Top 50 SA club cricketers aged 21 and under to keep an eye on in 2023-2024
Who are South Australia’s best kept cricket secrets? Here’s an early season list of the non-contracted players aged 21 and under to watch. See who made the cut.
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Who are South Australia’s best kept cricket secrets – those uncontracted players who have yet to become household names?
The Advertiser has dug deep and, in conjunction with club coaches, selected 50 players aged under 21 to keep an eye on this season.
Casting the net far and wide to capture some unheralded names on the rise, we have picked players from the 13 SACA Premier Cricket and 12 Adelaide Turf Cricket Association clubs who are worth watching.
Redbacks and Scorpions contracted players were not considered.
Here is our list of 50 in alphabetical order.
CARL ARNOLD
(Sturt)
Age: 19
The emerging batter is in the Redbacks Pathway Academy and new Sturt coach David Ritossa said he had enjoyed an “exceptional’’ pre-season, which included making a big hundred in a trial game against the under-19 state squad.
“He smashed them all over the place and is looking stronger and better every time we see him,’’ Riitossa said.
“His ability to go from playing a defensive game to an attacking game is phenomenal and I don’t think it will be too long before we see him completely take over a game.
“He also bowls smart medium-pacers, which gives him another string to his bow.’’
MATTHEW BARNES
(Adelaide)
Age: 20
With the Buffalos losing a host of their best youngsters to the SA Under-19 team that will compete in Division 2, coach Steven Crook is hoping promising top order batter Barnes can step up and become a key player this season.
“Matt’s a young lad with a lot of potential,’’ Crook said.
“He has a great feel for the game, a very solid technique and shows patience at the crease.
“He reminds me of a young Callum Ferguson with the way he goes about things and I’m confident that when he gets stronger he will be a dominant player for our club.’’
Barnes made a fine 64 for Adelaide in Round 2 of the One-Day Cup against Tea Tree Gully to lead his side to an upset victory.
CHARLIE BIRCH
(Pooraka)
Age: 18
A young opening bat who can also produce a few overs with ball in hand, Birch will be one to watch for the Bulls in the ATCA this season.
Birch is an impressive shot-maker who remains composed under pressure at the crease.
Will play his first A Grade innings with the bat this weekend against Woodville South in A1 grade and is expected to be a consistent contributor for Pooraka throughout 2023-24.
THOMAS BROWN
Adelaide University
Age: 17
The giant Adelaide University off-spinner will be a key player for the SACA under-19s in this season’s Division 2 First Grade competition and seems destined for a big future.
Uni coach Michael Silvy described Brown as a dangerous proposition for opposition batters because of his “height, spin talent and bowling nous’’.
“I rate him very highly,’’ Silvy said.
“He’s a player beyond his years in terms of his cricket nous and ability to sum up a game situation and then apply his skills to what’s required.
“He’s quite a smart strategist, extremely tall and gets the ball to spin. He can bowl with a new ball, in the middle orders or at the end in a T20, so he is very adaptable.
“He has been selected in Australia (junior) squads and I’m sure will be one of the leaders of the SACA under-19s. He can bat too.’’
HAMISH CASE
(Tea Tree Gully)
Age: 18
Young Tea Tree Gully gun shines with the bat but can also bowl nice medium-pacers.
Case is in the SACA under-19s squad and Bulls coach Joe Gatting likes what he sees from the 18-year-old.
“He’s a very talented cricketer who bats in the top order and is quite a free-scoring stroke player but what stands out with him is that he does well in tough situations,’’ Gatting said.
“He’s one of those guys who can stand up under pressure and play matchwinning roles.
“He’s also a talented bowler, with a bit of a golden arm. He has some pace, enough to keep batters honest, and has a knack for taking key wickets.
“Adding to his game is that he is a very good fielder, so he has all three skill sets.’’
MAGGIE CLARK
(West Torrens)
Age: 16
The South Australian country girl was the leading wicket-taker at this year’s Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup, despite being the youngest player in the squad at just 15.
Clark, who hails from the tiny town of Mannanarie in SA’s mid-north, took 12 wickets at an average of just 6.25 and was the only Australian selected in the Team of the Tournament.
Now 16, her right-arm fast-medium bowling is expected to cause big problems for opposition batters this season while Eagles women’s coach Daniel Murdoch said she was also expected to make her mark with the bat after a strong off-season.
“Maggie’s on her way to becoming an all-rounder,’’ Murdoch said.
“She’ll be our main strike bowler but she’ll also bat in the middle order this season while she is an outstanding fielder, making her the complete package.’’
TOM CLEMENTS
(Trinity Old Scholars)
Age: 21
The Trinity Old Scholars captain this season, Clements is rated highly by his club.
A promising leader, he is an emerging all-rounder who can do damage as a useful leg-spinner while also performing strongly with the bat.
“Like Tim Viner-Smith before him, we love Tom as skipper because he backs his players and isn’t afraid to push the opposition,” club cricket director Ben Hall said.
“His stats will continue to grow alongside his leadership as he develops and matures.”
Clements has a top score of 55 and best bowling of 4-30 at A Grade level.
RILEE ENDERSBY
(Southern District)
Age: 17
Young all-rounder made last year’s state under-17 squad and is a player the Stingrays have big hopes for.
He played First Grade last season and coach Andrew Zesers is hoping he can take the next step in his development and become a key player this campaign.
“Rilee is on his way to becoming the complete package in that he is a good medium-pace bowler, a solid middle-to-lower order batter and a very good fielder,’’ Zesers said.
“He’s a little fella from Mount Compass who we are hoping for big things from.’’
WILL FOLEY
(Woodville)
Age: 21
Woodville coach Jamie Rothall is excited by his young wicketkeeper’s development, labelling him a “future leader of our club’’.
“Foles has taken a big leap as a ‘keeper in the past 12 months while his batting has improved immensely in the past couple of years,’’ Rothall said.
“He’s starting to understand his game a bit more from a batting point of view, knowing what his strengths are and his role in the team, which is to bat in the lower order with the tail, something we think he can do really well.
“After changing his technique a fraction, his glovework behind the stumps improved amazingly last year and it’s now above par for a 21-year-old.
“We’re rapt to have him and think he can be a future leader of our club’’.
LUKE FORTINGTON
(Flinders Park)
Age: 18
Fortington has come through the junior program at Flinders Park in the ATCA and should be set for further positive development in a debut A Grade season for the Reds.
Club cricket director Andrew Butler said the quick bowler had coaches and teammates excited for the future.
“We’ve seen him take B Grade batters to task and in making his A Grade debut,” Butler said.
“He has come through our junior system with a lot of potential and is a damaging left-arm quick.”
LACHIE FRANCIS
(Old Scotch)
Age: 21
A former district cricketer with Sturt, Francis has joined Old Scotch for the ATCA season and already has teammates and coaches excited.
“Lachie comes to us after previous seasons at Sturt and is a very useful first change bowler,” club president Harry White said.
“He has found his groove at Old Scotch beautifully, bowling a very tight line and length to restrict batters consistently.”
Francis bowled 10 maidens through 13 overs for the club against Hope Valley in Round 1.
TEJAS GILL
(Adelaide)
Age: 18
Adelaide coach Steven Crook described Gill as “a classical left-hander’’ who has “lots and lots’’ of ability.
The teenager is a member of the SACA under-19s squad that will compete in Division 2 of Premier Cricket this season and the Buffalos have handed him their white-ball captaincy reins.
Fellow young gun Matthew Barnes is captaining Adelaide in red-ball cricket.
“Tejas has had a really good start from a captaincy point of view, leading us to a couple of wins to get us going,’’ Crook said.
“From a batting perspective he has a lot of potential and this is a big year for him, having been given a big opportunity to stake his claim as a real senior member of our team and club.
“I’m sure he’ll take it because he has a lot of ability and is a good bloke as well, which helps.’’
LIAM GREBER
(Port Adelaide)
Age: 21
The quality young fast bowler moved from Adelaide University to Port this season, boosting the Magpies’ firepower.
Prior to this season, he had taken 88 First Grade wickets in 37 matches and won the David Hookes Medal as player of the First Grade grand final in 2020-21, when the Blacks beat Kensington.
Is in the Redbacks’ Pathways Academy and coach Matthew Weeks said he loved his attitude and competitiveness.
“He seems to have been around forever but he’s only 21 and his skill set is something I’m looking forward to working with,’’ Weeks said.
“He gives us a point of difference with his ability to bring the ball back into the right-hander.’’
Greber took 5-47 in a one-day match against a strong Glenelg batting line-up last week to illustrate his talent.
“And he still hasn’t quite hit his straps yet,’’ Weeks said in a warning to rivals.
“To still take five wickets against Glenelg is a really good sign.’’
NICOLE HOBBS
(Sturt)
Age: 16
Hobbs is a talented 16-year-old leg-spinner who is ready to “stamp her authority’’ in women’s First Grade competition, according to Sturt women’s coach Rhianna Peate.
“Nicole is a very exciting young player,’’ Peate said.
“She took plenty of wickets last season and will be a key player for us this year.
“She’s also a handy batter who is a really good runner between the wickets and a gun in the field, so we’re hoping for big things from her.’’
Hobbs took 2-11 from four superb overs for Sturt in a 44-run win against Adelaide in the women’s First Grade T20 competition last week.
TROY HENRY
(Pooraka)
Age: 19
A talented left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox bowler, Henry will be one to watch for the Bulls this season.
Henry can either produce as a top or middle-order bat, often supporting teammates at the crease with a composed approach.
He is also able to consistently keep batters guessing with his spin.
Is expected to be one of Pooraka’s top young talents at senior level in the near future.
BENJAMIN HOCKLEY
(Para Hills)
Age: 17
One of a number of Para Hills young guns to watch, Hockley is a middle-order batter who is also the captain of Trinity College’s First XI side.
He produced a dominant pre-season to make Para Hills’ A Grade side for the 2023-24 ATCA campaign.
Cricket director Shane Martin said Hockley was a likely future leader of the club.
“Ben mixes work ethic and being coachable with his talent and has future leader written all over him for the club,” Martin said.
“He has come through the junior ranks and joins a large talent pool Para Hills has developed.
“He was our Alan Hart Memorial Trophy winner last season as our most promising player aged under 23.”
ETHAN HOOPER
(Para Hills)
Age: 17
Hooper has been around the mark for Para Hills’ A Grade side for the past three seasons and could be set for a breakout campaign, according to cricket director Shane Martin.
A talented keeper and batter, Hooper has been named as part of the Australian ID side to tour South Africa this year.
“Ethan has been in and around the senior group for a number of years now, which, at just 17 years of age, shows how highly his talent level has been rated,” Martin said.
“A talented young keeper and batter who is cricket obsessed, he will undoubtedly score plenty of runs for us in the future.”
JUDD JACKSON
(Para Hills)
Age: 18
Making his Turf Cricket A Grade debut last season as a 17-year-old fast bowler, Jackson is set to reach another level this season.
The club’s Alan Hart Memorial Trophy winner in 2022, Jackson has consistently impressed his coaches and teammates.
Cricket director Shane Martin said Jackson was one of the club’s most promising players.
“Another player who played all of his juniors at the club, Judd combines his enthusiasm with hard work and determination as he looks to crack into a strong A Grade outfit this season.
“He embodies all we stand for at the club in respect, team values and hard work.”
MITCH JONES
(Hope Valley)
Age: 20
Standing at over six feet tall and possessing blistering pace, Mitch Jones is set to be one of Hope Valley’s top young performers this season.
Coach Daniel Giles said he was excited by what Jones could bring to the table for the Demons.
“With another strong off-season under his belt, Mitch is a young quick who is in line for some exciting things this season,” Giles said.
“He has great bounce and carry and when it all clicks he’ll be in for a big year.”
Jones recently took 1-25 from 0 overs in his first spell of the season for his side.
MITCH KENNEDY
(Flinders Park)
Age: 19
Kennedy spent his junior years at Flinders Park and is expected to make big strides for the Reds at A Grade level this season, returning to the club after a senior season with Woodville.
A talented all-rounder, Kennedy can impact the game with the bat and has shown his potential as a damaging fielder.
“Mitch has a strong foundation playing junior cricket and footy for the club and has recently spent his summers down the road at Woodville playing senior cricket,” Flinders Park cricket director Andrew Butler said.
“A solid bat, jet in the field and an all-round great bloke, we’re super excited to have him back on board.”
Kennedy played as a middle-order batter in the Reds’ first round win against Goodwood.
TAHLIA KEYLOCK
(Northern Districts)
Age: 16
One of the state’s most promising young fast bowlers, the Jets hope Keylock can follow in the footsteps of clubmate Darcie Brown and become a star.
Keylock is only 16 but is showing great signs which already has her on the state radar.
“Tahlia already bowls at a decent pace and is one of the players we are looking to take the next step for us this season,’’ Jets women’s coach George Gregory said.
“She shows a lot of promise with the ball, is a great kid and an outstanding outfielder.’’
Keylock has started the season strongly for Northern, opening the bowling and batting at No. 4 in T20s.
ALYSSA KEYLOCK
(Para Hills)
Age: 14
While Keylock also represents Northern Districts at SACA Premier Cricket level, she has also shown major potential for Para Hills in the ATCA.
A talented all-rounder, Keylock can produce with the ball and is reliable in the field.
“At only 14, Alyssa has raw pace, a great technique and the most positive attitude we have encountered in a cricketer,” cricket director Shane Martin said.
“Her teammates gravitate to her and she always leads the way with her effort.
“Her fielding has reached new heights and we expect her to catch the eye of the SACA pathway system very soon.”
WALTER KINLOCK
(Northern Districts)
Age: 18
Teenage leg-spinner is playing First Grade for Northern Districts and has X-factor qualities, according to coach Cameron Williams.
In the under-19 SACA squad, Kinlock spent time at an invite-only Cricket Australia spin camp in Brisbane this year and is “certainly one to watch out for’’.
“He’s a special talent who has all the tricks,’’ Williams said.
“He loves a contest, is a wicket-taker who is extremely aggressive when he bowls and gives the ball nice turn.
“He also has a great wrong ‘un.’’
ANGUS KITTO
(Old Scotch)
Age: 21
A handy all-rounder for Old Scotch, Kitto has developed well through each A Grade season since joining the club in 2020.
Capable of doing damage with the ball and chipping in with the bat, Kitto should have a big impact for his side this year.
“Angus has been at the club for a few years now and has been a very consistent A Grader,” president and teammate Harry White said.
“Angus can bang the ball just back of a length with his seam bowling and also provides some low order power hitting when required.”
MICHAEL KUDRA
(Port Adelaide)
Age: 20
The Northern Territory product, a classy wicketkeeper-batter, is “one of the best kept secrets’’ in SACA Premier Cricket, according to Port coach Matthew Weeks.
Kudra captained Nightcliff in Darwin in the winter and has returned to the Magpies for another summer of cricket in Adelaide.
“He’s been with us for a few years now and we rate him really highly,’’ Weeks said.
“He’s a ripper, a great gloveman and one of the best kept secrets in SA cricket. We have a few keepers in our First Grade side (most notably standout Isaac Conway), so we have been playing him as a batter.
“Michael’s a really exciting talent who will bat up the order at stages this season and we are excited to see how he goes.
“He’s very athletic when he wicket keeps but he’s worked hard on his batting and is a very crafty player, with a solid defence, while he’s a very good runner between wickets. We think he has a lot of development in him.’’
TYLER LATHAM
(Pooraka)
Age: 19
A regular in Pooraka’s A1 line-up at just 19 years of age, Latham has emerged as one of the top prospects in Adelaide Turf cricket.
Latham is a talented wicket-keeper who remains assured behind the stumps with his ability to land a number of catches each innings while he can also have an impact with the bat in the middle order for the Bulls.
JACK MATCHETT
(Kensington)
Age: 18
A key member of this season’s state under-19s team that will compete in Division 2 of SACA First Grade, Matchett has already made some key contributions for the Browns at the top level.
He was a member of Kensington’s two-day and one-day premiership sides last season, playing a significant role with the bat and bowling some handy medium-pacers.
A left-hander batter, the “laid-back’’ Matchett strikes the ball hard and coach Russell Thompson said he was “a matchwinner in his first season’’.
“He came in some really difficult situations and adjusted well, reading the game and making the most of his skill level,’’ Thompson said.
“The way he was able to absorb pressure and then push back was really important for us – and in important games, which is a good quality to have.’’
DARCY McROSTIE
(Kensington)
Age: 20
Like Matchett, wicketkeeper/batter McRostie played in both of Kensington’s two First Grade premiership sides last season and is now an integral part of the team.
“Darcy has been in our side for several years now and has opened the batting in the white-ball games we’ve played this season,’’ coach Russell Thompson said.
“A couple of years ago he showed his skill set by playing a lap shot against Wes Agar in a one-day final against Adelaide Uni and now we’re just looking for some more consistency from him.
“He’s very good behind the stumps, particularly to (Redbacks leg-spinner) Lloyd Pope, which is significant for us, and as a keeper-batter he has a lot going for him.’’
ED MILNER
(Prospect)
Age: 18
Teenage wicketkeeper/batter top scored for the Pirates against Kensington in the One-Day Cup last week, scoring a fine 47 out of his side’s 145.
Coach Steven Broberg described Milner, who is in the SACA under-19s team, as “an excellent middle order batter who plays spin quite well for his age’’.
“He’s a dedicated, hard-worker who thinks about the game well and is an extraordinary teammate,’’ Broberg said, adding Milner is “very good with the gloves’’.
“I’m really buoyant with what we’ve got with him and that will bode well for us going into the future.’’
DEAKIN MURPHY
(Woodville)
Age: 18
Young Peckers prospect from Port Pirie is in the SACA under-19s squad and has already made his mark at First Grade level this season, taking 3-24 off nine overs in Woodville’s opening One-Day Cup clash against Adelaide.
The left-arm orthodox spinner was “probably our best bowler’’ against the Buffalos, according to coach Jamie Rothall, who has seen Murphy progress through the club’s junior ranks but play most of his cricket at Prince Alfred College.
“Deakin puts really high revs on the ball, bowls good pace for a spinner and 18-year-old kid and looks capable of getting the job done for his team each week.’’
CORMACK O’REILLY
(Old Scotch)
Age: 20
A number three batter for Old Scotch, O’Reilly arrived at the club last season after graduating from the college in 2021 and was a standout for the club’s A2 side in a premiership campaign.
Club president Harry White said he was looking forward to O’Reilly hitting another gear in 2023-24.
“Having played A Grade district cricket for Woodville at 16, there is no doubt Cormack has great batting ability and is capable of bowling good leg spin when required,” White said.
“He has great all-round sporting ability and is currently juggling his cricket with his football commitments at Woodville-West Torrens.”
O’Reilly made 35 in his most recent outing against Marion.
INDI PANELLI
(Kensington)
Age: 15
One of SA women’s cricket’s rising stars, the 15-year-old is poised to take the next step in her First Grade journey with the Browns this season.
A batting all-rounder, Indi is the daughter of Kensington great Jamie Panelli and has a very bright future.
Jamie, who coaches the Browns’ women’s team, said he hoped for “steady improvement’’ from Indi this season and that she would benefit from more exposure to First Grade competition and being surrounded by strong leaders.
“Indi has shown she is not only capable of playing at the level at a young age but that she can contribute and we’re hoping that now extends to even greater performance during the season,’’ he said.
HARRISON PRINGLE
(Prospect)
Age: 17
Pringle is in the SACA under-17s squad and opened the batting against a star-studded Kensington bowling attack in Round 2 of the One-Day Cup.
The left-hander made 38 off 116 balls against a line-up featuring Redbacks David Grant and Lloyd Pope and former Redback Elliot Opie, displaying plenty of mettle.
“We had to bat first on a pretty lively deck with conditions in favour of the bowlers and Harrison managed to fight his way through it in what was just his second First Grade game,’’ Prospect coach Steven Broberg said.
“He has a beautiful technique and runs between wickets exceptionally well. He is a young kid who came up from the Third Grade last season to propel himself into First Grade this season and he’s a lovely kid who is dedicated to his craft.’’
SAM RAHALEY
(Kensington)
Age: 20
Tall, hard-hitting batter is one of SA’s most exciting young prospects and, like his other young Kensington teammates, will be asked to take on more responsibility this season.
Rahaley, who is in the Redbacks Pathway Academy, made a crucial, unbeaten 74 in the second innings of last season’s two-day grand final win against Adelaide Uni and coach Russell Thompson wants him “to build on that’’.
“He’s a sweet striker of the ball with plenty of talent who just needs to harness it,’’ Thompson said.
“We’re looking for him to step up and be a leader this season.’’
LACHLAN RANALDO
(Sturt)
Age: 16
Sturt’s teenage spin wizard made his First Grade debut at age 15 last season and is showing maturity beyond his years.
An off-spin bowler, Ranaldo is in the state under-17s program and has started the season in the Blues’ First Grade side.
Coach David Ritossa described Ranaldo as “a quality young player who is still learning his game’’.
“He can bowl, bat and field and is really developing well,’’ Ritossa said.
“Obviously given his age he has a lot to learn but he is a really smart player and we’re loving what he’s giving us at this stage.
“The reality is he’s just turned 16 but in the next couple of years he will develop into a really good bowler because he has great variety with his bowling.’’
JAMES REUTHER
West Torrens
Age: 20
Eagles coach Mark Harrity rates his protege Reuther as “the quickest bowler to come through the (Redbacks) pathways in the past couple of seasons’’.
Yorke Peninsula boy Reuther has already played in two First Grade premierships for West Torrens (two-day and one-day flags) and, as Harrity noted, is also “a very handy contributor with the bat and very good fielder’’.
“He’s a good all-round talent who will have the chance to lead our bowling attack this season in the absence of Spencer Johnson and Jordan Buckingham (because of state and international commitments),’’ Harrity said.
“He has a few technical things to work on and, as a bowler who mainly swings the ball in, he’s now working on his outswingers.’’
JACK ROBERTS
(Southern District)
Age: 17
A rising, teenage fast bowler who coach Andrew Zesers believes is headed for big things.
“He had a good first year in First Grade last season as a 16-year-old and he’ll be better this year, having got a big bigger and stronger,’’ Zesers said.
“He’s a country lad from Strathalbyn who will only get better and we think his pace will be right up there within 18 months.’’
JACOB RONEBERG
(Marion)
Age: 20
A right-arm off-spinner who enters the 2023-24 campaign as Marion’s vice captain, Roneberg is in for a big campaign for his club.
“Jacob has been named vice-captain in only his third season of A grade cricket,” president David Loy said.
“He has become a key part of the bowling attack and is one of the best fielders in the competition.”
Roneberg has taken five wickets in two outings so far this season, including a standout 4-54 against Trinity OS in Round 1.
HAYDEN SCHILLER
(Northern Districts)
Age: 17
Emerging Jets quick put his name in lights by taking a matchwinning hat-trick against Tea Tree Gully in the opening round of the SACA One-Day Cup.
With the Bulls needing only three runs to win with three wickets in hand at Pertaringa Oval, teenager Schiller was handed the ball and knocked over Sean Nottle, Nick Stathoris and Bailey Wightman in successive deliveries to lead Northern to a stunning two-run victory.
Already a member of the SACA under-19s squad, Barossa boy Schiller illustrated his “love for a contest’’ by running through the Bulls in such a pressure situation, according to Jets coach Cameron Williams.
“I had to (sub) field in that game because one of our boys got injured and Hayden’s calmness and want to have the ball in his hands with a few runs to play with was something else, something I hadn’t necessarily seen in a kid before,’’ Williams said.
“It was pretty amazing, in a high pressure situation against Tea Tree Gully at Tea Tree Gully, a team that has had the wood on us for a while, for him to take a hat-trick and win us the game, it was sensational.
“And he can bat as well. He’s been unlucky, being so young and us having a strong batting line-up, to find himself at No. 9 or 10.
“But long-term we certainly see him as being a top all-rounder at First Grade level and hopefully pushing for higher honours.’’
SEB SCOTT
(Hope Valley)
Age: 21
A young top order bat, Seb Scott has already impressed for the Demons this season, making a strong 57 last time out against Trinity OS.
Coach Daniel Giles said he believed Scott could provide a significant boost to his side’s order this season.
“Seb has a big impact on the playing group with his attitude and his take no prisoners approach,” Giles said.
“A fiery young batter, the club looks forward to seeing Seb have a big impact on the field this season.”
DIA SHAH
(Glenelg)
Age: 16
A key off-season signing for the Glenelg women’s program, the teenage all-rounder from Melbourne will add some aggressive batting to the Seahorses’ middle order this season, according to women’s coach Graham Sedunary.
Shah is strong and also bowls at a good pace.
“She has a slingy action and has worked extremely hard in the off-season and we are hoping she will generate some really good pace,’’ Sedunary said.
Shah showcased her talent with the ball by taking 2-19 off three overs in a T20 clash against Kensington last Sunday.
ANANAYA SHARMA
(West Torrens)
Age: 19
One of Australia’s most exciting young talents, Sharma has moved to SA from NSW, where she was one of the Blues’ most promising young off-spinners.
The 19-year-old, from India, was the leading wicket taker at last year’s under-19 national championships and made Australia’s under-19 World Cup squad.
Torrens women’s coach Daniel Murdoch described Sharma as a genuine all-rounder and said she would bat in the Eagles’ top order and challenge opposition batters with her spin bowling.
“She is a massive pick up for us and we’re very excited to have her on board,’’ Murdoch said.
“She’s also a great person who has been uplifting for our playing group.’’
Sharma took a stunning 4-7 from three overs in her second outing for the Eagles in a T20 match against Adelaide.
RUDRANSH SHARMA
(Adelaide)
Age: 18
A genuine all-rounder who Buffalos coach Steven Crook says “operates beyond his years’’.
Sharma made 45 opening the batting for Adelaide against Division 1 side Woodville in Round 1 of the One-day Cup competition and he also bowls nice leg-spinners, snaring 4-31 against Tea Tree Gully in Round 2.
“He’s a really good all-rounder who, as a batter, is very strong in certain areas of his game, particularly off his legs,’’ Crook said of Sharma, who is the SACA under-19s squad.
“For him, being such a young lad, to come in at the top of the order and do so well has been really pleasing.
“And with the ball he operates beyond his years in that he’s quite clever with how he goes about things.
“He mixes his pace up well and has the ability to read batters (strengths and weaknesses), which is a great attribute to have.’’
NICK STATHORIS
(Tea Tree Gully)
Age: 19
Bulls coach Joe Gatting believes his young paceman is ready to take the next step in his development after making “huge improvements’’ last season.
Stathoris made his First Grade debut at age 15 in 2019 but, according to Gatting, had some “setbacks’’ before blossoming last campaign.
Now he is poised for a big season.
“Nick is an exciting prospect who has matured and made some changes with the way he goes about his cricket and we’re expecting a strong season from him,’’ Gatting said.
LUKE SZABO
(East Torrens)
Age: 17
Emerging middle-order batter made his First Grade debut for East Torrens last season and has been a prolific run scorer for his college side, Prince Alfred.
An under-17 state player, Szabo is destined for big things, according to Reds coach Daniel Leigh.
“Luke has a lot of talent and we’d hope to get the chance to play him (in First Grade) at some stage this year,’’ Leigh said.
“He made his debut in Round 1 last season and didn’t look out of place. He has a good eye, fits in well and can play plenty of shots.
“He’s a top six batter who is a very good strokemaker who likes to get bat on ball.’’
TRENT TATTOLI
(Trinity Old Scholars)
Age: 18
A newcomer at TOSCC, Tattoli has plenty of experience at a young age having played state junior cricket and regular district cricket for Northern Districts.
Also an AFL draft prospect at Central District, ranking at no. 23 in The Advertiser’s top SA draft hopefuls, Tattoli is one of the most talented athletes in Adelaide Turf Cricket and should be a major asset if he does not make an AFL list.
“Trent is an exceptional talent and we’re excited that he’s chosen to have a hit with us around his growing football commitments,” cricket director Ben Hall said.
“We wish him well in the upcoming AFL draft.”
Tattoli is a talented batter who has no issue putting together big innings and recently scored a hard-hitting century in his first Intercol match for Trinity College.
CAMPBELL THOMPSON
(East Torrens)
Age: 19
Exciting left-arm fast bowler made his Redbacks Second XI debut this month, taking four wickets in the first innings against Western Australia, and looks destined for a big future.
In the Redbacks Pathway Academy, Thompson is quick and continually “hits a hard length’’; according to Reds coach Daniel Leigh.
“He’s difficult to face with his left-arm quicks and the fact that he hits such a good length regularly,’’ Leigh said.
“His consistency of length is probably the best in our team and he’s going from strength to strength, seemingly getting sharper by the day.’’
TOM WILKINSON
(Glenelg)
Age: 18
Seahorses coach Sam McNally believes Glenelg junior product Wilkinson would be the fastest bowler in the SACA under-19s program and has a touch of (Australia captain) Pat Cummins in the way he plays.
“Tom bowled with some really good air speed in Second Grade last weekend and I got some really good reviews from the guys who played with him,’’ McNally said.
“He burst onto the scene for us last season, playing his first Second Grade game and taking nearly 20 wickets in our premiership campaign.
“I expect him to feature quite heavily for us in the future and while fast bowling is his main attribute he is an emerging all-rounder who is very athletic.
“His batting has come on quite a lot and I think he would be a solid No. 8 option.
“You don’t like to draw comparisons to superstars but he’s a Pat Cummins type of player in that he bowls quick, is very durable, his batting is quite technically sound and he’s a pretty smart kid.’’
PATRICK WILSON
(Marion)
Age: 20
Wilson enters his second season of A Grade cricket with Marion and should be set for a standout campaign, according to president David Loy.
A right-arm medium-fast bowler who is one of his side’s main points of attack, Wilson has impressed in preparation for this season.
“Patrick improved and matured greatly throughout last season and we’re looking forward to him leading the attack for Marion in the future,” Loy said.
In his most recent outing, Wilson took 1-23 against Old Scotch.
BEN WOODS
(Trinity Old Scholars)
Age: 21
While Woods has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, TOSCC believes he is in for a big campaign as the number three batter for his club.
Woods lives and breathes the sport and has exceptional game management skills which should support captain Tom Clements.
“Ben has been around the A1 scene for a while and with an injury free run we believe this is the season he can really make an impact,” cricket director Ben Hall said.
“Ben works hard on his batting and with a little more patience at the crease he has the chance to cash in this season.”
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Originally published as Top 50 SA club cricketers aged 21 and under to keep an eye on in 2023-2024
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