What sets Harry Dixon apart and why he is ready to tackle Dean Jones Trophy final

Hailed as one of the brightest stars on the Victorian cricket landscape, Harry Dixon is about to face one of the sternest tests of his career to date. But he’s ready.

The grandest stage of Harry Dixon’s fledgling professional career is upon him in the domestic one-day final, and it is one he was made to shine on.

That is the belief of the 20-year-old’s long-time mentor and former St Kilda captain Adam Crosthwaite.

Dixon, a St Kilda product, could lift the inaugural Dean Jones Trophy with Victoria in just his third List A game against South Australia on Saturday.

He is fresh off a 37-ball 57 at the top of the order against New South as the Vics chased down 310 with more than 12 overs to spare, and also has a Sheffield Shield half century to his name already.

“South Australia will be extremely nervous bowling to him,” said Crosthwaite said, who figured for both states and was part of the last South Australian team to lift the one-day trophy in 2012.

“If he does get away he’s hard to contain, I think the way he batted the other day against New South Wales was outstanding and come Saturday when he gets his opportunity, he’s a matchwinner.

Harry Dixon of Victoria raises his bat after scoring 50 runs during the ODC match between New South Wales and Victoria. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

“Even as a youngster he has the ability on Saturday to go out and win the match for Victoria for sure.”

Crosthwaite first came across Dixon at St Kilda when he was just 15, and knew he had a special talent on his hands from the beginning.

“He’s a star … he’s worked his way through the grades, he’s been outstanding at every level,” Crosthwaite said.

“He’s always trained hard and hit them differently to most, you could tell from a young age that he was going to be very good, he’s also worked extremely hard.

“He’s got a game Australian cricket is about to see.”

Harry Dixon batting for St Kilda. Picture: Andy Brownbill.

Crosthwaite likened Dixon to a Ricky Ponting or David Warner in that he could pick up length quicker than most, and believes it is one of the factors that sets the rising talent apart.

“Ricky Ponting and David Warner, they just pick up length faster than most and he’s got that ability,” Crosthwaite said.

“He’s got easy power, he’s strong and he can hit the ball, he’s balanced. It’s hard to explain but it’s a skillset that only the elite guys have and he’s had it forever.

“He picks up length quickly, that’s why he’s so good on the back foot, he has the ability to still hit fast bowling with a horizontal bat, that’s the first thing that stood out for me.

Harry Dixon of Victoria poses for a photo after receiving his cap during the ODC match between Tasmania and Victoria at Blundstone Arena. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images.

“Just the way his mindset was, and he’s got the confidence in his game and the confidence in himself that you need to be a first-class player and Australian player. It’s exciting to see him get an opportunity at Victorian level.”

Playing and training alongside the likes of Peter Handscomb at St Kilda – who he will play alongside in Saturday’s final – had moulded Dison into the player we see today.

“When you lose a few wickets and Pete comes out and he’s 10 off 40 and soaks up all the pressure and at the end he’s 120 off 130, you can take a lot out of that,” Dixon said.

“It’s really nice to see other blokes do it and you can pick and choose what you add to your game.

“You’re not Peter Handscomb, you’re trying to be your own man, but you can take different bits and pieces.”