National T20 Championship: Dandenong Panthers and Carlton Blues will fly the Victorian flag in Adelaide
Victorian Super Slam conference winners Dandenong and Carlton continue with Twenty20 campaigns in the Fox Cricket National T20 championship.
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English allrounder Karl Carver helped get Dandenong to Adelaide but the Panthers will have to do without him when they contest the Fox Cricket National T20 championship next week.
The left-arm spinner was a valuable player in the Panthers’ Vic Super Slam campaign, which culminated in victory over Carlton in the Grand Slam at the MCG on January 27.
As conference winners both teams qualified for the national series starting in Adelaide on Tuesday.
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While Carver — a Super Slam marquee player who turned out for Sub-District club Moorabbin this season — has returned to England, the Panthers will take former Sri Lankan Test off-spinner Suraj Randiv to Adelaide.
Randiv had an outstanding series for the Panthers, claiming a competition-high 13 wickets in the preliminary rounds, then a matchwinning 3-21 in the final.
The Panthers will also be without veteran fast bowler Darren Pattinson, who remains on the injured list.
But his brother James may make the trip, giving Dandy a buccaneering blast with bat and ball.
Fast bowler James Wilcock, who is returning from injury, left-arm spinner Akshat Buch, batsmen Comrey Edgeworth and Michael Sweeney, and paceman Jake Thomas are also possible inclusions.
Carlton will strengthened by the appearance of its captain and Big Bash League allrounder Evan Gulbis, who missed the Victorian final.
But Melbourne Renegade Mack Harvey is unlikely to play.
Both Melbourne teams will fly to Adelaide on Monday morning.
Dandenong, Carlton, City Cylone (NT), East Torrens District, Melville, North Hobart, Sutherland District, Sydney University, Tuggeranong Valley and University of Queensland will contest the national tournament.
A draw will be held on Monday, preliminary rounds will be played at Karen Rolton Oval on Tuesday and finals will be staged on Wednesday.
All matches will be livestreamed via cricket.com.au
A string of Big Bash players have been named in the initial squads, including Jake Lehmann and Jordan Silk.
Cricket Australia pathways manager Graham Manou said it was an exciting tournament for the Premier clubs.
“Premier Cricket has a rich history in Australian cricket and continues to play a critical role in the development for our cricketers while providing a pivotal pathway for many talented cricketers,’’ he said.
“The Fox Cricket National T20 Championships will offer further opportunities for players to display their talents on a national stage against some of the best Premier Cricketers Australia has to offer.’’
THE ROAD TO ADELAIDE
DANDENONG
Round 1 v Prahran — Lost
Round 2 v Casey-South Melbourne — Won
Round 3 v Camberwell Magpies — Lost
Round 4 v Monash — Lost
Round 5 v St Kilda — Won
Round 6 v Ringwood — Won
Semi-final v Prahran — Won
Stars conference final v St Kilda — Won
Final v Carlton — Won
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