Western Bulldogs have revealed their ultimate cricket XI, courtesy of Bulldogs chairman of selectors Lachie Hunter.
1. Hayden Crozier
Batsman
Lachie says: An opening bat in his junior days, Croz will provide stability at the top of the order. Endurance is an issue, so boundaries will be crucial if he is to get going.
SHOT: Hayden Crozier in action as a junior… a relation of former Sri Lanka cricketer Fitzroy Crozier!
2. Bailey Dale
Batsman
Lachie says: Pretty good with bat in hand, and also very pleased he gets to wear a helmet in this sport to cover that hairline.
3. Caleb Daniel
Wicketkeeper – batsman
Lachie says: CD is probably the most talented player in our squad. He’ll take the gloves as well, and I’ll give him the captaincy.
SKIPPER: Caleb Daniel will lead the Bulldogs XI… he loves a stumping. Photo: Cricket.com.au
4. Lachie Hunter
All-rounder
Obvious selection. Adds plenty.
5. Tom Liberatore
All-rounder
Lachie says: Another one who played 1st XI at school, Tom’s a gritty batsman who we can rely on. He can also throw down a few doorknobs if needed, but if you see him bowling, we are in trouble.
Remember the time Libba made a ton at the MCG?
6. Jason Johannisen
All-rounder
Lachie says: Off a very long run up to utilise his speed, JJ will actually only throw them down at medium pace, but he’s a decent bat as well.
7. Tory Dickson
All-rounder
Lachie says: Dicko would be top five at any sport played across our playing group. He’s a solid all-rounder who bowls some medium/fast to compliment his batting. Another one who is happy about wearing a helmet.
GOT HIM: Is that Dicko or Marcus Stoinis? A big celebration from the all-rounder. Pic: Cricket.com.au
8. Tim English
Bowler
Lachie says: Amazingly Chilly was actually a keeper in his junior days, which seems bizarre. But surely at that height he will get some bounce. A massive liability in the field you would have to think.
HOWZAT: Yes, that’s Timmy’s head on Billy Stanlake’s body… Big Chilly Stanlake? Pic: Cricket.com.au
9. Matt Suckling
Bowler
Lachie says: A handy left-arm fast bowler off a few steps, with a very slingy action. His idol is Lasith Malinga, which is why he has also decided to copy his rig.
10. Easton Wood
Bowler
Lachie says: Originally on a cricketing scholarship, Woody will likely take the new ball. He just gets the nod ahead of Fletch for the number 10 batting spot, which is no great achievement anyway.
LEGEND: A photo with cricketing great (and now Aussie World Cup assistant coach) Ricky Ponting makes Easton Wood a certain selection. Pic: Warrnambool Standard
11. Fletcher Roberts
Bowler
Lachie says: Think Chris Martin from NZ… elite with the ball and horrific with the bat.
STYLE: Fletch rocking the Bulldogs bucket hat… an essential for hot days in the field
12th man - Shane Biggs
Lachie says: Actually quite a handy cricketer, Biggsy provides a great deal of entertainment to the squad, and a lot of lip to the opposition. And it only seems fitting he gets to carry the drinks.
WATERBOY: Provides a solid technique, and an Aldi bag full of fruit cup cordial.
Emergency - Bob Murphy
Lachie says: The only real leg spinner I could think of, Bob has been known to throw down six wronguns an over in the change room, and gets great enjoyment out of landing one.
RAISE IT: We’re going to guess Bob is handy with the bat as well as being able to ‘turn it on glass’
Coach – Mathew Inness
Lachie says: Our physical performance manager is the perfect fit as coach for this team, in part due to his esteemed domestic cricket career, but also his massive quads.
