Will Sutherland says his personal batting and bowling will probably be his focus as he prepares to take cost of a younger Victorian aspect within the Sheffield Shield on Thursday.
The 23-year-old will take the reins from Test squad member Peter Handscomb within the red-ball format for the Vics, saying he’s desirous to emulate Handscomb and one other former state captain.
“It’s a massive honour. I’m very proud to represent Victoria but to be captain as well is amazing and to be leading the group of guys who I love playing with and respect a lot is huge,” Sutherland mentioned.
“Pete Handscomb has been a great captain for a long period of time and I love what he does when he’s captain, and playing with Cam White … he’s an amazing tactical genius on the cricket field, so I’ll try and channel a bit of him when I’m on the field.”
Sutherland mentioned his precedence was to turn out to be a “genuine all-rounder” in first-class cricket and maintain down a spot in Victoria’s high six with the bat.
He has solely handed 50 as soon as in 35 first-class innings however went on to make a century on the opening day of the Shield season in opposition to South Australia in October.
Sutherland’s kind with the bat within the Big Bash, the place he made 210 runs at a formidable strike price of 150, may translate into the longer format, he mentioned.
“I think runs are runs, and I always take confidence from whatever format it is. It’s good to have contributed for the Renegades and hopefully I can do that for Victoria,” he mentioned.
“I’ll try to be quite aggressive with fields and tactics, not too much rah-rah and that sort of stuff, try and lead by example. Hopefully, the boys come with me.
“Scotty Boland gave me some good advice and said just take care of your bowling and batting … and the rest will take care of itself.”
Sutherland mentioned he wished to bowl first on a green-tinged MCG wicket in opposition to Queensland on Thursday.
“It’s always a tricky one to read – it might be similar to the Tassie game with a little more pace in it,” he mentioned.
The younger all-rounder will solely shoulder the captaincy burden in a single format throughout Handscomb’s absence, with opener Marcus Harris to steer the one-day aspect when the Marsh Cup resumes after the Shield match on the MCG on Tuesday.
“We have quite a young side so I think that works in our favour, we’ve got nothing to lose,” Sutherland mentioned.
“It’s a great opportunity to build some momentum and a bit of chemistry playing together, and if we can win a few, we’re going to be a good side in a few years’ time.”
Source: www.news.com.au
