Victorian Premier batter Josh Manning belts back-to-back centuries

Kingston Hawthorn skipper Josh Manning says the birth of his second child has brought him sleepless nights and helped his batting. Successive tons prove it.

Josh Manning of Kingston Hawthorn has scored 112no and 124no this season. Picture: George Sal

Josh Manning’s nightlife has never been so hectic.

The Kingston Hawthorn cricket captain has seen the other side of midnight a lot since the arrival of his second son, Leo, in September.

That makes two sons — Beau was born last year — aged 19 months and under for Manning and his wife Alanna.

“Two new opening bats for the Hawks in 20 years,’’ Manning joked.

While a lack of sleep can be detrimental for many, it’s clearly done wonders for Manning’s cricket exploits.

The 30-year-old has begun the season with successive unbeaten centuries — 112no against Greenvale Kangaroos in Round 2 and 124no (off 230 balls) in a gripping last-wicket draw with Melbourne on Saturday.

“It must be that, all the sleeping on the couch,’’ Manning said.

“I’m a bit relaxed.’’

Josh Manning has scored successive unbeaten centuries. Picture: Facebook

Manning has also had to contend with an untimely injury; he “did a Glenn McGrath’’ and trod on a cricket ball in a practice match in late September, rolling his ankle and sitting out the opening round.

“I’ve come good now,’’ he said.

Manning, who leads the Victorian Premier Cricket run chart with 236, puts his purple patch of form down to maturity and experience.

He’s now scored six Premier centuries — two for the Hawks and four at St Kilda.

“With all the players I’ve played with over the years it sort of just clicked with what you need to just work on or make yourself feel good for the weekend, make sure you feel prepared,” he said.

“I haven’t had a bigger pre season or anything. It’s a bit of age actually, understanding the batting works of going through an innings.

“(Dandenong champion) Brett Forsyth spoke about it in his Ryder speeches, he goes about it by just doing what works for him, not over doing it. And going out there with confidence.”

Manning said his number one team Alanna, Beau and Leo motivate him every day.

“That’s probably what keeps me relaxed as well, you understand life a bit more, it’s a bit different with two little ones that you’ve got to care for,’’ he said.

“Whatever happens on a Saturday happens, it doesn’t really matter in the end.”

Meanwhile, Kingston Hawthorn is set to unleash its UK import Roman Walker against Footscray this weekend.

Walker, who has played three first-class matches for Leicestershire, has dismissed Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja in a tour match in England.

Manning says he’s been told Walker is a “very crafty bowler, good skills, and can hold the stick as well’’.