Named: Victoria country men’s cricket squad for Australian championships
The Victorian country cricket squad to tackle the Australian titles is packed with talent, including a former Big Bash player. Here’s a rundown on each player.
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Stacked with matchwinners.
Hungry for success.
Victoria has named a talented men’s squad to tackle the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Canberra from January 13-20.
The Vics are reigning national champions, having won the title when it was last played in 2020 before Covid.
Victoria coach Peter Buchanan expects his side to contend strongly in Canberra, with the 50-over format to suit his men.
“It’s a pretty good side,” he said.
Victoria will be captained by Traralgon’s Lee Stockdale, who top scored with 59 in the national final in 2020, while former Carlton and Melbourne Renegades big hitter Brayden Stepien will open the batting.
“If he gets going…he’s a bit like Rob Bedford but opening the batting,” Buchanan said of Stepien.
“He’ll just play his natural game. I won’t be telling him too much of what to do.”
The Victorian squad:
Ethan Boyd, Warrnambool
Nineteen-year-old fast bowler who is also a gun fielder. Has a big future.
Aidan Lenehan, Mornington Peninsula
Genuine all-rounder who bats well and bowls at a good clip.
Jordan Moran (vc), Geelong
Top order bat, who has churned out runs for the Vics at the past two carnivals, including two centuries. Will be Victoria’s wicketkeeper.
Jack Rietschel, Sale-Maffra
Left-arm orthodox spinner, who has played in the past two national championships.
Tom Smith, Geelong
Right-arm fast bowler who has played in Geelong’s First XI.
Brayden Stepien, Bendigo
Big-hitting opening bat who was on the Melbourne Renegades list. Scores fast.
Lee Stockdale (capt), Traralgon
Left-arm orthodox spinner and gritty middle order bat. Strong leader. Played in a lot of carnivals.
Cameron Taylor, Bendigo
Leg spinner and left-handed bat. Quality player with loads of experience.
Jake Toohey, Ferntree Gully
A batting all-rounder who has played in Ringwood’s First XI.
Kierran Voelkl, Mornington Peninsula
Dromana champion, middle order bat and gun fielder. Was a member of the Vics’ national title triumph in 2019.
Nathan Walsh (vc), Ferntree Gully
The star batter will go in at No. 3 and get the scoreboard ticking over for the Vics.
Cameron Wheeler, Ferntree Gully
Batting all-rounder and prolific wicket taker.
Cameron Williams, Warrnambool
Hard hitting batter and back-up wicketkeeper.
Jack Wrigglesworth, Geelong
Son of former Victorian player and Bundalaguah legend Ian Wrigglesworth. Batter and “death’’ bowler with a lot of variations.
Coach: Peter Buchanan
Was a star batter with Mornington in the MPCA, played in a premiership with St Kilda in 1985. Played in four carnivals for Victoria, including a national title in 1992. Captained Frankston Peninsula’s 2nd XI to the club’s inaugural premiership and also coached the club. Has coached extensively at all levels, including the Vanuatu national team. Currently coach of Mentone Grammar, involved at Frankston and working at Rowville Secondary College with Darren Berry
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