Shield 2021/22: Who is Staying, Who is Moving.

[BGman]

QLD BULLS:

No surprise the Shield champions have kept the bulk of their squad together for their title defense, with the exception of paceman Brendan Doggett and Nathan McSweeney, with both boosting the ranks of the SACA Redbacks. Promising all rounder James Bazley has been upgraded to a full deal while Will Prestwidge, the son of ex-Bulls all rounder Scott has earned a rookie contract. The club tho has bid sayonara to both Corey Hunter and Benji Floros.

In: James Bazley, Will Prestwidge

Out: Brendan Doggett (SA), Nathan McSweeney (SA), Corey Hunter, Benji Floros

Squad: Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Joe Burns, Max Bryant, Blake Edwards, Sam Heazlett, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne*, Michael Neser, Lachlan Pfeffer, Jimmy Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street, Mitch Swepson, Jack Wildermuth, Jack Wood. Rookies: Jack Clayton, Will Prestwidge, Connor Sully, Matthew Willans.

Not sure why they let Nathan McSweeney leave given his two strong Premier Cricket seasons on the trot. Averages something like @70 last year. I recall James Bazley as the bloke that helped polish the close fielding skills of Marnie when the two shared a unit some years ago. Dead set Bazley wus push food items off a kitchen bench and Marnus wud attemp to catch them before they hit the floor. Reckon the Bulls have the country's best crop of young quicks in Bartlett, Edwards, Prestwidge (below), Willans and Sully.

 

[BGman]

Tasmania Tigers:

The TCA has made several squad changes for the new season with the retirement of Alex Doolan the most notable omission alongside seam bowlers Tom Rogers and Alex Pyecroft as well as batsmen Keegan Oates and Jack White. Allrounder Brad Hope has joined from WA while teenager Nivethan Radhakrishnan, an opening batter and spinner capable of bowling with both his left and right arms, has joined from Sydney.

In: Brad Hope, Nivethan Radhakrishnan

Out: Alex Doolan, Keegan Oates, Alex Pyecroft, Tom Rogers, Jack White


Squad: Tom Andrews, Gabe Bell, Jackson Bird, Iain Carlisle, Jake Doran, Nathan Ellis, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Lawrence Neil-Smith, Tim Paine*, Sam Rainbird, Peter Siddle, Jordan Silk, Mac Wright, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Beau Webster. Rookies: Jarrod Freeman, Brad Hope, Mitch Owen, Nivethan Radhakrishnan

The evergreen Pete Siddle has been given another year while the young, talented pace duo of Ian Carlisle and Lawrence Neil-Smith develop. Expecting big things from Sydney-born opener Tim Ward who is favored to take Doolan opening spot. Surprised the Blues allowed Niv Radha to fly the coop. Equally surprised that the TCA has not promoted Jarrod Freeman to a full contract.

 

[BGman]

VIC:

The Vics have made only minor changes to their list for this season, with left-hander James Seymour – who made his Shield debut late last summer – earning a full contract after dominating at club level in Melbourne. Former Australia U-19 representative Patrick Rowe has lost his rookie deal, while pace bowler Fergus O'Neill has been added to the rookie list.


In: James Seymour, Fergus O'Neill

Out: Patrick Rowe

Squad: Scott Boland, Xavier Crone, Travis Dean, Zak Evans, Aaron Finch*, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Seb Gotch, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Jon Holland, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell*, Jonathan Merlo, Tom O'Connell, Wil Parker, James Pattinson*, Mitchell Perry, Will Pucovski, James Seymour, Matt Short, Will Sutherland. Rookies: Brody Couch, Sam Elliott, Tom Jackson, Cameron McClure, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neill.



WA:

WA have retained the bulk of their squad with only young bats Jake Carder (South Australia) and Brad Hope (Tasmania) chasing their chances elsewhere. Off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli has been upgraded from a rookie deal, while leg-spinner Liam O'Connor has been delisted.

Ins: Corey Rocchiccioli, Cooper Connolly, Bryce Jackson

Outs: Jake Carder (SA), Brad Hope (TAS), Liam O'Connor

Squad: Ashton Agar*, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Cameron Gannon, Cameron Green*, Liam Guthrie, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, David Moody, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson*, Corey Rocchiccioli, D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Sam Whiteman. Rookies: Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Jayden Goodwin, Bryce Jackson

 

[BGman]

NSW BLUES:

With seven CA contracted players on their list, the Blues have turned to youth with Lachlan Hearne, Oliver Davies, Tanveer Sangha and Baxter Holt all upgraded after playing a role in Shield cricket at the end of last summer. Selectors have run out of patience and have delisted both Nick Larkin and Daniel Solway. While spinner Arjun Nair has been released and seamer Nathan McAndrew has joined South Australia.

In: Oliver Davies, Lachlan Hearne, Baxter Holt, Tanveer Sangha

Out: Nick Larkin, Nathan McAndrew (SA), Arjun Nair, Daniel Solway

Squad: Sean Abbott, Harry Conway, Trent Copeland, Patrick Cummins*, Oliver Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Matthew Gilkes, Ryan Hackney, Josh Hazlewood*, Liam Hatcher, Lachlan Hearne, Moises Henriques, Baxter Holt, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon*, Peter Nevill, Kurtis Patterson, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, Steve Smith*, Mitchell Starc*, Chris Tremain, David Warner*, Adam Zampa*. Rookies: Josh Baraba, Ryan Hadley, Jack Nisbett, Hunar Verma

Finally our clueless selectors have gone down the youth path. All but Davies of those upgraded from rookie status have big red ball futures in my view. Davies looks to be a specialist white baller. Hearne is a stylish left hander, Holt will replace Nevil with the gloves while Sangha has the ability to be an all format player. Have been following Arjun Nair's career since his first Premier cricket days as a 15 year old prodigy. Perhaps another cricketer that found the pressure of expectation suffocating.

 

[BGman]

SACA REDBACKS:

The Redbacks have had some significant player turnover after their winless campaign last summer, with six new faces added to the senior list. Paceman Brendan Doggett is the most accomplished recruit having joined from Queensland, while highly-rated Western Australian Jake Carder has also signed on after his opportunities were limited in the west. Batsman Nathan McSweeney has joined from Queensland, Nathan McAndrew and Ryan Gibson have moved from NSW and former Victoria junior Sam Kerber has also earned a full contract. Veteran trio Callum Ferguson, Chadd Sayers (both retired) plus long time Redback Tom Cooper, Brad Davis, Conor McInerney, allrounder Cameron Valente and seamer Luke Robins have all been shown the door.

In: Brendan Doggett, Nathan McSweeney, Nathan McAndrew, Jake Carder, Sam Kerber, Ryan Gibson

Out: Callum Ferguson (retired), Chadd Sayers (retired), Tom Cooper, Brad Davis, Conor McInerney, Luke Robins, Cameron Valente.

Squad: Wes Agar, Alex Carey*, Jake Carder, Brendan Doggett, Daniel Drew, Ryan Gibson, David Grant, Travis Head, Henry Hunt, Sam Kerber, Jake Lehmann, Nathan McAndrew, Joe Mennie, Harry Nielsen, Tim Oakley, Lloyd Pope, Kane Richardson*, Liam Scott, Jake Weatherald, Nick Winter, Daniel Worrall. Rookies: Jordan Buckingham, Bailey Capel, Kyle Brazell, Corey Kelly, Thomas Kelly

SACA had to be ruthless after the Redbacks shocker last season. Have already mentioned the merits of McSweeney, Doggett and Carder but Gibson, Kerber and McAndrew are also good pick ups. Gibson is a former CA National Performance scholar who lost his way with the Blues. A new state may just reinvigorate his career. A couple of ripper rookies in the Kelly twins. These two have the tools to play all formats imo.

 

[CrazyJoeFevola]

Stunned Larkin hasn't ended up with a Tassie deal, would be the kind of uninspiring import they grab. Solway especially though, bloke can really bat.

 

[Hamingja]

I'm surprised they didn't grab one of the two with Doolan retiring. Wakim is pretty exposed now so you wouldn't think there is a lot of upside there and they didn't rush to give Ward a game, he only debuted in the last match of the season and the Tassie batting was decimated at times throughout the year. Perhaps with Wade losing his CA contract they didn't have enough cash left over to tempt them to relocate, surely there had to be negotiations going on in the background given how long it took them to name the contract list.

 

[BGman]

I'm surprised they didn't grab one of the two with Doolan retiring. Wakim is pretty exposed now so you wouldn't think there is a lot of upside there and they didn't rush to give Ward a game, he only debuted in the last match of the season and the Tassie batting was decimated at times throughout the year. Perhaps with Wade losing his CA contract they didn't have enough cash left over to tempt them to relocate, surely there had to be negotiations going on in the background given how long it took them to name the contract list.

Ward only arrived in Tassie in 2020. Only took him a year of Premier Cricket to bed himself in before he got his end of season Shield debut..Reckon that is rather a quick transition to state level for the Sydneysider.

Stunned Larkin hasn't ended up with a Tassie deal, would be the kind of uninspiring import they grab. Solway especially though, bloke can really bat.

TCA not interested in these two. They may be prolific at club and 2nd X1 level but lack the class to be consistent at State level. Reason the Blues jettisoned them. Hearing the selectors are more interested in cultivating the home grown product in addition to import Ward Anyone here seen Ward bat. I have. He loves occupying the crease, is compact and composed with all the shots. A good opening prospect.

 

[t_94]

Ward only arrived in Tassie early last year to my knowledge. Needed some time in Premier Cricket to bed himself in. Did so and rewarded with the gig in the last game.

They are both prolific at PC and 2nd X1 level but lack the class to be consistent at State level. Reason they were jettisoned. Larkin has a more solid technique than Solway in my view. Tassie not interested in these two as they want to cultivate their own products as well as import Ward. You seen this bloke bat for any length of time. I have. He bats time, is composed, compact. A good prospect.

How can you say that about Solway? Even after his form slump he still averages 39 in first class cricket. He was harshly treated.

 

[Aussie_boy]

Solway still has me stumped, almost thinking it was his personal choice to pursue stuff other than Cricket? Tassie has recruited many blokes far worse than Solway so for them not to be interested surprises me. And then I would've thought he was perfectly suited for the Redbacks.

Larkin doesn't surprise me, showed glimpses but that was it. Should look into that Irish gig.

 

[BGman]

Solway averaged @24 last season. Good players follow up a good season with another. Inconsistency was his and Larkin's downfall. If not mistaken this was Solway's second crack at a Baggy Blue.

They were both chopped as obviously selectors are looking at a new pair of openers for this season.

I have listed all six state squads. How about some comments on those too fellars.

 

[toml]

If not mistaken this was Solway's second crack at a Baggy Blue.

You are mistaken. Debuted in 2019/20, had only played futures/2nd XI up until then.

 

[Perty4]

Tassie have also lured Bayden Stepien (Vic), AJ Mosca (NSW) and Ben Manenti (NSW) to grade cricket to try their luck

 

[BGman]

Ward got a contract to come down last year. Uni is just a club side. They have quite a few Tassie players playing for them including Paine.

"I also plan to complete a degree at the University of Tasmania" Tim Ward. He is also on record as saying he plans to return to Sydney in a few years time. Good news for the Blues as he is a talented batsman. Like most young cricketers his dream is to wear the Baggy Green.
Sure I also read that Tim Paine and James Faulkner were or had done, degrees at Tassie Uni. Both also play for the club.

Tassie have also lured Bayden Stepien (Vic), AJ Mosca (NSW) and Ben Manenti (NSW).

Where did you find that info?

Reckon Tassie club cricket have picked up a pretty good batsman in Anthony Mosca. He topped the NSW PC ladder with masses of red ball runs @65 last year. This prolific r/hand opener/first drop has had three solid club seasons yet no Blues contract. Tim Ward topped the18/19 NSW club ladder. Now he is a likely opener for the Tigers. Henry Hunt had a strong 2nd X1 the year before the Redbacks swooped on him. I wonder if our selectors even rate club or 2nd eleven performances. Ward tho is playing for Tasmania Uni so perhaps study is the reason for his leaving Sydney. Manenti a slow bowling all rounder has played CAX1 cricket from memory. Mosca and Manenti are only two of a handful of our good cricketers poached by other states every year.

 

[Aussie_boy]

Not heard about that. He has Irish ancestry?

Remember reading Ireland Cricket contacted him but he was focused on playing here.

 

[corbies]

Remember reading Ireland Cricket contacted him but he was focused on playing here.

He played 2 List A games for Ireland against Sri Lanka A trying to make their 2015 World Cup squad but then got a gig with NSW so pulled out/wasn't picked.

 

[Hamingja]

Where did you find that info?

Reckon Tassie club cricket have picked up a pretty good batsman in Anthony Mosca. He topped the PC ladder with masses of red ball runs @65 last year. Second was opener Thomas Jaggot @79 but less runs. This prolific r/hand opener/first drop has had three solid club seasons yet no Blues contract. Tim Ward topped 19/20 ladder..now a likely opener for the Tigers. Henry Hunt had a strong 2nd X1 the year before the Redbacks swooped on him. I wonder if our selectors even rate club performances. Ward tho is playing for Tasmania Uni so perhaps study is the reason for his leaving Sydney. Manenti a slow bowling all rounder has played CAX1 cricket from memory. Mosca and Manenti are only two of a handful of our good cricketers poached by other states every year.

Ward got a contract to come down last year. Uni is just a club side. They have quite a few Tassie players playing for them including Paine.

 

[Santana]

It will be interesting to see how much game time Cooper Connolly sees. There are pretty big wraps on him.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Fallins the NSW leggie is moving to SA. No contract