Southern Districts Crocodiles’ Jackson Isakka on stunning Darwin Premier Grade form: ‘Staying relaxed is key’ after four tons

You often hear about great batsmen ‘going through the gears’ during a long innings. Southern Districts’ Jackson Isakka is an exception to this philosophy.

Jackson Isakka – in action for Southern Storm – has been near-unstoppable for Southern Districts this year, hitting four tons so far. Picture: Che Chorley

YOU often hear about great batsmen “going through the gears” during the course of a long innings.

But Jackson Isakka has had an exceptional 2021 Darwin Premier Grade season and so, on this occasion, he is an exception to this philosophy.

Isakka – a star top-order player for Campbelltown-Camden in Sydney – has hit a stunning four tons for Southern Districts this year.

It can be argued the best of that lot was his outstanding 171 not out from 183 balls against PINT in round 13 last Saturday. That included 10 fours and six sixes, and helped the Crocodiles to a formidable 6-396.

Staying in the one controlled-but-aggressive mindset helped him dominate a strong Green Caps attack that included pacemen Blade Baxter (1-35), Pat Gallow (2-42) and star Territory representative legspinner Joel Logan (1-111).

“It was good to keep going and bat with some consistency,” Isakka said.

“Once I passed 50 it was about starting again and making sure I batted deep. I wanted to stay at the one tempo to allow me to keep going.

Jackson Isakka has hit a stunning four centuries for Southern Districts so far this year. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“It’s the old cliche – keep things simple and go one ball at a time.

“I was backing myself to stay confident and aggressive, but to always play good, safe shots and relax. I’m feeling good at the moment.

“It helps that I’m getting runs with back-to-back hundreds (118 against Nightcliff in round 12). And the Cricket 365 stuff has helped me stay fit and strong in what is a really good set-up that offers all the players great opportunities.”

Isakka said having NSW representative Matt Gilkes back at the Crocs – who scored 112 against Waratah in his first game for the club this year in round 11 – was massive. “He’s a great influence with the way he goes about his training and his mindset in different situations,” said Isakka, who said he was exploring “a few options” in Sydney first grade for the 2021-22 season.

Also on Saturday, Nightcliff will chase a 426 target against Palmerston at Cazalys Oval, and Waratah will need 373 for victory away to Tracy Village.