The Baysiders will welcome some big name recruits to complement their home-grown talent in the KFC T20 Max competitions; CAM VELLACOTT and ELISE HART cast a discerning eye over some exciting rosters as the countdown to the opening rounds next week.
T20 Max Preview - Wynnum-Manly
Women
Wynnum's 2023 T20 Max campaign is poised to set the field ablaze under the astute guidance of returning Head Coach, Harsha De Silva.
Leading the charge is a newcomer to the club, but one with a formidable reputation in former ACT prodigy Zoe Cooke, whose WNCL experience after earning her first state contract at 15 will be vital in Wynnum’s charge to champions. Cooke will captain a Wynnum-Manly outfit which has strategically reinforced its roster with a blend of prodigious talents for the T20 Max competition.
Among the notable additions are Ellie Johnston, a dynamic force who has shown her vicious striking ability for the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Fire, and Tasmanian allrounder Erin Fazackerley, whose destructive capability with both bat and ball could take the competition by storm as she makes a return to cricket following a few seasons playing AFL.
The infusion of fresh blood continues with the experienced and dynamic Chloe Piparo, current WA captain whose striking power promises to amplify the team's batting, and pace bowler Hayley Silver-Holmes, a bowling extraordinaire ready to unleash havoc upon opponents.
Bangladesh off spinner Jannatul Sumona, a name synonymous with dedication, joins the ranks where her ability with the ball s is poised to elevate Wynnum's performance on the field.
The team's quest for victory is further strengthened by the inclusion of experienced NSW player Tahlia Wilson, whose commitment and skills make her a formidable asset.
As these exceptional players don the Wynnum colours, the team's cohesion and spirit are set to soar to unprecedented heights.
The return of Indian allrounder Shikha Pandey is massive, with the World Cup player making a significant impression on the club's playing group last year when she used a stint with the Sea Eagles as part of her pre-season preparations.
However, with a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, Wynnum's 2023 T20 Max campaign is more than a competition; it's a journey defined by ambition, unity, and the pursuit of excellence.
The stage is set, and the players are primed for their thrilling quest for victory.
Coach: Harsha De Silva
Captain: Zoe Cooke
T20 Premierships: 0
2022 Placing: 5th
Players In:
- Zoe Cooke (ACT)
- Ellie Johnston (Sunshine Coast)
- Erin Fazackerly
- Chloe Piparo (WA)
- Hayley Silver-Holmes (NSW)
- Tahlia Wilson (NSW)
- Jannatul Sumona (Bangladesh)
- Shika Pandey (India)
Players Out:
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Zoe Cooke - Her ability to seize critical moments and guide the team through high-pressure situations has earned her a reputation as a true match-winner. Standing as the heartbeat of the team, embodying determination, and resilience, is captain Zoe Cooke. An allrounder who can bat in the top order and take the new ball, Cooke's elegant stroke play and ability to anchor an innings makes her a crucial asset in setting competitive totals. In a tournament where every run and wicket counts, Zoe Cooke's presence on and off the field is set to be a driving force behind Wynnum's pursuit of T20 glory.
Jannatul Sumona - A player who commands attention and curiosity is the versatile Jannatul Sumona. The off-spinner from Bangladeshs add a captivating dimension to the team's dynamics. Her bowling finesse, marked by crafty variations and control, makes her a genuine threat to opposition batsmen, as seen in her NSW Premier First-Grade season taking 20 wickets in 12 matches. Sumona's capability to contribute significantly will grant her a pivotal role in the team's strategy and renders her a player to watch as she strives to leave an indelible mark on Wynnum's T20 journey.
Men
Coach: Ryan Poole
Captain: Liam Guthrie
Home Ground: Bill Albury Oval
Wynnum-Manly will take on the competition with a point to prove this season, inserting some great interstate and international talent to their young roster.
The Sea Eagles welcome back promising allrounder Zac Foulkes who returns from New Zealand. Victorian quicks Wilson McGillivray and Kieran Elliot will add strength to the bowling unit. Elliot took four wickets in the Victorian Premier Cricket final last year, helping Melbourne take home the premiership. McGillivray also hails from the MCC.
Captaining Wynnum-Manly will be Queensland and Heat left armer Liam Guthrie. Guthrie’s skills and experience at the next level will be invaluable for his young side. Originally from Western Australia, Guthrie has become a key piece of the Heat and Bulls line ups since moving to Queensland.
Returning for his second season, Perth Scorcher Nick Hobson is a terrific addition to their batting line up. Hobson broke Heat fans' hearts last BBL, carting Michael Neser for a maximum to claim Perth the title in a thrilling decider.
An accountant by trade, Hobson’s maturity and analytical approach will pair well with the big hitting of local players Grayson Jones and Corey Hunter, who enjoyed a prolific winter campaign in Darwin with the Northern Territory Strike League.
Local legend Cameron Trask returns as well to the squad. The Queensland and Australian Indigenous representative will provide further stability in the Sea Eagles batting group.
Players to Watch – Cameron Steinhardt – An excellent up and coming player, Steinhardt will play an important role for the Sea Eagles. Having played in the U19 National Championships last season, Steinhardt’s exposure to the Queensland pathway will hold him in good stead against quality opposition. An intelligent left arm orthodox bowler, he has the ability to turn games by himself.
Zac Foulkes - Last season, the unheralded Foulkes starred in one of the matches of the tournament. The stakes were high, it was the last game for both Sandgate-Redcliffe and Wynnum-Manly with neither side yet to register a win. Wynnum-Manly were gone for all money after losing wickets 7, 8 and 9 for 142. Needing a further 32 runs for victory, Foulkes farmed the strike, his number 11 only facing a single ball. With two balls left in the match, Wynnum needed five runs for victory, Foulkes needed three for his hundred. Carving a ball through extra cover, Foulkes hit a boundary for his century. With 1 to win on the last ball of the innings all the fields came in and Foulkes lofted the ball into the outfield for the win. Foulkes' return could galvanise the Sea Eagles this season and lead them to more victories.