Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Albury product Ross Pawson has been ushered into Sydney Thunder’s squad ahead of the team’s match against the KFC Big Bash League competition’s leaders Perth Scorchers in Perth on Wednesday night.
The 28-year-old right arm fast bowler, who represents Northern Districts in Sydney’s Premier Cricket competition, joins Thunder as a Local Replacement Player for the injured Gurinder Sandhu,
He joins the team with the wholehearted support of Thunder’s bowling coach Shawn Bradstreet, who insisted Pawson was ready for the ‘next level.’
“Ross has been performing brilliantly for Northern Districts,” said Bradstreet, a former NSW Blues captain. “He’s also gained some brilliant experience through representing the NSW Second XI and, in my opinion, he has been pushing hard for a start at First Class level.
“He is a good fast bowler who can swing the ball both ways, and I like that he’s adaptable. He has been one of [Thunder’s] net bowlers for the last few seasons, and I believe that experience has helped him prepare for the next step up.”
Pawson, who graduated from university with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and is the Head of Athletic Development at St Augustine’s College in Brookvale, said he was thrilled to be kitting up in Thunder’s distinctive green playing uniform.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “All the players have been very welcoming, and the coaching staff have been supportive.
“I have had some good chats with the coaches and the players, and they have said there is a reason I’m here – so use it.
“My time as a net bowler for Sydney Thunder was beneficial for me in many ways because it allowed for me to practice T20 specific skills.”
If Pawson gets a chance to take the ball for Thunder, he will channel the spirit of Brisbane Heat’s Josh Brown, a grade player who nailed 62 off only 23 balls against the Sydney Sixers on New Year’s Day.
The pair played together for Northern Suburbs in last year’s Queensland’s KFC T20 Max competition, a Premier league which Queensland cricket established as a pathway for aspiring BBL players.
“It was great watching ‘Browny’ do so well,” said Pawson of Brown’s memorable second game for the Heat.
Meanwhile, Thunder’s dynamic all-rounder Dan Sams will miss the match against Perth because of a groin strain.
Thunder sits in second place on the competition ladder after back-to-back wins over Brisbane Heat, and last weekend’s victory over Hobart Hurricanes in Albury.
Sydney Thunder squad v Perth Scorchers
Ben Cutting, Joel Davies, Oliver Davies, Brendan Doggett, Matthew Gilkes, Toby Gray, Chris Green (c), Alex Hales, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Ross Pawson, Usman Qadir, Alex Ross, Rilee Rossouw, Sam Whiteman.
Thunder play Perth Scorchers at 9.15pm (AEDT) at Optus Stadium, Perth on Wednesday, 4 January. The match will be broadcast live by Seven Cricket, Fox Cricket and Kayo.
Sydney Thunder BBL|12 Squad
Head Coach: Trevor Bayliss
Contracted Players: Ben Cutting, Joel Davies, Ollie Davies, Brendan Doggett, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Alex Hales, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Ross Pawson, Alex Ross, Rilee Rossouw, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner, Sam Whiteman.
