State’s young cricketers hit district

CRICKET Victoria’s potential stars of the future have spent this week getting some reps in at Mildura Sporting Precinct’s turf wickets.The Under-17 Emerging Players Program has been stationed in the state’s north west to continue the development of the next generation of cricket talents.

Split into three teams, two Twenty20 matches have been played on each of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The program is set to lead into selection for the Cricket Australia Under-17 Male National Championships that will be played in Launceston, Tasmania, in January.

Shane Koop, talent development specialist country from Cricket Victoria, said the time spent in Mildura has been important for the cricketers.

“The players are certainly enjoying playing on turf in September and implementing their learnings from the program,” he said.

“The program has been going since July with a focus on technical, tactical, physical and mental elements of the game.

“These T20 matches on turf are great development opportunities for the players and the coaches, as we work towards the Cricket Australia National Championships in Tasmania in January.

“It’s pleasing we can support the activation of the Mildura Sporting Precinct with talent pathway matches.

“We thank the Mildura East CC, the facilities are brilliant and these match opportunities are ideal preparation for our emerging players for the season ahead.”

Mallee Murray Suns and Nyah District CC player Max Thompson was scheduled to be in action on Wednesday.

Selection will soon be made for Victorian metro and country squads for January’s championships.