THREE Mildura based cricketers have been called up for national duty after being selected in Australia’s squad for the IMC Over-40’s inaugural T20 World Cup to be held in Pakistan from December 1 to 13.
Mildura Settlers players Mark Cleary and Richard Wyld, along with Shaun Matthews from the Sunraysia Cricket Association, will don the distinguished green and gold cricket jerseys as part of a line up chasing the world title.
Former Australian A representative and South Australian first-class paceman Mark Cleary said it was “pretty exciting” after recently competing at the Toot Byron Cup while also becoming a national champion at the end of last year for South Australia with Wyld and Matthews.
“I’ve had a fair bit of cricket with a lot of these boys have been selected, in the nationals and recently at the Toot Byron Cup, so it’s a good bunch of blokes and they’re really good cricketers too,” Cleary said.
He also acknowledged the unique opportunity of travelling to Pakistan for the first time.
“Somewhere I definitely haven’t been, so it’ll be interesting, but from reports, they’re going to put on a good show and plenty of security,” he said.
“I think the weather’s not too bad that time of year, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Wyld first wore the over-40’s Australian colours in the first ever Trans-Tasman series held during the start of 2023 in New Zealand.
He was also part of the Australian team that finished third at the start of last year’s inaugural over-40’s ODI World Cup.
The English born spinning all-rounder will once again represent the country he has fallen in love with in the cricket mad subcontinent of South Asia.
“Not exactly a place (Pakistan) on my bucket list but it will definitely be interesting despite some security concern with what’s been happening recently.
“We’ve been talking about that on the phone with each other but been assured that there’s lots of security and we’ll be guided around the place with everything provided.”
Converse to Wyld’s wide ranging effective ability across both cricketing formats and roles, Cleary is a bowler known for his variations and deadly Yorkers, admitting that T20 suits his game best.
“20/20 is the best format for me with my variations of speed and being able to execute at the death, and bolt to what I find as the batters weaknesses that helps me in that format,” said Cleary.
“It’s definitely one that’s a shorter game too and it’s high intensity.”
Cleary said representing Australia alongside familiar teammates from home meant a lot to him.
“It’s also great to be able to play with some local mates like Richie and Shaunie who are also selected,” he said.
“So, it’s going to be a bit of fun with some really good mates going as well.”
After experiencing an international top three finish in South Africa, Wyld said the team is confident heading into Pakistan in December.
“We want to win it, we came third in South Africa, and we feel we’ve got a strong enough squad to win,” he said.
“Although, the competition and standard will be very good.
“That experience was just amazing, I just loved it, and we played really well in South Africa.
“Most of us know each other and we’ve been speaking in group chats.”
Locally, Wyld is a multiple-time premiership player with Settlers and confirmed he has loved his time in Sunraysia since moving to Mildura from Nottinghamshire in the United Kingdom more than two decades ago.
“I moved here over 20 years ago and haven’t looked back,” he said.
“It was a gap year of some sorts, I met my wife out here, Chantelle, and I absolutely love it.”
Though Settlers have endured recent struggles, both Wyld and Cleary expressed faith that their club could bounce back in the coming summers.
“Setts has been a great club for many years for me,” said Cleary.
“Hopefully we can play a bit better this year and get back to the top of the ladder somewhere and compete for finals, hopefully.”
Different to Wyld and Cleary, another Mildura local in Shaun Matthews played far less representative cricket until he entered the Masters scene where he has shone.
A left arm orthodox bowler, Matthews the South Australia over-40’s and Sunraysia Cricket Association member is also sure to play a crucial role in his nation’s bid for international success.
With a World Series Cup win in Brisbane to their name earlier this year, the Aussie over-40’s T20 side will be one of the title favourites going into the tournament held at National Stadium, Karachi between December 1-13.
