Premier Cricket: Akshay Kodoth a new arrival at Frankston Peninsula

The Heat have another prized recruit, securing an exciting batsman who has performed at the top level and is coming off a golden summer.

Akshay Kodoth scoring runs for Camberwell Magpies. He’s joined Frankston Peninsula. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Heat is rising.

At least, they plan to next season — up the ladder, that is.

After finishing second last on the Premier Cricket ladder in 2020-21, Frankston Peninsula went in search of proven, experienced recruits to bolster a young list.

It’s been a productive few weeks for the peninsula club.

First, Dandenong’s champion bowler James Nanopoulos signed.

Dandy premiership wicketkeeper Jacques Augustin then followed his great mate, Nano, to Jubilee Park.

And now Camberwell Magpies batsman-keeper Akshay Kodoth has continued the influx of quality recruits to the Heat.

Kodoth, who played 18 first-class games in India between 2011 and 2015, won the Magpies’ club champion award, the Keith Stackpole Medal, last season.

He scored 431 runs at 26.94 and took in 26 dismissals behind the stumps, having started the season batting at No. 7 before a move up the order to three brought a string of consistent scores.

Akshay Kodoth will bat in the top three for Frankston in 2021-22. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Frankston Peninsula assistant coach Peter Buchanan said Kodoth would bat in the top three for Frankston next season, although he won’t wicket keep. Augustin will take the gloves.

“He’s going to be a good pick up for us,” Buchanan said of Kodoth.

“He will be a long-term player I would have thought.”

James Nanopoulos took a club-record 362 wickets for Dandenong.

The Heat will undergo a reshuffle, with at least three additions to the First XI, a new captain and several departures.

Nanopoulos, 32, and a 236-game stalwart, is likely to captain Frankston Peninsula.

The Heat have lost Chris Dew (to Red Hill), Brodie Eccles (Dandenong), Mackenzie Gardner (Seaford Tigers) and Harrison Barnes. All played First XI last season.

“It’s probably good to have turnover because there will be new players coming in the pre-season,” Buchanan said.

“They will come from everywhere, I reckon.

“Plus, we’ve got young blokes in the thirds that need to be going into the next grade. You don’t want to be pigeonholing them.”

Buchanan said the Heat would continue to look at boosting their squad.

“Always looking,’’ he said.

“If guys want to come and play you don’t knock them back.

“We’re still looking around, still looking on the peninsula.”