FOR the third year in a row, a Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association player will lead the prestigious South Australian Outbacks side at the Australian Country Cricket Championships.
Talented East Gambier wicket-keeper/batsman Dion Stratford will captain the side for the first time when the Outbacks’ campaign kicks off against New South Wales on Friday at Toowoomba.
Stratford will lead the state’s top regional cricketers in Queensland and will hope to overcome the likes of New South Wales and Victoria to claim national honours.
He follows former Mount Gambier stars Josh Fidler and Matthew McInerney as he takes the leadership reigns and will hope to win the trophy for the first time in four seasons.
Stratford said it was a special feeling being announced as captain.
“It is always nice to get recognition,” he said.
“It is an honour to captain the state at whatever level, so I am pleased.”
Classy North Sportsman’s batsman Jake Schutz was also named in the 14-man squad, which should see a heavy South East presence amongst the top order.
The pair’s skills will receive a thorough examination at the competition with 10 games scheduled within a week.
South Australia’s campaign begins with five twenty20’s in three days, before it plays each side once again in the one-day format to complete the minor-round fixture.
Stratford said the event is a test of endurance and he hopes the Outbacks can build momentum throughout the championships after poor finishes in the previous two editions.
“It is a gruelling sort of competition, especially being played in Toowoomba, where it will be quite warm,” he said.
“In the last few years we were competitive early, but then dropped off in the last three games after a few losses.
“Hopefully we can finish the carnival as strong as we start it.”
Stratford can draw on plenty of experience, both from himself and others, with plenty of knowledge within the group.
Having been the side’s vice captain in its previous two attempts, Stratford will be aided by a mentor appointed from the Australian Cricket Association as he takes on the top job.
Last time South Australia enjoyed the services of former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait.
This summer’s mentor has not been announced yet, but the figure will be pivotal around the group with 12 of the 14 players yet to receive an Outbacks’ cap.
South Australia has revamped its country championships side in a similar move to what brought Western Australia the trophy last season.
Despite possessing so many fresh faces, Stratford said he has faith in his young side to perform.
“There are some good young guys who have been given an opportunity,” he said.
“They definitely have the ability, so hopefully they can perform.
“We always try and pick the best side to win with what we can pick from.”
The team has already played two twenty20 games in preparation for the tournament and Stratford pointed out a couple of names to watch.
Jared Marsten appears set to open the batting alongside Schutz, while vice captain Mitchell Fuss will lead from the front with his all-round abilities.
Jayden Crees impressed with the ball and he will be joined by three spinners among others in a deep bowling attack.
The Outbacks’ captain noted the side’s strength is with the bat, as his bowlers lack the pace of favourites Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.
But the squad will be hungry to prove itself on the national stage.
Stratford said his aim is to build momentum throughout the tight competition and lead his state to glory.
“The main goal is always to win,” he said.
“It is important to start well and gel as quick as you can.
“The ladder is usually pretty tight through the twenty20’s, before teams start to make big totals and get bonus points during the one-day games which can change it late.
“It will be quite a test, but I think we can be competitive.”
South Australia’s opening game will be against New South Wales this Friday.
