Thomas makes his mark in Oz

By BRIAN TILLEY

Published at 09:40, Friday, 08 January 2010

WHILE all of us have been looking for extra layers, hats and gloves in the freezing weather conditions recently, one Hexham teenager has been applying the sunscreen on the beach during the Christmas break.

Art of spin: Thomas Cant, bowling for Tynedale.

Thomas Cant is playing his second season for Yinnar Raiders in the Traralgon District cricket league in Melbourne with temperatures now constantly around the 30 degree mark and expected to rise throughout Victoria's fire season. Hopefully, there will be no repeat of the bushfires that hit Melbourne last year hitting the town next to where Thomas was staying!

So far in Australia, in seven games, Tom has been at the crease eight times, scoring 130 runs at an average of 16.25 with a top score of 51 in the first game of the season after only arriving in Australia on the day of the game. He has also picked up 10 wickets at an average of 23 in 90.2 overs including a marathon spell of 38 overs in one game picking up a seasonal best 4-76. He has also taken five catches.

Thomas, who plays for Benwell Hill in the North East Premier League, represented Northumberland and Northumberland development team last year. He also played for Durham Academy and Middlesex's second eleven last season in his quest to achieve his dream of making it professional.

He said: “Next season in England is a big one for me. I need to string constant good performances together and play regularly for Northumberland.

“I haven’t always been 100 per cent focused on the job but I’ve been training hard out here and hopefully that will pay off next summer.”

Thomas who returns to England at the start of April said it’s great to be able to play in Australia with no pressure and people watching.

“Playing at the same club as last season, it was easy to settle back in and it was like I’d never been away. The Aussies are great people and easy to get on with.

“The sledging stays on the field before they become your best mate in the bar after the game. And after England’s Ashes win the banter has been flying.”

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk