Aussie Debut for Dutchey...By Ziggy Arness
Labelled in some sections of the media as a "bolter", in others merely as a "surprise inclusion", Dingley's own Jon Holland is nevertheless in the Australian 15-man squad for its seven one-day match series in India this month and next.
Having been impressed with what he saw in his performances for Australia A in the recent home series against Pakistan, Andrew Hilditch said "the selectors would like to give Jon the opportunity of exposure both to the Australian team environment and spin-friendly Indian conditions".
Jon would be fully aware that his role is as an understudy to Nathan Hauritz, but the 22 year old left arm finger tweaker, whose typical delivery drifts toward the right hand batsman's pad and then spins away from the pad after landing, is itching for this chance, despite having only played six first-class games for his state.
The selectors likewise see it as an investment in the future. If he gets a game in this series (which starts Oct 25th and finishes mid-November), Jon has Sachin Tendulkar firmly in his sights as his most prized scalp.
But it is not all about taking wickets.Three overs at 0/10 in the Airtel T20 Champions League for the Bushrangers agaist Delhi Daredevils on Friday night, in a form of the game that he does not claim to be a specialist, showed that he is ready for the pressure of playing at an elite level in front of large crowds.
There will be plenty of Dingo supporters watching over the next month as our Number 1 ticketholder strives to spin a fairytale.
Major Sponsors
