Premier Cricket 2021-22: High praise for Magpie Dhruv Redhu on debut

It’s no secret the Camberwell Magpies are chock-full of young guns – and they unearthed another who made an immediate impact on Saturday.

Camberwell Magpies’ latest young gun to debut certainly turned heads on Saturday.

Leg-spinning all-rounder Dhruv Redhu earned his First XI call-up for the clash with Frankston Peninsula, and made an immediate impact as he took 3-44 off 10 overs while also knocking 30 runs off 55 balls. He partnered with Liam Fitzpatrick for 63 runs.

Magpies coach Ben Ryan lauded the 18-year-old’s performance in the loss, crediting the emerging talent for keeping the ‘Pies within striking distance.

“Unbelievable,” Ryan said of Redhu’s debut.

“I’m wondering when the last time was an 18-year-old has debuted at Premier level, taken three-for and made 30.

“It sounds modest, but he came in with us absolutely reeling at 6-52, so for a kid to come in and be part of that partnership with Liam Fitzpatrick, it gave us a chance to get back in the game and (almost) win the game – we were within reach.”

Dhruv Redhu made an immediate impact for the Maggies on debut last Saturday. Picture: Georg Sal

Redhu has been pushing his case for First XI selection in the seconds this summer, taking 10 wickets at an average of 27 and a best of 3-36. He also played five Super Slam matches, highlighted by a 2-8 performance off four overs against Northcote.

He’s part of the Victorian under-19 squad alongside Magpies’ opening bat Spencer Wood, quick bowler Tom Nelson and all-rounder Will Townsend.

Ryan said Redhu’s Second XI and Super Slam showings had him ripe for the picking.

“It’s mainly his bowling that got him the spot … and he bowled exceptionally well in those (Super Slam matches),” he said.

“That’s given him the confidence to know that he can perform at the level, so we’ve been waiting for the opportunity to get him in.”

The Magpies’ Ben Rowles in full flight on Saturday. Picture: Georg Sal

The Magpies have won just two matches this season and sit 17th on the ladder.

With five rounds to go, Ryan said the club wasn’t judging the season on results, and development remained the top priority.

The Magpies face four current top-eight sides in their final five matches after taking on the Greenvale Kangaroos this weekend.

“I’m not looking at the season in terms of success based on wins and losses,” Ryan said.

“The important thing is we’ve got a very young playing group and the average age is 21 – it’s just going to take time.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge (in the run home).”