Rising stars to watch from development series

Allan Border Field in Brisbane played host to the next crop of Australian talent in a four-game series between the National Indigenous Squad (NIS) and National Performance Squad (NPS).

Brisbane provided perfect conditions for the series with the NPS ultimately proving too strong for their counterparts, winning 3-1, but the contest was far from one-sided.

Coming off a heavy victory over the star-studded Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars early in the week, the NIS were buoyed by three top-order batsmen compiling half-centuries.

Left-handed opener D’arcy Short – who played domestic one-day cricket with Western Australia in 2011 – scored 113 off just 75, including eight boundaries and six sixes.

Quick Single: Southern Stars take heart from defeat

Against the NPS, the Indigenous team weren’t able to score as freely and were restricted to just 156 all out in the first match, captain Ben Abbatangelo playing a lone hand with his 39 off 47.

Positively for the NPS, Western Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft began his preparation in style with a flawless unbeaten 81, adding to the two centuries and career best 211 he compiled during last year’s Sheffield Shield competition.

Queensland Jack Wildermuth also joined later in the week, hitting 109 in his first match of the series drawing praise from his coaching staff and the talent staff at the Bupa National Cricket Centre less than 100 metres from the field.

The highlight of the week came from Victorian batsman Marcus Stoinis who completed the rare feat of six-sixes, moving from 63 to 99 in one over and joining the likes of Sir Garfield Sobers and Herschelle Gibbs.

Stoinis hits six sixes in an over

Callum Ferguson also hit a century in his final tune-up before he heads to India alongside the returning Usman Khawaja, who will captain the Australia A side on the sub-continent.

Quick Single: Khawaja returns with Australia A hit-out

Cricket Australia National Performance Squad Coach Troy Cooley said both sides showed excellent signs for the future and developed during their time in Brisbane.

“It was two good weeks up here, first training and then playing the matches, the games were excellent and there were plenty of positives from the series,” Cooley said.

“We caught them on the hop in the first match as they adapted to conditions but the Indigenous boys are quality opposition and it’s a great opportunity for both sides to evolve.”

Who to watch?

National Indigenous Squad

D’arcy Short – The stocky left-hander had no problems adapting to the Queensland conditions, powering his way to a tournament high 339-runs at an average of 67.8. Three half-centuries and a century in five innings shows the capability and raw talent of this Western Australia. The only negative for the 24-year-old is his constant ability to get out from superfluous stroke play rather than settling and making a big score. Plays like Hobart Hurricanes batsman Travis Birt.

Ben Abbatangelo – The captain of the National Indigenous Squad didn’t have his best carnival but it was his leadership that showed how valuable he will be to the national setup. The Northcote batsman came off a career best season in the Victorian Premier League and has been involved in the State Development squad. Is a leader that people follow and can relate to all different types of cricketers.

Brendan Smith – Captain of the victorious New South Wales under-17 squad, Smith had his first taste of elite level senior cricket and wasn’t overawed. Made two scores over 30 and was positive against the Southern Stars with 2-17. Smith won’t want to reflect on his one over against Marcus Stoinis that went for 37 but a good start to a long representative career.

Image Id: ~/media/BA474F13F0984C3BA0A33E02A7C9B3C6

Brendan Smith sweeps for the National Indigenous Squad last week in Brisbane // Getty Images

Preston White – Another 24-year-old who has the attributes and talent to push state selection, White compiled two elegant half-centuries and was more than handy against the Southern Stars with match-winning figures of 4-10 off ten overs. Was selected in the Queensland under-19s and under-23s with the NIS appearance his first competitive hit-out in four years.

Luke Lavender – The 6”6 (1.98cm) quick is intimidating to see coming from the bowlers end. His use of pace and bounce was exciting to see and took wickets to stem the flow of the National Performance Squad. A little inconsistent and erratic, going at just under six per over but his two hauls of three-wickets showed the positive signs of what’s to come from the pace bowler.

National Performance Squad

Marcus Stoinis – Stoinis took scoring to the next level against the NIS ahead of his trip with the Australia A squad to India. His 121 off 73 included 10 sixes and eight boundaries but what might be missed is his patience when he is not finding the middle, scoring 29-runs from 55 balls and holding his composure. Had a brilliant finish to the Sheffield Shield season with nine half-centuries in the final ten matches.

Image Id: ~/media/E3A41103D9C9498691D2293958222D55

Marcus Stoinis in action for the Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers in season 2014/15. // Getty Images

Travis Head – South Australia’s new skipper, at just 21-years-old, there is plenty a-Head for Travis. Part of the Australia A touring party, Head made 61 in his only game with the NPS but has a proven track record with national squads, captaining a successful SA squad to the under-19 National Championships only three years ago. Simply getting better year on year.

Cameron Bancroft – Bancroft had a breakout season for the Alcohol.Think Again Western Warriors with 896-runs at 47.16 including two centuries and 211 against the NSW Blues. Going on the Australia A tour in the longer format, Bancroft will look to advance on his previous performances and further strengthen his assault on the national scene.

For all scores and statistics visit www.nationalchamps.com.au 

Click above to learn more about how to stream the Ashes and more cricket