TWENTY-EIGHT wickets in four games, at an average of just over six, including four five wicket hauls.
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It doesn’t matter what level you play, those numbers are ridiculous.
But for Orange City leg-spinner Shreejay Shah, known affectionately to his Warriors teammates as Jay, they count for little. The 23-year-old is just happy playing cricket.
“I just love cricket,” he said.
“I just started off in the backyard, like everyone does, and thought I’d get into it when I went to university.
“I’m really enjoying Orange City, everyone is very friendly, I’m pretty impressed with the club.”
Shah moved to Australia from New Zealand eight years ago after migrating to the land of the long white cloud from Ahmedabad, India, and linked with Orange City this season.
He wasted no time making an impression, taking match figures of 10-8 in the Warriors’ Orange District Cricket Association third grade season opener against Waratahs.
Understandably, Shah was promoted to second grade immediately.
Since then, he has taken match figures of 9-138 against Cavaliers, and 8-28 against Centrals last weekend.
“It has certainly been unexpected,” Shah said.
“There’s no secret. I was hoping to take a few wickets but the way it’s been going I never imagined that.
“My action is a bit different to normal leg-spinners, and I guess maybe a bit of extra bounce with some turn is helping.”
Now Shah has been promoted again, to take on Kinross in Orange City’s Orange District Cricket Association first grade Limited Overs Cup game at Riawena Oval today.
The final game before Christmas, today’s 50-over match is the second limited overs round of the season, and the Warriors are looking to bounce back after a heavy loss to CYMS in the opening round.
“I’m pretty excited to play,” Shah said.
“I don’t know anything about the first grade sides really, so I’ll just stick to the basics. Good length, good line, I won’t try to do too much in terms of variation.”
Today’s game kicks off at 11am.