As the commencement of the 2025/26 cricket season approaches, Monaro District Cricket Association (MDCA) has announced a promising training squad for the upcoming 2025 Burns Cup and representative season. The selections, comprising 16 local talents, features a blend of both emerging and experienced players, poised to make their mark.
PHOTO: Thomas King (left) accepts the role as captain from newly appointed MDCA President Nick Moon (right) CREDIT: MDCA
Thomas King, who was a big part of the Berridale Whitetails success last season, has been chosen to lead the side as captain. “The MDCA is pleased to announce Berridale cricket player, Thomas King, will lead the Monaro’s senior representative side this season after accepting the role as captain,” the association declared.
King’s leadership looks to be a nod to the future of cricket in the region, with the 20-year-old to be guided by a much older cohort of experienced players. Following his impressive performance last season, which included scoring two centuries, King looks set-to lead the next generation.
“It’s an honour to be selected in the representative side, and I’m looking forward to leading,” Said King. “We have the strongest squad we have had in years with a mix of youth and experience, and we have a chance to go a long way into the competition.”
The batting lineup is a mix of ball strikers alongside more traditional techniques. Big hitters like Abbasi and Cikos are set to enthral with their aggressive style, while players such as Williams and Rixon are known for their straight bats and the ability to anchor an innings. The top-order options, including King, Tickell, Freebody, and Haylock, all had standout seasons, providing plenty of depth.
PHOTO: On the back of an impressive season, Abbasi’s powerful hitting and handy off-spin bowling see’s him named in the 16-man squad.
In terms of bowling, the squad offers a variety of options, with Jindabyne’s premier quick bowler, Robinson, likely spearheading the bowling attack. Emerging players Caldwell and Holland bring in the pace necessary to handle the new ball, with Zeeshan, a new ball bowler from the Cooma Titans, also having the ability to pair with Robinson.
A fit and firing Joyce, who has led the Monaro attack in years gone by could also present as an option should the fearsome fast bowler’s body be up to the task. With no shortage of bowling options, all-rounders Bailey, Abbasi and Roach provide King with plenty of options.
Recognised spinners, Haylock, Khoury, Rixon, and Williams bring years of experience between them and each able to lock up an end.
PHOTO: Another year of growth and maturity will have the selectors assessing Dalgety’s emerging bowler, Holland CREDIT: Jindabyne Tigers
Training for the squad kicks off this Sunday, September 28, from 2 PM to 4 PM at Rotary Oval, Cooma. A subsequent team meeting at the Alpine Hotel will follow the practice session. MDCA has indicated that the final selection of 13 players, including a reserve, will be made ahead of the opening match.
PHOTO: Rotary, the home of MDCA cricket gets rolled during season 2024/25.
The Monaro representative squad is set to compete against teams from Southern Tablelands, Shoalhaven, Highlands, and the Far South Coast in the Burns Cup. The representative season, set-to get underway next month in October will feature both 50-over and T20 fixtures. With the squad set-to be reduced to 13, the wealth of talent is a welcome headache for the MDCA selectors to have over the coming weeks.
1. Thomas King (Berridale)
2. Dave Tickell (Jindabyne)
3. Jason Cikos (Bombala)
4. Sam Williams (Coffeys)
5. Lucas Rixon (Jindabyne)
6. Mirza Zeeshan (Titans)
7. Aqib Abbasi (Titans)
8. Owen Freebody (Dalgety)
9. James Joyce (Jindabyne)
10. Liam Robinson (Jindabyne)
11. Rylee Holland (Dalgety)
12. Kaeliff Khoury. (Rhythm)
13. Hunter Caldwell (Coffeys)
14. Cal Bailey (Coffeys)
15. Damien Roach (Coffeys)
16. Russell Haylock (Berridale)