MILDURA Settlers young gun Seamus Keogh in the mix to represent Australia at the 2022 Under 19 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies.
The 18-year-old was yesterday named as one of 37 players in the initial training squad who will take part in a camp in Adelaide in December before the final 15 are selected.
Australia’s first game of the tournament takes place against the hosts in Guyana on January 14.
Keogh is one of 11 Victorian players in the initial group.
Following back issues and multiple side strains in recent years, the pace bowler is confident tweaks to his bowling action can keep him injury free.
Keogh recently made the move to Melbourne following the completion of Year 12 exams to ply his trade with Northcote Cricket Club in the new Victorian Premier Cricket season.
He hopes to play a full season for the Dragons after one first division game and four second division matches in 2020-21, as well as taking 15 wickets and winning a First Division premiership with Setts during the Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA) campaign.
Keogh has been training with brother and fellow premiership player Paddy and dad John to try and get his body in top shape before the new campaign.
“We’ve been doing a lot of stuff by ourselves, me, Paddy and Dad, going down for a bit of a hit and training at the nets before club training began,” he said.
“I’ve been feeling pretty good and getting right into it. The ball feels like it’s coming out pretty well.
“It was different (changing my action), I really had to think about it during the run up rather than just rolling in. Initially it probably took away where I wanted to aim it just because the thought of making sure my action was right was in my head.”It’s definitely becoming more natural now and I’m feeling pretty confident about it.”
Keogh also spent some time training with fellow Premier Cricket-bound Sunraysia fast bowler Jake Reed, who is set to return to play with Footscray.
The young gun has played the odd game with the Dragons over recent years but is looking to build on last season.
“Last years was the biggest taste I’ve had yet. I’m keen to get that extra exposure to a higher level of cricket,” he said.
“We haven’t talked about where I’m playing as much as just getting myself ready to go. Hopefully I’ll push for the ones but the main focus is just making sure I’m ready to go.”
