EXCLUSIVE: Australian Test century-maker Kurtis Patterson to headline elite group of 31 players for 2021 Strike League, also to feature Australian one-day representative quick Chris Tremain

EXCLUSIVE: Cricket in the Territory is set to receive yet another boost when a Test match century-maker comes to Darwin in time for this year’s Strike League tournament.

Star New South Wales batsman Kurtis Patterson will headline an elite group of cricketers who will come to Darwin for the 2021 Strike League. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

CRICKET in the Territory is set to receive yet another boost when a Test match century-maker comes to Darwin in time for this year’s Strike League tournament.

Star New South Wales batsman Kurtis Patterson – who scored an unbeaten 114 against Sri Lanka in just his second Test in February, 2019 – will lead a party of 31 elite players who will train and play in the Territory capital from mid June.

That group of high-quality players will boost Strike League teams City Cyclones, Desert Blaze, Northern Tide and Southern Storm.

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Two-Test player Patterson’s presence will ensure the eyes of cricket fans from all around Australia will be on Darwin for a short-format tournament fast emerging as an ideal competition for elite players to hone their skills during their off-season.

Star NT product Jake Weatherald, now with the South Australia Redbacks, and young Blues sensation Matt Gilkes – who was a standout for Southern Districts and Desert Blaze in 2018 – will also be in Darwin.

Gilkes will be joined by NSW teammates Jack and Mickey Edwards, Jason Sangha and Chris Tremain, who has also represented Australia at one-day international level.

Cricket Australia’s national talent and pathways manager Graham Manou could not contain his excitement at this news, and the shot in the arm it will give cricket in the Territory.

“It’s such a high calibre of players coming to Darwin, and NT Cricket for a number of years has provided that opportunity,” Manou told the NT News, with Australian stars David Warner and Cameron Bancroft featuring in the 2018 Strike League a highlight of recent northern dry seasons.

“The professional landscape has changed due to COVID and new visa regulations, which have made going to play in England during our winter more difficult.

Blues paceman Chris Tremain – pictured when he was with Victoria – will play in the 2021 NT Strike League. Picture: Michael Dodge/AAP Image

“(But) the facilities (at Marrara) are great. Year on year, NT Cricket’s facilities are at the top of the list, especially now it has lights and has used drop-in pitches before.”

Manou also has a high opinion of the Darwin Premier Grade competition – now benefiting with each team able to call upon southern imports again this year – and the Strike League.

“I have a personal bias because I’ve played with PINT before,” he said with a laugh.

“But the standard is getting better year on year, and I credit NT Cricket and the club staff for that.”

Manou said Patterson’s presence would continue to lift those standards.

“Kurtis’ leadership and approach will add another dimension (to the training sessions and games),” Manou said.

“He’s been starved of cricket with recent injuries, so someone of his calibre sees coming to Darwin as a great opportunity to get better.”

LIST OF 31 PLAYERS IN THE 2021 CRICKET 365 PROGRAM

Dylan Brasher VIC, Campbell Kellaway VIC, Zac Sleeman VIC, Callum Stow VIC, Brodie Symons VIC, Isaac Conway SA, Max Hatzoglou SA, Isaac Higgins SA, Henry Hunt SA, Lloyd Pope SA, Jake Weatherald SA, Jack Edwards NSW, Mickey Edwards NSW,

Mathew Gilkes NSW, Ryan Hackney NSW, Lachie Hearne NSW, Hayden Kerr NSW, Kurtis Patterson NSW, Jason Sangha NSW, Chris Tremain NSW, Sam Fanning WA, Brad Hope WA, Corey Rocchiccioli WA, Jarrod Freeman TAS, Keegan Oates TAS, Jack White TAS, Mac Wright TAS, Hugo Burdon QLD, Corey Hunter QLD, Josh Kann QLD, Noah McFadyen QLD.