Victorian Premier Cricket: Kohli’s conqueror to spearhead Kingston Hawthorn’s bowling attack
An overseas paceman who’s dismissed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will open the bowling for Kingston Hawthorn in Premier Cricket this season.
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He’s dismissed Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja — and in a few weeks time he’ll be running around at Walter Galt Reserve in Parkdale.
Roman Walker, who has played three first-class matches for Leicestershire, will spearhead the bowling attack for Kingston Hawthorn in Premier Cricket this season.
The 24-year-old is due to arrive from England in the coming weeks.
Walker was the unlikely star of a tour match against India in 2021, dismissing Kohli, Sharma and Jadeja on his way to a five-wicket haul.
Moving the ball in the air and off the pitch, he had Kohli caught behind.
Walker was labelled “Leicestershire’s young sensation’’ in the English media at the time.
He is also a talented batsman, as he showed when he made 64 on debut for Leicestershire in 2022.
Kingston Hawthorn captain Josh Manning hoped Walker would add a sharp edge to the Hawks line-up this season.
Gloucestershire’s T20 captain Jack Taylor is back for another season with the Hawks, his explosive batting sure to ignite the side.
But Kingston Hawthorn has lost several players, including Sacheen Paramesh and Prajay Paramesh to Camberwell, Zack Richardson to Carlton and Visura Fernando (Greenvale).
Manning wants to see his side take another step further this season after a positive 2023-24 campaign.
“Hopefully we start off how we finished last season,’’ he said.
“It was great to win the last three games last season. Hopefully we can start off with a couple wins and just be more competitive. Even if we’re in games rather than getting blown out would be a major step up again.’’
Kingston Hawthorn’s First XI finished last season with a flourish to end up in 15th spot — its highest finish in years — ahead of Frankston Peninsula, Essendon and Greenvale Kangaroos.
And there was success throughout the grades at Kingston Hawthorn, with its seconds and fourths qualifying for finals.
Manning said a potential late recruit was Shanogeeth Shanmuganathan from Prahran.
Last season he made an impressive run-a-ball ton in Prahran’s seconds against Frankston.
Hawks young paceman Tyler Pearson is raring to go after doing a pre-season with Victoria.
“He’s doing well at the Vics,’’ Manning said.
“He’s bowling the same speed if not faster and even after one pre-season at Victoria his batting has improved.
“With his development as a cricketer he’s gone to another level again.’’
Colin Siller is again coaching Kingston Hawthorn.
The Hawks face Richmond at Central Reserve in Round 1 on Saturday.
KINGSTON HAWTHORN
Captain: Josh Manning
Coach: Colin Siller
Last season: 15th (4-10)
In: Roman Walker (Leicestershire)
Out:Sacheen Paramesh (Camberwell), Prajay Paramesh (Camberwell), Zack Richardson(Carlton), Visura Fernando (Greenvale)
Prediction: The Hawks stormed home winning their final three matches last season and will be looking start the season where they left off. Leicestershire paceman Roman Walker adds a sharp edge to the bowling attack — he’s dismissed Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja in a tour match in the UK. He could form a potent new-all combo with Vic squad speedster Tyler Pearson. Gloveman Joel Lewis was a revelation last season after being promoted to open the batting, while others to watch include teenage seamer Cory Cater, batter Jonathan Vincent and teenage batter Roshan Gunatilake.
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