Role: All-rounder
An off-spinner who is crafty with the ball and a busy right hand bat. A consistent performer who is also a jet fielder with his ability to be agile.
Varad Chaudhari, Footscray
Role: Fast bowler
Right-arm seamer who can move the ball and get some bounce. A handy player with the new ball with his ability to swing the ball.
Farzan Chowna, Essendon
Role: Batter
Played in the firsts last year for Essendon. An accumulator with the bat who can go for long periods coming in at the top of the order. A competitor who gets busy at the crease. Hits lots of balls and was one of the highest scores in first grade out of all the under 19’s. Was unlucky not to make the state side last year.
Harry Demattia, Melbourne
Role: Batting all-rounder
A player who is still under 17’s but has the chance to play in the under 19’s as well if he makes the side. Demattia is a talented all-rounder who bats and bowls right-arm medium pace. He made his first-grade debut last year for Melbourne as a 15-year-old. He scored 48 at the level. Has good footwork to spin with his ability to use the depth of his crease. A player to watch who is also a talented footballer. He recently retired on 70 in a recent under 19 trial game.
Atharv Deshpande, Casey South-Melbourne
Role: Batter
Has similar batting traits to Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma with a classical and fluent technique. A hard worker who has previously scored loads of runs in the Dowling Shield. He bats time and made a few scores for Casey last season. He is following in the footsteps of Casey teammate Ashley Chandrasinghe who currently holds a state rookie contract.
Ikroop Dhanoa, Fitzroy Doncaster
Role: Leg-spinner
A leg-spinner who is also handy with the bat in the middle to lower order. He is an energetic player who is also handy in the field. He took the most wickets of any under 19 in first grade last season. Bowls flatter leg spin which is suited to white ball cricket. Gets wicket from targeting the stumps.
Harry Dixon, St Kilda
Role: Batter
Elegant cricketer who is a left hander likened to Shaun Marsh. He scored 100 in the seconds for St Kilda last year. Mixed his game time with Melbourne Grammar in the APS school competition. He is opener who can also whack a ball showcased by his half century in the super slam last season.
Harry Flynn, Ringwood
Role: All-rounder
Son of Ringwood coach Sean Flynn. Harry is a left-arm medium pacer and left-handed middle-order batter. A super athlete who is also an impressive footballer. A player with good game sense and craft who is handy in the middle and at the death. Also strong in the field.
Mitchell Jamieson, Footscray
Role: Batter
Classy right-hand top-order bat. Had a good year in the twos last season and finished in the firsts. Raised eye balls when he scored a gritty 40 on a difficult wicket against Camberwell in first grade. He is a bottom age under 19 player.
Harrish Kannan, Casey South Melbourne
Role: All-rounder
A highly rated all-rounder who scored the most first-grade runs of any under 19 player last season with 540. He came 12th overall in the first-grade competition. A skilful player who bowls handy left-arm spin and can play nice sweep shots with the bat. He retired on 50 in a trial game recently and is one to watch. Consistently contributes to his team with bat and ball.
Mitch Lawson, Northcote
Role: Wicketkeeper
Previously played at Essendon before moving to Northcote. A good keeper who has solid hands and great energy. He is a developing left-hand bat who finds gaps and is good at running in between the wickets. He has mixed his playing time with Ivanhoe Grammar in the AGSV competition.
Gabe Lawson, Ringwood
Role: Leg-spinner
Played a good season in seconds last year where he earnt a debut in the ones and played a few matches. More of a traditional leggie who can bowl nice top spinning balls that gain bounce.
Alex Meehan, Ringwood
Role: Fast bowler
A right-arm fast-medium bowler who has performed well at trial games. He has a strong economical action that often challenges a batters defence.
Tom Mileto, Carlton
Role: Batter
An opening batter who was a replacement player for Campbell Kellaway in the under 19’s Victorian Metro team last year. He made a century in second grade last season for Carlton and is set for good opportunity this campaign under Gulbis. He has developed gears in his batting in recent times.
Max Parker, Richmond
Role: Wicketkeeper
Brother of Victorian leg-spinner Will Parker. A naturally skilful batter who sweeps the ball and has good wrists with his cut shot, run offs and laps. He has developed power over the last few years. Catches the ball well with the gloves.
Henry Pearson, Melbourne
Role: All-rounder
An off-spinner and left hand bat that can bat anywhere. Had a consistent season in the seconds last campaign. He sets good fields when bowling and is quite game savvy.
Tyler Pearson, Kingston Hawthorn
Role: Fast bowler
A quick bowler who is raw. He played most of the season in the seconds last season and has come to the attention of selectors in recent years. He is developing physically and has upside.
Dhruv Redhu, Camberwell Magpies
Role: Leg-spinner
Played in the Victorian metro team last year. Had some pretty good games with the ball in that tournament. He spins it big and has gained overspin with his stock ball in recent times. He can also bat proved by the 50 he made in a recent under 19 trial game.
Lewis Sellenger, St Kilda
Role: Fast bowler
He has battled with a few injuries in recent years although he has been able to get in a decent pre-season this year. Bowls with good pace and gets movement by hitting the seam.
Will Townsend, Camberwell Magpies
Role: All-rounder
Highly rated all-rounder who made a half century for Victoria Metro last year when the team was sent in on a wet wicket. Has scored an 80 in first grade and bowled a few overs at the level as well. He is one of the top fielders in the under 19 trialling squad.
Kai Turner, Fitzroy Doncaster
Role: Leg-spinner
A tall leg spinner who bowls with over spin and generates bounce. He took a six-fa in the premier cricket thirds last season. A good team player who will make state selection of the spinners difficult.
COUNTRY CRICKETERS
Austin Anlezark, Richmond
Role: Fast bowler
A seamer who is the quickest under 19’s bowler in the state when up and running. Has a nice action similar to a blend of Patrick Cummins and Jhye Richardson. Anlezark has had an interrupted pre-season although he could return to full fitness soon. Has good attributes with the ball.
Harkirat Bajwa, Melbourne
Role: Off-spinner
A highly rated tall off-spinner who went to the West Indies last year as a bottom squad member to play in the under 19 World Cup representing Australia. He can spin the ball big and can also play a role with the bat. He played in the Victorian Country under 19’s team last year. He has improved his batting in recent times highlighted by a 50 in the most recent trial game.
Liam Blackford, Geelong
Role: Wicketkeeper
A highly rated wicketkeeper-batter who is set to make his second XI debut for the Victoria next week. Blackford is a left-hand top order bat who is technically sound, hits the ball hard but also shows an impressive defence. He has worked hard on his keeping in recent seasons which has added another major skill to his repertoire. He has played a few games in the Melbourne Stars academy and he also featured against the UAE in a World Cup practice game with Geelong. Certainly a player to watch.
Raheel Bostan, Dandenong
Role: Left arm leg-spinner
A leg-spinner who has a good wrong ’un so he can beat both sides of the bat. Is good in field with his movements and can smack them with the bat. A handy all-round package for any team.
Xander Buxton, Melbourne
Role: Wicketkeeper
A talented top-order batter who strikes the ball well. He played in the Victorian Country under 19’s team last year as a 17-year-old. In his first hit that tournament, he scored 80 at a strike rate of almost 200 which included some balls flying onto the roof. Buxton mixes his playing time with Melbourne Grammar in the APS competition and is a super talent.
Bradman Constable, Greenvale Kangaroos
Role: Fast bowler
He has had a few injury issues in recent times. A talented all-rounder who is a busy middle-order bat and swings the ball away at a lively pace.
Fletcher Cozens, Geelong
Role: Batter
A gritty left-handed bat from Hamilton who is well organised and willing to bat long periods. He had a shoulder injury but is back up and running now. He has a good base to build on.
Sam Croft, Geelong
Role: All-rounder
Played a full season in the seconds last year. He is economical with the ball and is starting to vary his pace well. He can also contribute with the bat. A handy player.
Coby Fitzsimmons, Camberwell Magpies
Role: All-rounder
An opening batter and leg-spinner from Albury who came down to Melbourne mid-season last campaign to finish the season with Camberwell. Made an 80 in a game and has bowled some overs. A tall and strong country cricketer who hits ball hard.
Harry Hauenstein, Geelong
Role: Fast bowler
A right-arm medium pacer who will play with Geelong in premier cricket this season. In prior seasons he has played with local club South Barwon in the Geelong Cricket Association where his father Brad is a legend of the competition. Harry played a season in England over the winter this year and looks ready for a big year.
Vincent Huf, Geelong
Role: Fast bowler
A Western Waves cricketer who played as a bottom squad member in last year’s Victorian Metro under 19 team. Huf has featured in the Geelong first-grade side. He is a naturally gifted fast-medium pace bowler who is strong and a fluent mover.
Isaiah Jassal, Casey South Melbourne
Role: Left arm orthodox
A consistent bowler who doesn’t miss too often. Played mostly seconds last year for Casey. A player who targets the stumps and is often a threat with his accuracy.
Tristan Maple, Footscray
Role: Batting all-rounder
A Central Highlands representative who is a handy top-to-middle-order bat. Gets busy at the crease with the bat and can also bowl off spin. He is also a talented footballer who represented the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
Max Marinic, Dandenong
Role: Batter
Had a good year in the premier cricket seconds last season which was highlighted by a century. A player who hits ball hard and is a consistent performer.
Henry Melville, Geelong
Role: Batter
A top batter who can score big and can also go behind the stumps with the gloves. Originally from Colac, Melville scored 205 in a Dowling Shield game against Greenvale last season. In the same tournament, he also made an unbeaten 142 against Essendon. He holds the record for the most runs ever in a Dowling Shield tournament. Certainly a player to watch.
Thomas Neate, Geelong
Role: All-rounder
Played in the under 17’s Victorian Country team last year. A left-arm seamer that can also bat. He played a World Cup practice game against the UAE for Geelong and performed in one of the matches. He mixes his playing time with Geelong Grammar in the APS school competition.
Liam O’Connor, Casey South Melbourne
Role: Leg-spinner
He took a six-fa late in the season last year for Casey. A hard worker who has developed revs on the ball in recent times. A player who is willing to work and has strong potential.
Nicholas Pastras, Melbourne
Role: All-rounder
A batter who can also bowl right-arm medium pace. A strong player who has a cannon throw in the field. He bats in the middle order but can also clear a fence late in the innings. One of the better under 19 fielders in the state.
Oliver Peake, Geelong
Role: Batter
A highly talented batter who is still bottom age under 17s but will play in both tournaments if he makes I into the under 19’s side. A left hander who can smash the ball through the off side. Played mostly seconds at Geelong last year and could be in line for more cricket in the firsts when he is available outside of school cricket commitments with Geelong Grammar. A freak talent who is one to watch. He is the son of Clinton Peake, a former first-class Australian cricketer.
Reuben Rode, Essendon
Role: All-rounder
Left-arm orthodox and left-hand batter. A busy batter who can come in at any spot. He can do the freakish things sparked by his athletic ability. He is a jet in the field and also a good footballer.
Josh Sawrey, Dandenong
Role: Bowling all-rounder
A game savvy player who has good change ups and doesn’t miss too often. Bowls to a plan and is able to outsmart batters. With the bat, he hits gaps and ticks the scoreboard over. Similar to James Nanopoulos.
Devlin Webb, Casey South Melbourne
Role: All-rounder
Played for the Northern Territory last year in their under 19’s team. Had a good season with Casey and finished in the club’s first team. A handy middle order bat and fast bowler. Good all-rounder for any team. He moved from Frankston to Casey last season.
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