Premier Cricket 2024-25: Fitzroy Doncaster secures English all-rounder Ed Barnard

Fitzroy Doncaster’s latest addition arrives on the recommendation of Glenn Maxwell – and he’s set to cover for one of the club’s biggest names.

Premier Cricket 2024-25: New Fitzroy Doncaster recruit Ed Barnard. Picture: Supplied

Fitzroy Doncaster is set to unleash an English all-rounder as it sets its sights on the run home.

Ed Barnard has arrived from Warwickshire County as the Lions look to cover for the absence of state-listed Sam Elliott.

The 29-year-old bowls right-arm fast-medium and fills the void nicely according to Fitzroy Doncaster coach Matt Bremner.

“He’s ready to go,” Bremner said.

“We know in the back end of the year (Sam Elliott) is going to be really busy with Victoria and potentially higher honours.

“What Sam does for us is he balances out our line-up, being an all-rounder who can bat in the top six.

“We’ve got a really inexperienced bowling group and we just need someone to shoulder the load a little bit and teach them a thing or two.

“(Barnard) is exactly what we need at the moment.”

And he arrives on the recommendation of Australian cricketer and occasional Fitzroy Doncaster heavy-hitter, Glenn Maxwell.

“Maxwell reached out to me very late in the pre-season and he played with Ed at Warwickshire and with Birmingham Bears in T20 … Ed reached out to ‘Maxi’ and ‘Maxi’ reached out to us,” Bremner said.

“It was a couple of days after we knew Fletcha Middleton couldn’t come out.

“We thought the second half of the year would be a good opportunity (for Barnard).”

The Lions have banked just four wins this season and sit 13th on the ladder.

“We’ve been inconsistent, but we’ve had games this year where our fast bowlers have had less than 10 games’ experience,” Bremner said.

A host of young guns have debuted – including Gurnaz Khatra, who has 15 wickets this season.

“He’s taken the new ball for us and he’s got less than 13 or 14 games’ experience … Harry Smith has also played and made his debut, Ethan Boyd’s got less than 13 or 14 games’ experience. We’re a pretty inexperienced bowling line-up, and that’s showing a little bit, but it’s also been really exciting for us,” Bremner said.

And teenage talent Rupptaz Kharoud is turning heads in the Second XI.

The medium-pacer has opened the bowling in each of his two appearances – and Bremner has him earmarked as one to watch.

“It’s not bad for a 15-year-old,” he said.

“He’s going to be a star of the future, so keep an eye on him.”

Fitzroy Doncaster hosts Melbourne this weekend.