Victoria fast bowling ranks shake up

Victoria have recalled a talented fast bowler to its contract list following the departure of James Pattinson.

Victoria have added Carlton fast bowler Xavier Crone to its contract list just months after not being offered a new deal.

The 24-year-old was first offered a rookie contract with the state in 2016 and went on to play first-class and list-A matches last season.

Crone made his Sheffield Shield debut at the SCG in November 2021, taking four wickets against NSW.

Xavier Crone celebrates a wicket in the Darwin Premier cricket 2022 grand final. Picture: Roz Lavercombe.

He spent time in the Northern Territory this winter playing for the Southern Districts in the Darwin Premier cricket competition.

Crone made 39 and took 4-39 opening the bowling in the grand final on September 10 against Darwin.

Cricket Victoria’s General Manager Cricket Performance, Graham Manou said he saw promise in Crone.

“We’re pleased to welcome Xavier back onto our contracted list, he has been part of the Victorian system for many years and is someone we see a lot of potential in,” Manou said.

“We thank Cricket Australia, other state associations and the ACA for allowing us to replace the squad position vacated by James Pattinson.”

CRICKET - Friday, 30th October, 2020 - Marsh Sheffield Shield Cricket at Glenelg Oval between South Australia and Victoria. Zak Evans claims the wicket of Liam Scott for 16 runs Picture: Sarah Reed

It comes as Victoria copped a blow to its fast bowling brigade with promising quick Zak Evans in recovery from a right pectoral he tore in early August.

The 22-year-old is estimated to return in six to eight weeks although the time frame remains uncertain as he requires further checks to understand the full extent of the injury.

Evans, who took a five-fa in a Big Bash clash against Hobart last year, tore the muscle while bowling at a pre-season training session.

Melbourne Renegades quick Zak Evans celebrates his five-fa with teammates. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

Victoria also lost James Pattinson on the eve of the domestic cricket season after both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract to allow his body to recover and for him to spend more time with his young family.

The state have selected four fast bowlers and three spinning options in its squad for the Sheffield Shield season opener against South Australia on Thursday.

Scott Boland, Fergus O’Neill, Mitch Perry and Will Sutherland were named as the quicks.

Jon Holland, Nic Maddinson and Todd Murphy are the spinners.

The injury to Evans is also a blow to Victorian premier club St Kilda who were set to have the fast bowler fill the void left behind by Henry Thornton who was picked up by South Australia in the off-season.