Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Just weeks after his successful Sheffield Shield debut for NSW, leg spin bowler Toby Gray has joined Sydney Thunder as a Local Replacement Player for its KFC Big Bash League campaign.
Thunder skipper Jason Sangha said the 21-year-old from Newcastle made a positive impact for the Blues during his recent Shield debut against Western Australia with three important first innings wickets.
“Toby is a tremendous kid with a good head on his shoulders,” said Sangha after coach Trevor Bayliss named Gray in Thunder’s 15-man squad for tonight’s match against the Melbourne Stars at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.
“He is a talented leg spin bowler, an exceptional fielder and a more than handy batter.
“Something I like about Toby is nothing ever fazes him! He goes about his business in a terrific manner and has lots of fun doing it.
“I’m pleased he’s at Sydney Thunder; he’s an exciting young prospect. There are some tremendous young leg spinners in the game – Tanveer Sangha one of them – and to have Toby in our squad is very good.
“He’s already proven himself at Shield level, he took some crucial wickets in his debut, so I have no doubt he’s more than capable at this level. If he’s given his chance to play during the BBL season I’m sure he’ll do wonders.”
Head of Sydney Thunder Andrew Gilchrist said Thunder’s management identified Gray as a young player with enormous promise.
“Toby is a player with great potential,” said Gilchrist. “He recently made his Sheffield Shield debut and performed very well in good company.
“He’s needed no time at all to make an impression on the squad, and we’re excited to think of what the future holds for him.”
