Always a strong presence in white ball cricket, Northern Suburbs fell short in the semi-finals last season and will seek redemption with a formidable squad on hand. CAM VELLACOTT runs the rule over the Vikings and tips a big competition for them.
T20 Max Preview - Norths
Coach: James Hopes
Captain: Joe Burns
Home Ground: Ian Healy Oval
Last season’s minor premiers fell short in the semi finals and will be back looking for redemption.
Leading the competition in runs scored by nearly 200 last year, Norths batters will hope to replicate their success.
Josh Brown exploded in last years T20 Max, hitting multiple centuries to force his way into the Brisbane Heat squad. Fellow opener and 'bash brother' Connor Carroll will look to stake his claim as one of the competition's most exciting batters. Both Brown and Carroll can launch from ball one and no boundaries are big enough.
The addition of spin bowlers Toby Gray and Ejaaz Alavi from New South Wales and Victoria respectively will be much needed without Nathan McSweeney’s off spin in the mix this season. Gray made his Sheffield Shield debut last season for the Blues, the leg spinner taking three wickets. Alavi bowls left arm orthodox and is highly touted in Victoria Premier Cricket.
Newcomers Scott Palombo and Blake Maher will both call Norths home this season, coming from Toombul and the Sunshine Coast respectively. Palombo lit up the Max last season at Toombul, notably scoring 111* against Redlands. Blake Maher’s all round ability will also be heavily utilised, as will his experience in the youthful squad.
Melbourne Star bat Joe Burns will be a prominent figure for his club, bringing a wealth of Big Bash and professional experience as always. Melbourne Renegade Jack Prestwidge will reunite with younger brother Will, a scary proposition for opposition batters. Both Jack and Will can bowl absolute gas, their brotherly instinct likely to kick in to outdo each other in all facets of the game including speed.
Players to watch – Josh Brown – While the competition was aware of how good Brown was before last season, they’ll be even more aware now. His biggest challenge will be replicate the extraordinary success he had in last year’s Max, however it would not shock me one bit if he goes even better. You have got to see him play live, the ball striking is unbelievable. Just make sure you park well and truly down the street from whichever field he’s on.
Players to watch - Scott Rodgie – Captain of Northern Districts in Sydney, Rodgie finished last T20 Max as one of the best statistical players in the competition. His experience at the death with the ball proved match winning last year, and really set the tone at the beginning of the campaign. He is also an excellent middle order batter, capable of going through the gears and doing whatever the team requires.