National Indigenous Cricket Championships: Victorian squads bursting with talent

Victoria’s indigenous cricket squads have it all; batters who “whack it”, raw pace, quality keepers and a leg-spinner with rare talent. See the line-ups.

Josh Nanson of Victoria bowls during the National Indigenous Cricket Championships at Traeger Park, Alice Springs in 2020. Photo by Albert Perez - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images

The excitement in Barry Neivandt’s voice is obvious.

The Victorian indigenous men’s cricket coach can’t help but rave about the make up of his squad for the National Indigenous Cricket Championships in Alice Springs from February 22-28.

“We’ve brought in some younger faces with some great spirit and enthusiasm,’’ he said.

“At the trials we had unheralded numbers try out for a change…and we’ve unearthed some really interesting debutants.”

Victoria players celebrate a wicket at the 2020 National Indigenous Cricket Championships at Traeger Park in Alice Springs.

One newcomer who caught Neivandt’s eye was 16-year-old Essendon leg-spinner Bailey Toseland, who recently represented Victoria Metro in the Under 17 national championships.

“He bowls leg spin and bats alright, too,’’ Neivandt said.

“He’s got the 360 game where he plays some fun shots as well, he’s a ripper, and he’s got some great leadership qualities.

“And with the ball he keeps landing it.

“He’s a really exciting talent. And he’s a ripping lad, quality.”

The Victorian squad is young and full of potential.

Neivandt said a priority would be to work on “game awareness” as the Vics prepare for the T20 format in Alice Springs.

He will also be encouraging his players to “take the game on”.

Ryan Donovan will be the “elder statesman’’ of the Vic squad, and also a key player. “He bowls right arm off spin, he’s cagey, with good speed on ball and variation,’’ Neivandt said.

“He will bring some great experience to the group.’’

Victoria has three wicket keepers in its squad — Jhiah Baxter and brothers Jacob and Josh Devine. They are also “jets’’ in the field and capable batsmen.

Josh Nanson played in the last national carnival, and was picked in the Australian under-19 side.

Wade King will be a crucial player for Victoria. Picture: AAP/ Chris Eastman

McKinnon star Wade King has been to a few carnivals and will be a key figure in this campaign.

“He’s probably our best allrounder,’’ Neivandt said.

“He’s just a very cricket smart sort of player with bat and ball and a jet in the field, direct hit run outs and that sort of stuff.’’

Victoria’s pace attack will include Bohdie Jones (Mt Evelyn) and Pines quickie Lachlan Jackson.

“He’s got wheels, raw, but he’s just got some genuine pace and change up and good bounce and carry,’’ Neivandt said of Jackson.

“He’s got the intimidating bouncer at his beck and call as well.’’

Mackenzie Casson.

Jhiah Baxter.

MacKenzie Casson comes back into the squad, and can whack the ball. Tyler Nanson is a left hander, who came into the squad after Nick Boland withdrew because his wife was due to give birth.

“He will have a real crack at it, play shots and get after it,’’ Neivandt said of Tyler.

In the women’s team, Northern Socials Cricket Club’s Brooke Nam will captain the team. Coburg bowler Simone Burridge also returns to the team, while new players include Box Hill all-rounder Tahlia Meier and Heidelberg’s Taya Barnett.

Victoria was one of the first state associations to build an Indigenous cricket program, dating back to 2001.

Both squads last won titles in 2017.

Victorian Men’s Indigenous Squad

Tyler Nanson (City Colts CC) - Dharug

Jhiah Baxter (Thomson CC) - Nygena Walmatjurri

MacKenzie Casson (Auburn CC) - Kamilaroi

Jacob Devine (Old Carey CC) - Wonnarua

Ryan Donovan (Altona Sports Club) - Gumbainjirri & Dunghutti

Nathan Gardiner (Epping CC) - Wurundjeri

Lachlan Jackson (Pines CC) - Yorta Yorta

Bohdie Jones (Mt Evelyn CC) - Wurundjeri

Jacob Bourke (Alexandra Cricket Club) - Taungurung

Wade King (McKinnon CC) – Ngyampaa

Shaun McAndrew (Surf Coast Stingrays CC) - Murries

Josh Nanson (City Colts CC) - Durug

Bailey Toseland (Essendon CC) - Taungurung

Josh Devine (Old Carey CC) - Wonnarua

Men’s Squad coaching staff:

Coach: Barry Neivandt

Team Manager: Jamie Jewiss

CV Staff: Cameron Rochow

Victorian Women’s Indigenous Squad

Brooke Nam (Northern Socials CC) - Wailwan

Chloe Larkin (Burnside Springs CC) - Wurendjeri

Taya Barnett (Heidelberg CC) - Wiradjuri

Helen Archibald (Northern Socials CC) - Yorta Yorta

Tahlia Meier (Box Hill Cricket CC) - Wamba Wamba

Simone Burridge (Coburg CC) - Kamilaroi

Shawana Brown (Northern Socials CC) - Wailwan and Wirangu

Shannon Johnson (Allansford-Panmure CC) - Yamaji

Chamika Sadler (Northern Socials CC) - Quandamooka/Wakka Wakka

Cindy Duson (Lalor Warriors CC) - Wiradjuri

Rose Stewart (Holy Trinity CC) - Gunditjmara and Taungurung

Jessica Martin (Coburg CC) - Wiradjuri

Jacintha Tass (Northern Socials CC) - Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri

Women’s Squad coaching staff:

Coach: Ciara Metcalfe

Team Manager: Kaitlyn Frawley

CV Staff: Cameron Rochow