Cam Vellacott previews the Souths team for the upcoming KFC T20 Max competition.
T20 Max Preview - Souths
Men
Coach: Ken Healy
Captain: Aryan Jain
Home Ground: Norman Gray Oval
T20 Premierships: 0
2023 Placing: 8th
A relatively poor campaign last year for Souths compared to their grand final berth two season ago, the Magpies have made some strong inclusions in the hope of returning to the top. Dylan Hunter set last year’s competition alight with a magnificently brutal 88 off 47 in the first match at Allan Border Field. Young Kiwi Bevon Jacobs boasts a strike rate of 188 in professional T20 cricket and will be one to watch while the remaining interstate recruits see Jake Carder (Ex WA & SA) boost the batting and promising NSW quick Connor O’Riordan test his skills. Gurinder Sandhu and Ben Cutting will again play for the Magpies, the experienced duo bringing a wealth of experience. However, young quick Luke Wegner will look to upstage them both with the ball and show his talent.
Players to Watch
Zanden Jeh has made the move from Valley and will be out to impress in his new colours. Recently recognised in the QC Academy, Jeh is one of the competitions best spinners. His ability to vary pace is his biggest weapon and can wreak havoc in white ball cricket. Much like Matt Kuhnemann, he can arrest all momentum and turn matches.
After struggling with injuries, Sam Geyer was finally able to show the competition his class last season. Now a QC Academy player, Geyer will only continue to get better as he hones his all-round craft against the best. When in topflight, Geyer can push the ball through and also hits them a long way.