Son of Tassie legend keen to fire at national cricket champs

The Di Venuto name carries serious weight in Tasmanian cricket, but former Australia batter Michael’s son is keen to forge his own reputation at the under-17 national championships.

Luca Di Venuto, pictured with older sister Sophia, is looking to shine at the under-17 national championships. Picture: Chris Kidd

His dad played for Australia, is a Tasmanian legend and carved out over 25,000 first class runs, but Luca Di Venuto is looking to forge his own reputation at the under-17 national cricket championships.

The 16-year-old is an aggressive left-hand opener like his father, who played nine one day internationals and is eighth on the Sheffield Shield all-time run scorers list (9974), with Jamie Cox the only Tasmanian ahead of him.

Luca, who plays second grade for Clarence, said his father has had a big impact on his game.

As the Australian men’s side’s batting coach Di Venuto is away for extended periods, including last year’s Ashes and World Cups.

But the family convened before the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. His older sister, Sophia, is also part of the Emerging Tigers squad.

“He’s been massive. Obviously he’s helped me a lot throughout the journey,” Luca said.

“He’s not home a lot, but when he is he’s always throwing me balls and helping me with little technique things.

“I’d like to think I play pretty similar (aggressively).”

TLuca (right) as a baby when father Michael announced his retirement from cricket in 2008.

Luca was part of Tasmania’s under-17 national titles campaign last year and feels more confident heading into his second tournament at Ballarat this week.

The Clarence player has aspirations of one day emulating his father by playing for the Tigers.

“It was a good experience (last year), I was one of the younger boys in that,” he said.

“It was good to find out what the other states have in terms of talent. I’m not going into it blind this time, I know what to expect.

“I think we’ll go pretty well. We’ve got a young side compared to other years but we’ll be a team to beat.”

Luca nominated captain and batter Thomas Dwyer, who also featured in the under-19 nationals, and off-spinner Blake Garrett as players to watch in Ballarat.

Tasmania plays its first game against Queensland on Thursday.

“Going to the under-17s carnival will be a great experience for our young players to showcase their skills against the best players in the country.” Cricket Tasmania pathways coach Andrew Gale said.

Cricket Tasmania Emerging Tigers program participant Luca Di Venuto. Picture: Supplied.

“Our new pathway structure has meant that these young athletes have had fantastic preparation going into the competition.

“I am excited to see them perform over the next few weeks and watch some of these players to go on to represent the senior Tigers squad.”

Meanwhile Tasmania players Jake Doran, Brad Hope and Tim Ward have all been selected in a CA XI squad to play West Indies in a three-day clash at Adelaide from January 10.

Tasmania under-17 squad: Jack Allen (North Hobart), Luca Di Venuto (Clarence), Thomas Dwyer (captain, Mowbray), Jonah Evans (Sheffield), Blake Garrett (Clarence), Patrick Harnwell (Kingborough), Jack Miller (North Hobart), Archie Murrell (Lindisfarne), Ben Potito (Clarence), Bailey Sheard (Clarence), Cooper Stubbs (South Hobart-Sandy Bay), Gabriel Tichanow (New Town), Riley Whitelaw (Clarence), Mason Wright (University)