Dunk ready to seize opportunity

New Australia Twenty20 International wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Dunk has heaped praise on Tasmania coach Dan Marsh as he prepares to seize what could be his ‘last opportunity’ with the national team.

Dunk, last year’s KFC T20 Big Bash Player Of The Tournament, was selected for the T20I series against South Africa off the back of a record double-century in the recent Matador Cup tournament.

And with his likely debut in the first match at the Adelaide Oval looming Dunk is excited, but he has also paid tribute to his Tigers mentor Marsh for getting him to this point in his career.

“It’s a bit surreal and a dream come true to get in the mix of an Australian camp,” Dunk told media on Friday, before later adding: “I am just glad some form of consistency is beginning to come into my game, it’s something I’ve always struggled with.

“Dan Marsh has been a very good supporter of me, and given me all the confidence and backing in the world to just go out and play. To have someone of his calibre standing in my corner has been a great help in the last 12 months and has really helped push my game forward.”

Dunk admitted the timing of his 229no against Queensland in the Matador Cup (a game Tasmania amazingly ended up losing) and his BBL|03 form were instrumental in helping him gain the attention of the National Selection Panel.

However, he is realistic as to whether this opportunity could lead to selection in Australia’s One-Day International squad during the months leading up to the ICC Cricket World Cup beginning in February.

“I haven’t looked that far forward. I am focused on making sure these three games are a polished performance with both bat and gloves for me,” he said.

“It’s a big opportunity but it could be my last opportunity.

“The opportunity to play in a World Cup anywhere in the world, let alone at home, is always enticing … but for me right now I just have to focus on these three games and just try to win a game for Australia.”

While the national call-up and his form have launched Dunk into the spotlight, he hasn’t forgotten the dark days when he was delisted by then Queensland coach Darren Lehmann and forced to make a move south.

But Dunk has no regrets.

“I knew that with the structure and the coaching staff that were down here at the time and the culture of the squad that there weren’t many guys that had come down and gone away a worse player,” he said.

“Everyone that came down here (to Tasmania) seemed to improve.

“It’s been a great move for me and I’m about to play for Australia and two years ago when I was delisted that was a long way off.”

The huge international summer of cricket begins with the KFC T20 INTL Series between fierce rivals Australia and South Africa in Adelaide on Wednesday.

As a bonus for cricket fans, the final three T20 matches in the Commonwealth Bank Women’s International Series between the Southern Stars and West Indies will precede each of the men’s matches.

After the series-opener in Adelaide the action moves to the MCG and Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Considered an event for the whole family, parents are encouraged to bring the kids along for free to enjoy all the T20I action. Just don’t forget to reserve their seat(s) to ensure they can sit with you! Full terms and conditions here.