Matador Cup: Three players to watch

The new Mark Waugh, the big-hitter and an opener to watch ? Ian Chappell runs his eye over the batsmen that impressed in the Matador Cup

He tells Susie Robinson his three players to watch.

Nic Maddinson (NSW)

7 matches 380 runs avge 63.33  HS 118* (vs TAS) 2×100 1×50 SR 100

Ian Chappell has been waiting for a while for the penny to drop for Nick Maddinson.  

‘He has so much ability but still gets out far too easily when he is in a commanding position,’Chappelli says.  

‘He rushed to 20 runs, including a huge 6 and a couple of boundaries and goes out playing a piddling pull shot.  It’s frustrating.’

However the young Blue is starting to gain consistency and Chappell thinks Maddinson is similar to Mark Waugh in many respects.  

‘Let’s hope he turns out to be just as valuable to Australian cricket.  There is no doubting his ability.  He has the capacity to be an international cricketer,’ Chappelli says.  

‘Ideally he should be given an opportunity to find out how good he is.  Pick him for an international match.  Best conditions, good pitches, good sight boards are going to outweigh the  challenges brought on by better bowlers.’

Cameron Bancroft of Western Australia walks towards the pavilion Photo: Brendon Thorne

Cameron Bancroft (WA)

Matador Cup figures

6 matches 335 runs avge 55.83 HS 176 vs SA 1×100 1×50 SR 80

Apart from being knocked over by Mitchell Starc,  (but who wasn’t?) Bancroft’s figures should see him join the squad for Brisbane.  

‘Further to being in form, Bancroft looks like he enjoys his batting which – as simple as this sounds – is good for an opener,’ Chappell says.

‘ There are some holes in his technique, like all batsmen, but he will cover them up.  He has good qualities.  A solid mental approach and can go on to get a good score.’

 

Hilton Cartwright (CAXI)

5 matches 180 runs avge 45.00 HS 99 vs QLD 2×50 SR 87

Cartwright was a surprise for Chappell., even though he was batting down the order in a team that more often than not was bowled out cheaply.  

‘He hit some nice balls and times the ball nicely off the bat. He belted a couple of straight 6’s, and that’s at Drummoyne Oval.  We all love to see that,’ Chappell says.

‘He goes on to  pick up a short ball and lazers it over mid wicket.  He clouted a 6, and it easily sailed over the scoring boundary, the grass, the internal road, over the property fence, and came to rest in the front yard in Cometrowe St.  The size of his hits is exciting-  it draws attention.’

‘Against Queensland, he was composed, farming strike with the tail-enders but was run out on 99 by the number 10.  

‘Keep an eye on him in the future, especially if you’re walking past the ground.’